The Horror Story:  Diesel Engine Enthusiasts

In 2012 we started a full diesel repair shop for the diesel community. Our First shop is pictured above. Powerstroke, Cummins, and Duramax.  Eventually, we transitioned into building complete diesel engines along with still running the repair side but we were facing a few issues.  The drive to our machine shop was an hour away, and we frequently had to transport numerous diesel cylinder heads. Keep in mind, these are expensive, high-stakes projects. When you head out in to new adventures you throw all your cash into the new projects and you literally have all your money invested into a job.

There is a critical ledge in the sleeve, a step necessary to ensure the straight-wall sleeve would not slip. This ledge acts as a vital barrier, preventing the sleeve from moving under high engine stress. Without it, the sleeve was pulled into the counterweights of the disel crankshaft, causing catastrophic damage.

the Truck I was working on was the 6.4 Powerstroke. Those seemed to be all we were getting in at the time. I put the truck back together installed the newly machined rebuilt 6.4 engine and, full of excitement, prepared to start it. It was around 10:30 at night, and we were in the middle of trying to close on our first house. I was depending on this job to fund that milestone.

After priming the fuel system, I turned the key. The diesel engine started, but I noticed an uneven crank. It struck me as odd, but seeing as it was late, I didn’t dwell on it. Then I saw white smoke pouring out of the tailpipe. My first thought was a leaking injector. Hoping for the best, I brought the truck off idle, and WHAM! The sound was unforgettable, like the hammering of my own disappointment. The engine stopped immediately.

I squatted down, feeling my heart sink. I knew it was bad. My dream of closing on our house and making progress was shattered in that moment. The next day, I called the machine shop and told them the engine failed. The man on the other end asked, “Was it cylinder number 7?” I said yes, and he replied, “Oh man, I thought that might happen.” The Man had shaved off that ledge.

I was livid. How could someone knowingly overlook an issue that could ruin someone’s hard work and dreams? That experience taught me a hard lesson and became the driving force behind Choate. From that point on, I vowed to build a company that would never treat customers the way we were treated. Lesson one: never compromise on quality or integrity.

Consequences for the Customers Diesel Engine

Not only did this failure set us back financially, but it also affected our customer’s timeline and trust. They had to endure the frustration of delays and additional expenses because of a preventable mistake. It was a sobering reminder that every detail matters when dealing with high-stakes engine builds.

Resolution and Growth

Determined to turn this nightmare into a catalyst for growth, We wanted our Brand to stand apart with an unwavering commitment to precision and customer care. We invested in state-of-the-art equipment, trained our team extensively, and implemented rigorous quality control checks. Up to 300 photos per engine .Every cylinder head and engine block is double-checked to ensure it meets the highest standards before it leaves our shop.

A Call to Action

At Choate, we understand what’s at stake when you trust us with your light duty diesel engine. That’s why we go the extra mile to deliver quality and reliability every time. If you’re tired of machine shops that cut corners, contact us today to experience the difference.

Closing Thought

Sometimes, the greatest challenges become the foundation for the strongest commitments. At Choate Engineering Performance, our mission is to ensure no customer experiences the frustration and heartbreak we once endured. Trust us to do it right the first time.

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