Group K service -- Nothing short of incredible!

Fletch · 01-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Just had to share a great experience I had with Group K recently...

I run my X-2 in DJSA here in Northern California, and about 4 years ago, I had a formula 650 motor built by Group K. Ran great for a year and a half, until I siezed a piston. Sent it down to the guys in Arizona thinking I had shelled the motor because I was running only 91 octane. (This motor screams for a 650)

Got it back a couple months later, and started the race season last year running only 100 octane race gas -- and it ran awesome the few times I had it out. One weekend last year in August I went rec riding with some friends here at Folsom Lake. Late int he afternoon I was running flat out on glass water, and a piston seized on me again... Needless to say I was completely bummed. So late September I yanked the motor, and sent it down to Harry and Gerhard once more.

Once mid October came, I was expecting to get a call saying that there had been some kind of part failure, and I was going to have to shell out another $700 for a top end. Instead, I picked up the phone to have Group K tell me that my motor was back on it's way to me, free of charge! I was told that they had found a tiny air leak in the intake manifold that had been missed the last time I sent the motor back down to them, and that the situation may have been exacerbated by a restriction in my fuel line due to a smaller style primer tee fitting.

The point of my story here is that in all the experiences I have had with shops over the 19+ years I have been involved with skis, I have never had a shop stand behind their work the way Group K does. Most shops would have said it was something I had done, or "Sorry, we don't warranty race motors", and would have left me holding the bag.

So again, props to Group K for standing behind their work, and making a killer motor for my ski!

the WaTeRhAwK · 01-24-2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch

and I was going to have to shell out another $700 for a top end.

yep, GroupK is awesome. just curious though, but what exactly are you doing to the top end that absorbs $700.00 ?

Fletch · 01-24-2010, 02:42 PM

I was thinking worst case scenario -- piston kit, and resleeve, or new cylinders, plus labor and shipping. It can all add up quick..

WFO Speedracer · 01-24-2010, 02:45 PM

Yes if you are running Wisecos then you are looking at around $200.00 just for pistons + boring, dis assembly,reassembly ,pressure testing,gaskets etc.it adds up quick.

the WaTeRhAwK · 01-24-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch

I was thinking worst case scenario -- piston kit, and resleeve, or new cylinders, plus labor and shipping. It can all add up quick..

yes, that definitely sounds more reasonable. when you said "top end" I was thinking new gaskets, wristpins, needle bearings, and gold-plated pistons...LOL

1984js550 · 02-02-2010, 09:14 PM

You should always do a leak down and a compression test on any new engine before you restall it into the ski. It is real easy to do and you can buy all the equipment you need for about $100.00. I just put a group k 800 sleeper kit in my 750 sxi all I can say is its sweet and they did send me a nice polo shirt. But I sent my carbs and manifold and cylinder and head 4 15 09 and did not get them back untill 7 5 09 a little longer than the 4 to 6 weeks so dont get a late start are you can miss most of the season. But the boat is sweet walks my buddies sxi pro where before they where about the same.

the WaTeRhAwK · 02-03-2010, 07:53 AM

man, I'd be happy to sell you a leak-down test "kit" for 100.00...lol

don't tell anyone though. I don't want people to know I'm a rip-off artist.