Diesel Mechanic Recommendation in Central Oregon [Bend]

Spydus43 · 10-08-2012, 12:26 PM

Hi All,

I am a new forum member and a new Spomo owner. I recently bought a 1999 E350 with the 7.2 powerstroke, 4x4 with the EB50 layout with 76,000 miles. I drove it back home to Bend Oregon from Santa Barbara with no problems, but the vehicle does need some turbo and tranny TLC. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in the Bend area? I'm a diesel newbie hoping to find a trustworthy mechanic at a good rate.

Thanks,
Liam
Bend, OR

rockbender · 10-08-2012, 05:17 PM

Hi Liam,
I'm not exactly sure if I can help you find the bargain mechanic, but I wouldn't hesitate to have Robberson Ford work on your rig. In my experience they have been honest and fair. I know there are transmission specific shops in town that might give you a cheaper rate but I don't have any first hand experience with any of them.

carringb · 10-08-2012, 06:44 PM

Roberson Ford is respectable. I had them do a transmission front seal once at the Bend location. I've also had a lot of my servicing on my current van done at their Albany location.

Ask if they are willing to send your turbo out for repair. Bell Turbo in Philomath will rebuilt the turbo better than a Ford reman, and it won't cost as much.

vandiesel · 10-08-2012, 09:37 PM

Wright Ford in Redmond is where all the farmers and ranchers go. They win the national mechanic contest ford holds frequently. I had my tranny done there and it was a very good experience. A fellow forum member in bend has used them a bunch and recommended them. I would use them again. I could not get the same from the other ford dealer in bend. I also have the 7.3.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-08-2012, 09:41 PM

Why not give Quadvan and Whitefeather a call and see if they have recommendations? They both do 4x4 conversions, and should have an intimate knowledge of Ford vans.

Herb

Ultrasport12 · 10-08-2012, 11:39 PM

I am not sure you will find someone to fix a van with a 7.2 diesel engine, maybe is you add a little bit to it and call it a 7.3 you might have better luck...Congrats on the new van..good luck with its repairs...

...Jamie

bridges · 10-09-2012, 12:11 AM

Wright Ford in Redmond is the only place I take my 05 PSD6.0. The service is great and had never had a problem or a take back. Can't say that for the other dealer in Bend. In fact, Wright got Ford to cover the cost of 2 different repairs done by the Bend dealer as they fixed them wrong 4 different times when under warranty. They fixed them the 1st time, with the correct parts.

Spydus43 · 10-09-2012, 11:16 AM

Wow. Great forum. Thanks for the quick replies. Only one day and several helpful comments, and one smart one.

I think I'll give Wright Ford a try, even though I am usually dealer adverse. I talked to Mike in service there and they seem pretty solid. Their rates are only $5 more than some independent shops I've called in town.

Though, I'm curious if anyone has heard anything good or bad about these guys: Inner Mountain Truck and Auto Repair. http://www.bendoregonautorepair.com/index.html

They look like they could be a one stop shop; they do diesel, RVs and imports. I'm looking for a new shop for my [88 4runner] daily driver too.

I’m off to the DMV today to swap out the previous owners CA plates or OR ones.

Thanks for the info.