Helena mechanics

[Helenahusker]

Hey Helena area powerstrokers - who are you using for routine and emergency mechanical work in or around Helena? I took my new to me 2005 F-250 to G&J to do the EGR Delete/Oil cooler, in part because my work allowed for it, and in part because I didn't seem many options here.

But I wondering who anyone is using in the valley or close by?

[Six0~Stroker]

How do you feel about doing it yourself??? It is a weekend project for a total NEWB (what I was when I did the egr/oil cooler a year ago)

[Helenahusker]

I actually know much more about this truck and diesel engines than I ever did about any of my gassers - so that said, I knew very little, in a practical sense, about my gassers. Definitely interested in working on my own truck and have and will continue to do that, but I lack the mechanical foundation of knowledge to tear down the engine. The electrical stuff - replacing the paddle mirrors I can handle with help from the internets. Changing the oil, filters no problem. But other than my lack of a real mechanic instinct, I also just don't have a foundation of knowledge.

For example, when G&J did the egr delete and oil cooler, I asked them to clean the turbo. They found the unison ring was bad. I don't know how the clean the turbo or identify the unison ring. Much less whether it is bad.

On top of that I have no garage, and this is a daily driver. And I work 6 days a week. So other that knowledge, a place, time and a strong mechanical sense (which I also lack) I'm all for doing it myself.

That said, I'm having some hard start issues now which is really what prompted this post since I am running out of things to check myself.

There is a Ford garage here and in Townsend, but paying shop rates on a modd'd F-250 for some reason gives me a sinking feeling. R&R has been around for a long time but my sense is that they are more of a heavy diesel shop. And there is one other place in town that has not gotten the best reviews.