New crate engine is now a steam engine....bad problem...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
This thread more than likely has not helped their sale of engines to forum members. To say that they they'll lose sales is an overstatement. One person sent an email who was only thinking of buying an engine. If they received several calls from members cancelling their engine orders, then they would have a legitimate gripe. No one knows how they handle warranty claims and it's unfair to assume their warranty isn't worth the paper its written on. By the same token, there is nothing wrong with the buyer taking precautions. Those who are in business realize that not every item they sell will be perfect. Those businesses that handle claims promptly and to the buyers satisfaction typically still receive high marks. If Blueprint is legitimate, they'll do the right thing when the time comes. Right now they have not had the chance to look at the engine that self-destructed. I would also think they'll want to replace it with another rebuilt/new engine. Hopefully, the next one will be assembled in a manner that will last.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 0
From: Madison Ms
Okay....this just in from the visual inspection only. The company owner looked at the motor first (heads off) and wasn't saying much. Did check the intake and ruled it because of the design and said noway water came from it because of the way the ports are.
Next he starting checking the bore widths....The varied slightly, but were very inconsistent with measurements ranging from .041 to .044. Next he called his son over who does all the performance work. First thing he said when he looked at the piston tops was "I know exactly what caused this."
I'm think Oh chit......but then he says "Keith Black pistons huh?" I replied yep......and he then went on to say it probably is an improper ring gap setting and from the appearance of the other cylinder markings he felt like that was the issue. But.....
The still have to pull the pistons to measure the bottom of the bore and take a close look at the sides of the pistons, and measure and record all ring gaps.
So far so good........
He said they can probably get to it sometime this week as they were swamped out the moment, but he promised to work me in!!
Next he starting checking the bore widths....The varied slightly, but were very inconsistent with measurements ranging from .041 to .044. Next he called his son over who does all the performance work. First thing he said when he looked at the piston tops was "I know exactly what caused this."
I'm think Oh chit......but then he says "Keith Black pistons huh?" I replied yep......and he then went on to say it probably is an improper ring gap setting and from the appearance of the other cylinder markings he felt like that was the issue. But.....
The still have to pull the pistons to measure the bottom of the bore and take a close look at the sides of the pistons, and measure and record all ring gaps.
So far so good........
He said they can probably get to it sometime this week as they were swamped out the moment, but he promised to work me in!!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,460
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by randy814u
I also sent this to Blueprint Motors.
I was thinking of going with one of your engines for my 85 vette. After reading this thread, I think I will look else where. Your customer service is a nightmare, and I am glad I am not in his shoes. Randy
I was thinking of going with one of your engines for my 85 vette. After reading this thread, I think I will look else where. Your customer service is a nightmare, and I am glad I am not in his shoes. Randy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 0
From: Madison Ms
Originally Posted by Paul Borowski
...the InterWeb at the moment is not their friend.
Now they have recieved more advertising than they could ever get for the dollar, and in fact should take advantage of it with an immediate offer of replacement. Or, they could take the risk of losing ton's of customers not only here, but throughout the web!! I'm sure if a favorable outcome is not reached then this will thread will make it to more than just one other board, don't you?
If I'm the top dog at Marshall I would want to know about this situation and move immediately to take advantage of the situation, instead of reacting to a situation. I really think they do more harm in now still wanting to inspect the motor...but, that's not my call.
Marshall Engines could and would recieve ton's of good press, if they offer me some type of compromise, other than just a basic replacement engine. They send me an upgraded motor, and if it works properly, I tell the world how happy I am!!
Think about!! I not that hard to satisfy. But....my time is definetely worth something.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 0
From: Madison Ms
Originally Posted by randy814u
Email I received this morning.
Randy:
I assume that if you have read the forum that you understand that he is just
telling about the situation that has happened to him. In no way is he upset
about what has happened because he understands just like I do that is why we
have a warranty on these engines. I wish you would take the time to re look
at the situation and before you purchase why not wait until you see the out
come of this bad situation. It is my goal that when we have a bad situation
like this that the customer walk away saying that wasn't that bad.
Just wanted to voice some reason here. Things do happen and I am proud of
the way that we handle these things.
Thanks
Keith Kirk
Randy:
I assume that if you have read the forum that you understand that he is just
telling about the situation that has happened to him. In no way is he upset
about what has happened because he understands just like I do that is why we
have a warranty on these engines. I wish you would take the time to re look
at the situation and before you purchase why not wait until you see the out
come of this bad situation. It is my goal that when we have a bad situation
like this that the customer walk away saying that wasn't that bad.
Just wanted to voice some reason here. Things do happen and I am proud of
the way that we handle these things.
Thanks
Keith Kirk
I think they are now into the "damage control' phase!!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 61,415
Likes: 478
From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by MsVetteMan
They send me an upgraded motor, and if it works properly, I tell the world how happy I am!!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
Originally Posted by MsVetteMan
No, but it certainly can be as I pointed out to the production manager. I told him that I posted initially before I bought the engine on here asking if anyone had any info. on blueprint/marshall. No one had heard of them.
Now they have recieved more advertising than they could ever get for the dollar, and in fact should take advantage of it with an immediate offer of replacement. Or, they could take the risk of losing ton's of customers not only here, but throughout the web!! I'm sure if a favorable outcome is not reached then this will thread will make it to more than just one other board, don't you?
If I'm the top dog at Marshall I would want to know about this situation and move immediately to take advantage of the situation, instead of reacting to a situation. I really think they do more harm in now still wanting to inspect the motor...but, that's not my call.
Marshall Engines could and would recieve ton's of good press, if they offer me some type of compromise, other than just a basic replacement engine. They send me an upgraded motor, and if it works properly, I tell the world how happy I am!!
Think about!! I not that hard to satisfy. But....my time is definetely worth something.
Now they have recieved more advertising than they could ever get for the dollar, and in fact should take advantage of it with an immediate offer of replacement. Or, they could take the risk of losing ton's of customers not only here, but throughout the web!! I'm sure if a favorable outcome is not reached then this will thread will make it to more than just one other board, don't you?
If I'm the top dog at Marshall I would want to know about this situation and move immediately to take advantage of the situation, instead of reacting to a situation. I really think they do more harm in now still wanting to inspect the motor...but, that's not my call.
Marshall Engines could and would recieve ton's of good press, if they offer me some type of compromise, other than just a basic replacement engine. They send me an upgraded motor, and if it works properly, I tell the world how happy I am!!
Think about!! I not that hard to satisfy. But....my time is definetely worth something.
Well said MsVetteMan. The Honcho's at Marshall could at this very moment, capitolize on one of the largest threads ever here on the forum, and satisfy thousands of potential customers in one fell swoop. Or the could blow it. The ball is in their court. Let's see if there is a wise man among them.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
I've been following this thread for sometime and I'm interested on how the company handles customer service. As with any company anything can and does go wrong and is especially true if a company deals with sub contractors.
From what I've seen something did go wrong that would have been hard for the end customer to induce. The customer notified the company and the customer service part of the exchange is beginning.
Both the customer and the company are both trying to protect their interests and the compnay asking for an inspection is reasonable.
I hope that in the end this is resolved in a way that makes the customer happy. While having the motor stay together and perform well from day one would have been the best, things can go wrong with any product.
It'll be interesting to see how this is resolved.
From what I've seen something did go wrong that would have been hard for the end customer to induce. The customer notified the company and the customer service part of the exchange is beginning.
Both the customer and the company are both trying to protect their interests and the compnay asking for an inspection is reasonable.
I hope that in the end this is resolved in a way that makes the customer happy. While having the motor stay together and perform well from day one would have been the best, things can go wrong with any product.
It'll be interesting to see how this is resolved.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
well lets be direct since we know Mr Kirk is reading what our thoughts are, so here goes:
Mr Kirk, it appears your subcontractor has seriously done some damage to your reputation, there are many people watching your next move, so far your company has acted in a timely and responsible fashion, especially by agreeing to the the third party inspection. Unfortuantely MsVetteMan has spent alot of his own time and effort in dealing with this situation. You need to resolve this situation in a manner that is open and above board. The choice should also be MsVetteMan as to if he wants a replacement engine or his money back. While we all want flawless products, most of us do understand that sometimes unfortunate things happen, However what we expect is for the company to step up to the plate make it right and to compensate the extra effort that is now required on our end. I did see the TV show where you engines were featured and they impressed me....now its up to your customer service department to impress me. Hoping you do the right thing, Bob
Mr Kirk, it appears your subcontractor has seriously done some damage to your reputation, there are many people watching your next move, so far your company has acted in a timely and responsible fashion, especially by agreeing to the the third party inspection. Unfortuantely MsVetteMan has spent alot of his own time and effort in dealing with this situation. You need to resolve this situation in a manner that is open and above board. The choice should also be MsVetteMan as to if he wants a replacement engine or his money back. While we all want flawless products, most of us do understand that sometimes unfortunate things happen, However what we expect is for the company to step up to the plate make it right and to compensate the extra effort that is now required on our end. I did see the TV show where you engines were featured and they impressed me....now its up to your customer service department to impress me. Hoping you do the right thing, Bob
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
Originally Posted by bobs77vet
well lets be direct since we know Mr Kirk is reading what our thoughts are, so here goes:
Mr Kirk, it appears your subcontractor has seriously done some damage to your reputation, there are many people watching your next move, so far your company has acted in a timely and responsible fashion, especially by agreeing to the the third party inspection. Unfortuantely MsVetteMan has spent alot of his own time and effort in dealing with this situation. You need to resolve this situation in a manner that is open and above board. The choice should also be MsVetteMan as to if he wants a replacement engine or his money back. While we all want flawless products, most of us do understand that sometimes unfortunate things happen, However what we expect is for the company to step up to the plate make it right and to compensate the extra effort that is now required on our end. I did see the TV show where you engines were featured and they impressed me....now its up to yor customer service department to impress me. Hoping you do the right thing, Bob
Mr Kirk, it appears your subcontractor has seriously done some damage to your reputation, there are many people watching your next move, so far your company has acted in a timely and responsible fashion, especially by agreeing to the the third party inspection. Unfortuantely MsVetteMan has spent alot of his own time and effort in dealing with this situation. You need to resolve this situation in a manner that is open and above board. The choice should also be MsVetteMan as to if he wants a replacement engine or his money back. While we all want flawless products, most of us do understand that sometimes unfortunate things happen, However what we expect is for the company to step up to the plate make it right and to compensate the extra effort that is now required on our end. I did see the TV show where you engines were featured and they impressed me....now its up to yor customer service department to impress me. Hoping you do the right thing, Bob
I've been following this thread since the beginning. Hope everything works out in the end. Customer may not always be "right" but always needs to be respected. However, in MsVetteMan's case, he IS right.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 474
Likes: 127
From: Stafford Virginia
Originally Posted by jdp6000
I agree 100%. A refund or replacement with an apology should have been issued on the first day. The product failed. Period end of storey.
J
J
I'm actually shopping for a motor...just sort of getting the bug and strangely enough because of this thread. Now I will do a lot of homework on who I buy from and again, buyer beware but I'll probably purchase from a proven big name online provider.
Apparently 6% is the standard failure rate of newly purchased engines...and according to one site their rate is 1.5%. Now I know stats can be generated in every way possible to give yourself an edge but I'll continue to watch and research the forums to see who has a positive experience.
I've not elminated Blueprint from consideration but I'll wait and see what happens here.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Zixxer
Disagree; things are happening as they should. When an individual installs a motor themselves then the company has to protect itself as well. I wouldn't be happy if I had purchased the motor and it tanked but assuming they make it right then all is good. As many have said, buy local if you don't want to take these chances. The engine builder cannot see the engine until they get it they would be taking a big hit just to replace it sight unseen. If engines didn't fail, we wouldn't need warranties.
I'm actually shopping for a motor...just sort of getting the bug and strangely enough because of this thread. Now I will do a lot of homework on who I buy from and again, buyer beware but I'll probably purchase from a proven big name online provider.
Apparently 6% is the standard failure rate of newly purchased engines...and according to one site their rate is 1.5%. Now I know stats can be generated in every way possible to give yourself an edge but I'll continue to watch and research the forums to see who has a positive experience.
I've not elminated Blueprint from consideration but I'll wait and see what happens here.
I'm actually shopping for a motor...just sort of getting the bug and strangely enough because of this thread. Now I will do a lot of homework on who I buy from and again, buyer beware but I'll probably purchase from a proven big name online provider.
Apparently 6% is the standard failure rate of newly purchased engines...and according to one site their rate is 1.5%. Now I know stats can be generated in every way possible to give yourself an edge but I'll continue to watch and research the forums to see who has a positive experience.
I've not elminated Blueprint from consideration but I'll wait and see what happens here.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 689
Likes: 1
From: Media PA
Originally Posted by MsVetteMan
Thanks for the camera advice....going to try the zoom.
Also....here's the latest reply from the "warranty" man. They sure are being awful nice. I will say this, they have returned calls quickly, and have now answered all of my questions. Hopefully this will continue and be a painless transaction.
"Brian
That is the dyno sheet that we would have sent out with your BP3550CT.
Every BP3550CT is dyno tested and will either meet or exceed the specs on
the dyno sheet that I e-mailed you. No I do not have the specific results
of the sonic test on your engine. I would only know that it passed our
block inspection. When you send it back we can test it again and give you
the results. Please let us know when it is ready to be shipped back.
Thanks,
Mike Gana
Warranty Supervisor"
Also....here's the latest reply from the "warranty" man. They sure are being awful nice. I will say this, they have returned calls quickly, and have now answered all of my questions. Hopefully this will continue and be a painless transaction.
"Brian
That is the dyno sheet that we would have sent out with your BP3550CT.
Every BP3550CT is dyno tested and will either meet or exceed the specs on
the dyno sheet that I e-mailed you. No I do not have the specific results
of the sonic test on your engine. I would only know that it passed our
block inspection. When you send it back we can test it again and give you
the results. Please let us know when it is ready to be shipped back.
Thanks,
Mike Gana
Warranty Supervisor"
TEST AGAIN??? THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Originally Posted by Zixxer
Disagree; things are happening as they should. When an individual installs a motor themselves then the company has to protect itself as well. I wouldn't be happy if I had purchased the motor and it tanked but assuming they make it right then all is good. As many have said, buy local if you don't want to take these chances. The engine builder cannot see the engine until they get it they would be taking a big hit just to replace it sight unseen. If engines didn't fail, we wouldn't need warranties.
I'm actually shopping for a motor...just sort of getting the bug and strangely enough because of this thread. Now I will do a lot of homework on who I buy from and again, buyer beware but I'll probably purchase from a proven big name online provider.
Apparently 6% is the standard failure rate of newly purchased engines...and according to one site their rate is 1.5%. Now I know stats can be generated in every way possible to give yourself an edge but I'll continue to watch and research the forums to see who has a positive experience.
I've not elminated Blueprint from consideration but I'll wait and see what happens here.
I'm actually shopping for a motor...just sort of getting the bug and strangely enough because of this thread. Now I will do a lot of homework on who I buy from and again, buyer beware but I'll probably purchase from a proven big name online provider.
Apparently 6% is the standard failure rate of newly purchased engines...and according to one site their rate is 1.5%. Now I know stats can be generated in every way possible to give yourself an edge but I'll continue to watch and research the forums to see who has a positive experience.
I've not elminated Blueprint from consideration but I'll wait and see what happens here.
Next...I spoke with some local high performance engine builders up here...they don't just run them for a few minutes (as per this company) before installing them...they put them through a battery of tests.
If understand all this correctly. The engine was delivered, dropped in, connections made and started. What could you possibly screw up to cause this damage.
My view, this one of those engines that are in that 6% failure stat.
I'll bet they find something was done wrong when it was built.
J
Last edited by jdp6000; Mar 13, 2006 at 08:14 PM.