ComplaintsforS&J Engines, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Nov. 10, 2022 remanufactured engine was ordered, delivered March 2, 2023, purchase price $3495.00. Engine included 7 year, 100k mile warrantee. Instalation was by a long standing auto shop, ****** Auto Repair, at a cost of $4967.91. After the designated break in period, oil was changed out and we continued driving. Engine failed at around 850 miles and was removed and returned to seller as per instructions. Four different mechanics agree the rute cause of the failure was a blown head gasket, substantiated by sellers photos. Seller refuses to honor warrantee in spite of the fact that the engine run-up and break-in was done properly with no malfunctions or irregularities. With no other recourse, I contacted the credit card company, filed complaint, and reversed the charges to reduse loss of the cost of the engine. After a nearly $9000.00 investment, I have no engine and have to start over.

  

  Business response

  07/24/2023

  As customer states, ******************** ran for nearly one thousand miles prior to break down. Sever detonation or preignition was the cause of failure (see images). Causes typically are from incorrect timing, fractured spark plugs, lean/rich fuel mixture. Audible "pinging" is common prior to failure. This is not parts and/or manufacturing related and therefore does not qualify for warranty consideration. We offered the customer to repair the ******************** at cost plus freighting. Apparently, the customer was not interested in our offer and has since cancelled their payment. 

  Customer response

  07/30/2023

   
  Complaint: 20239748
  
  I am rejecting this response because: after spending nearly five thousand dollars install costs I refuse to throw good money after bad to have engine rebuilt again. Photos show a failed head gasket between 1 and 3, their photo, likely caused by inferior material or adhesive application. No further transactions will be made with this company. Lost enough time and money.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  1. My van developed a coolant leak which turned out to be a bad head gasket. This coolant leak also was preventing me to pass SMOG here in ********** as it was burning coolant in the engine and blowing into the exhaust. Instead of rebuilding half the engine with 150k miles opted to get a replacement.2. Called S&J Engines in summer/fall of 2021 to inquire about availability of a V8 360 engine for my van. Provided details of my vehicle, including the *** number as well as the make and model to help ensure what Im ordering is exactly what I need for my mechanic to install.3. Paid for my engine IN FULL instead of a deposit even though I was made aware it would be a few months before the rebuild of this engine was complete. The ONLY unknown about the engine was whether my van had a specific exhaust downspout which would be ********** SMOG compliant or elsewhere which was provided.Received some early documentation that stated the engine block I was to receive is a 1974-1988 part. I brought this up with the *********************** (whom was a please to speak). I was ASSURED that yes this is a plug and play part and nothing to be concerned with.4. Engine took a few weeks longer to get made (understandable right in the middle of the pandemic) and I did touch base a few times over this time including during their winter break. Engine was shipped to my mechanic sometime in March without issue. This is a significant job so of course the mechanic wanted to set aside time/space to install the engine which was another 6 weeks or so after engine was delivered. I purchase every single part that S&J Engine asked or required for their warranty (new radiator, water pump for instance) and even took that a step further having almost everything that bolts into the engine replaced while it was being swapped out.5. Got the van back sometime in May, mechanic told me to drive the vehicle for the break in period of 500 miles never revving the engine at high RPM or going over 65mph. Mechanic notated at the time that it wasnt running too smooth but likely would just need to run the engine to break it in have the computer adjust to all the new parts etc. Over the course of this break in I experienced some mild to pretty significant vibration while idling. I had a few times where the vehicle stalled out after running for a period of time, would get check engine lights and the vehicle would try to surge forward at a stop IF I didnt have my foot on the brake.6. Brought the van back to the mechanic after the break in period for the required oil change and tune up. This was probably a month or a little more after so June/July. Unfortunately the van still not passing SMOG I had to leave the van with the mechanic to try and diagnose if this was an issue with the new engine, one of the sensors or if I was in need of other major exhaust replacements. After another period of time, think a month or more due to a vacation the mechanic took in the summertime, the vehicle did in fact finally pass SMOG. At this point the vibration was no better and he had stated perhaps there was something wrong with the torque converter.7. Called a transmission shop here in our area which was absolutely booked out so I was again in a waiting pattern.When I was finally able to bring this into the shop ******************** was surprised at the amount of vibration and was originally thinking maybe one of the cylinders wasnt firing properly and that possibly something was wrong with this new engine but certainly could be a damaged torque converter. A few days later he did in fact confirm that there is something wrong with the torque converter and asked for more details about the engine installed in the van to see about either a rebuild or replacement. I gave him the details from S&J Engine whom he called and was able to retrieve the information needed to fix the issue.8. I was notified the van was good to go and running smooth as can be. Upon pickup I was told by ***** the owner that in fact they sold me the wrong engine and this was the source of the vibrations not a faulty torque converter! The engine I received that was made from 1974-1988 was balanced EXTERNALLY meaning that the torque converter that fits with these engines has a corresponding balancing weight to accommodate this. The engine that came out of this vehicle of course is from 1989/1990 and the only difference is these engines were INTERNALLY balanced therefore it isnt necessary for this weight on said torque converter!! ***** went as far to suggest small claims court for this kind of major mismatch as there was NO reason for me to have to take this step if we received the correct part. This service was completed 12/27/22 9. With this information I then proceed to attempt to contact someone at S&J Engines as to how this could happen. I spoke with someone in the warranty department breaking down what had happened, I was stopped after speaking for a little while and told I was going to be called back. That call never came. I then call back and leave a message with the warranty department. No call back. I called a third time to speak with a different department, thought perhaps I was talking to the wrong person, I was listened to and placed on hold. After a short period of time I was then transferred to a different persons voicemail whom I was told would handle this kind of a problem so I left another message. Once again, no call back. I even waited up until this week as I am aware they have a decent winter break up there at the shop (noted previously in this letter) and Im at a loss.What Im detailing here is that I didnt order a round peg to fit a round hole and received a square peg. Indeed the difference between these engines is not visible with the naked eye. Every single ***************** bolted on perfectly without modification because they are mostly the exact same block. However because I was sold an older variant of this block I had to incur $1400 in services that should not have been necessary with the correct part provided. Im not seeking a full refund for the engine I paid for of $2438 but at a bare minimum a dialogue with someone at S&J Engine

  

  Business response

  03/02/2023

  We have no problem assisting the customer further with reimbursement. We will however require invoices supporting the repairs.
  
  Thank you
  
  
  *********************
  

  
  

  Customer response

  03/02/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  I had previously attached the requested repairs invoice.  I will attach this documentation again which shows the transmission service required the balance weight added to the torque converter which was NOT necessary if the correct engine was sent.  I am willing to pay for a portion of this service as trying to get this van in very good running condition I was not opposed to replacing some of the seals noted on this invoice.  I am willing to eat;

  Transmission Fluid $89.55

  Transmission Pan Gasket Kit $41

  Trans Pump Seal $18.95

  Labor $200

  TOTAL $349.50

   

  I would like to see $1208.36 reimbursed for this service.  I'm sure technically the labor for the above seals is maybe a larger portion of the pie but then again I shouldn't have been FORCED to address this immediately after the engine install and think is a fair compromise.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  12/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I ordered an engine from snjengines back on 08/04/22. The purchase was over ***** dollars. Back in November I spoke with **** and he told me they still dont have a block to rebuild and If i wanted a refund. I said yes I want a refund. No refund done after 2 weeks of waiting . I called him and he says he doesn't know why a refund hasn't been done and that he would let me know. I've emailed him several times and no response. It's been over a month and still no refund. Something so simple. You don't have the product, it's been over 120 days. Refund the money and keep customer happy without having to complaint . Maybe customer will come back.

  Customer response

  12/13/2022

  This issue has been resolved. Thank you very much
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  10/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Bought a reman engine from S&J. Oil pump gasket was installed incorrectly and failed w in about 2k mi. Pics of damaged gasket were sent and received. *** said he was going to get the full *** of the repair invoice covered - *******. He then said they sent a check for the *** of labor only per warranty. Never told me he sent it until I sent a demand for payment. Still have not received and not for the right amount. It was their poor quality control that caused the problem. Had another plug pop out of the engine. All pics and invoices sent and received.

  

  Business response

  11/18/2022

  **************** engine was shipped 01/03/22
  S&J was notified of an oil leak at the oil pump on 08/12/22.
  ************** was notified that the warranty was not registered, and the time had elapsed to do so.
  S&J Engines assisted in registering his warranty even though he was outside the window to do so. (90 days)  
  The *************** warranty was not purchased (option to purchase up to 30 days after the sale) therefore reimbursement is based on book time at $50.00 per hour.
  Photos were sent showing a gasket failure (**NOT IMPROPER INSTALLATION**)
  Repair order was received by S&J Engines on 08/25/22 for replacement of the oil pump gasket.
  Check was issued to ************** in the amount of $736.77 on 09/15/22. (**** hrs. removal and replacement @ $50.00 per hour, oil pan gasket @ $29.79 and timing cover set @ $21.98.
  Check was returned to S&J Engines due to incorrect address.
  Several calls were attempted to ************** to obtain correct address to no avail.
  Reached out to ************** on Monday 11/07/22 via e-mail and obtained corrected address from a previous e-mail and re-mailed check 11/08/22.
   
  ************** was taken care of within the parameters of the supplied S&J Engine warranty contract even though he failed to register and plead ignorance to the fact. ************** had the opportunity to purchase an extended warranty at time of ordering of his engine and up to thirty days after receipt. He decided against or failed to do so. Please note that 7 months transpired from the time of ship to the time of issue. S&J Engines have gone above and beyond its obligation under the contract terms issued.
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a engine **********&J engine with a 3 year warranty, on or about Aug 15th 2022 I noticed a loud metal on metal ponding noise coming from the motor that has **** miles on it. I brought the car to ***** at ****************** ****** ** who installed it. ***** pulled the top end of the engine apart where he found 6 push rods and 6 lifters had failed, causing a potentially dangers catastrophic failure of the engine. I have contacted S&J engine several time and they have stopped returning my calls and emails. The cost correct this push rods and lifters at failure with parts and labor and having the car at the shop for two weeks waiting on parts at a cost of just under $2000.00.Thank you ********************* Order Number:SJ00335322Order Date: 01/06/2020 S&J Engines, Inc.Customer Info ******************************************************************************** ************** (866) 498-0658 ******************************* www.sandjengines.******************** ************************************************* ************** ******************** Customer ***************************** main *****; Stroker New **** rotating assembly aluminum heads Oil pan timing cover harmonic ***************** installed. Dual Dip Block Roller cam available upon request, Make : Chevrolet, Model : Bel Air, Year : 1955Transmission :Auto or Manual Part# :GMC-383LB-4HPANot Entered13576.003576.00 Core Charge : 1300.00300.00 Basic Warranty 10.000.00 Oil Description#***** 20W-50 ************ 1qt. 6included0.00 Gasket Kit 1included0.00 CORE RETURN POLICY : Core deposit refunded minus freight costs.Core must be rebuildable condition Thank you for your business!Sub Total:3876.00 Shipping:95.00 Sales Tax:(8.9%) ****** Total:$4324.42 Shipping Destination Freighting Information Name: *********************** **************** ******************* Address: ****************************************************************** Zip/Postal:98166 Country: ************* Phone:************* Not Shipped.

  

  Business response

  09/07/2022

  **************** purchased the engine (part # GMC-383LB-4HPA) on 06 January 2020. This engine is a performance long block engine and as such carries a warranty of one (1) year against all factory defects. Labor reimbursement for high-performance long block is limited to 90 days from the date of delivery at the rate of $50.00 per hour up to a maximum of $850.00 including all parts and labor. This information is stated clearly in our public, retail website (https://www.sandjengines.com/warranty).
  
  Warranty registration is required for consideration of reimbursement, with warranty enrollment being required within 90 days of delivery of engine (shipped 28 January 2020). **************** did not register the engine warranty within the 90-day enrollment period. This high-performance engine was not warrantied, and **************** did not contact us until August of this year, two and a half years later on a high-performance engine that we offer 1-year coverage on a valid warranty.
  
  Our warranty manager spoke directly to ****************, informed him of his non-warrantied high-performance engine status. Regardless, our warranty manager requested that **************** send to us the failed parts in question and offered that we would help in the cost of replacing the parts, despite the high-performance nature of his engine, the extended time period in which his engine failed and the non-warrantied status of his engine. We back our engines and support our customers; likewise we were offering viable solutions to **************** situation. To date **************** has not submitted the failed parts to us for inspection and analysis. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2019 I bought an engine from S&J they sent me a engine for my car it was the wrong engine so they told me to send the engine back with my engine so I did. They was going to rebuild my engine original engine? They rebuilt engine and sent it back to me over a year later Ill put the motor in it was defective they string me alone all the way up to now the time that I am making this complaint no more communication with the company at all no call backs of any kind? They have their engine my engine and my money around ******* and no return?Reference number 5834W

  

  Business response

  09/08/2022

  We issued ****** a full refund 8/25/22 as per his request. Please see attached documents. 
  
  Thank you
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On or about July 18th I ordered a crate engine from S&J motors in Spokane. On July 27th I made the second payment of a 2 part plan and received an invoice showing I paid. On August 8th I called to find out an expected shipping date. The website claimed 90 days due to covid but I had not received anything after the invoice showing I had paid. I was told that the engine was expected to be ready in 16-20 weeks. Thats another full 1-2 months and I could not wait that long this suburban is my plow truck and snow will be 4’ deep by then. I asked for a refund and Ryan told me he could not do it and if he could I would be charged a 15% restocking fee. I hung up the phone at this point and called the bank to put a dispute on the charges but they are disputing it. As the invoice shows they are holding $2790.00 of my money and have given me no release date.

  

  Business response

  08/10/2022

  Customer has been refunded transaction amount, minus cancellation fee (ref. attachment, ref. https://www.sandjengines.com/useragreement), as per our Terms & Conditions (acknowledgement and agreement thereof of Terms & Conditions required for engine purchase). 

  Customer response

  08/10/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  My money was not refunded, they are full of ****. I am not paying a restocking fee or any kind of fee and the next step will be small claims court. I hear the Liberal Judges in Spokane like giving away nice awards anyway.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *******

   

• Initial Complaint

  07/23/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Purchased a built 383 with S &J providing and installing the tins, leaked from break in, they refused to warranty the labor and sent me a free gasket for the repair. The gasket they sent was incorrect. At this point the engine is still unusable and it looks like the pan they put on is either incorrect for the block or bent. This is 2 of 3 engines through S&J that I have had issues with.

  

  Business response

  08/17/2022

  We are currently working with ******************** engine installer to remedy this situation to the customer's satisfaction. 

  Customer response

  08/17/2022

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. The business after speaking with another representative has been responsive and is taking care of the issue so far. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  05/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased an engine and within the first hour of running lost compression and shut off. Ive attempted to contact S and J but no one will return my calls or respond to my emails. I spent over $2000 for the engine and need this issue resolved.

  

  Business response

  05/23/2022

  We have spoken to the ******************** (13th May) and are awaiting his engine diagnosis. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/30/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  10-21-19 Date of Warranty #**** Installation Invoice **** from ******************** Phone calls & complaints from **** to *** at S&J Engines have been placed. $ ****** + and almost 2 years & 3 engines later. Now waiting on the 3rd engine! 1st engine was pulled & returned according to criteria set by S& J. which has resulted in a long & costly period of time while the truck is inoperable. Owner is 78 yr.old veteran and that truck is needed to pull our travel trailer & material trailer to our building site 500 miles away. Our ability move north has been tabled due to what appears to be *** and S&J's irresponsibility to honor their warranty in an ethical manner. We are also told that S&J has not even compensated ****'s for the approved labor on behalf of S&J's return criteria.

  

  Business response

  09/28/2021

  Dear ******, 

   

  We are working on this issue currently and expect to have it resolved soon. 

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