Dolmar 421problem

[woodbutcher56]

What are we talking in labor fees for seal replacement? I'm trying to wrap my head around how this is good business as opposed to just replacing the saw . I guess if it is improper installation that is the culprit I can understand. If that's the case let's hope that doesn't happen again!

 

[woodbutcher56]

Is the 421 prone to bearing failure? Everyone I talked to before my purchase and all research indicated this was a highly reliable saw top performer in its class.

 

[sugarbush]

it doesn't matter if it is a bearing because that saw has to be torn down to the crank to fix a seal. the seals are bearing/seal combination. both side's should be replaced even if only one side is leaking. sounds worse then it really is. (i've sold many 421's and never replaced bearing/seal) labor charge can very a lot depending on a shops labor fee.

 

[woodbutcher56]

Man this just keeps getting better!!!! I sure hope they send both and not try to cheap out on the repair. I would be dumb in my opinion not to do both while it's apart. What about cost for labor? This is a $320 saw .

 

[woodbutcher56]

Am I going to end up with a good properly functioning saw when this is over? Or am I likely be plagued with problems from here on out?

 

[CoreyB]

Many have and will testify to the reliability and build quality to the 421 and many Dolmars however with any manufacturing errors happen and sometimes pieces and parts just fail. Something most manufacturers try and avoid but it is inevitable. You unfortunately may have gotten that one unit.

 

[sugarbush]

i don't know enough about your shop to answer that. but if done correctly it should be ok. he can send it to makita if he's not able to fix. they have a repair center, but it probably would take a few weeks.

 

[woodbutcher56]

Not surprising I got a new pair of glasses just over a month ago ( it's hell getting old) and they came in to the optometrist with a scratch on one lense . They made it right , just saying!!

 

[woodbutcher56]

i don't know enough about your shop to answer that. but if done correctly it should be ok. he can send it to makita if he's not able to fix. they have a repair center, but it probably would take a few weeks.

He says he's going to fix it and will call when it's done.

 

[woodbutcher56]

The saw has been in the shop 26 days since 2/20/17 !! And counting!!

 

[KiwiBro]

crazy

 

[CoreyB]

I had one warranty issue take 4 months. Challenging situation but got it covered and everything working. Sometimes the procedure take time and sometimes you uncover more that needs addressed and you have to go back 2 steps before you can go forward again. But I can not speak for your dealer.

 

[woodbutcher56]

How many hours labor are we talking to change crank bearings / seals on this 421??? Does anyone know if Makita /Dolmar warranty's the repairs??

 

[sugarbush]

thats a warranty item, 2 hours allowed for repair.

 

[woodbutcher56]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to get rid of it when/if I get it back. Hard telling what's next !! If the crank bearings are bad could the crank be damaged??

 

[woodbutcher56]

I can't believe this saw has these issues with so little time on the saw!!! I am thoroughly disappointed!!!

 

[sugarbush]

not likely there's anything wrong with crank or bearing, i mentioned the bearing because it's part of the seal. they will both be changed at the same time. not that big of a deal. your's is more of a problem then it should have been because of your dealer. he shouldn't have had to contact makita to figure out what's wrong. he still should verify that it is a crank seal not just replace because makita said it sound's like that's what it is. ( i think it is but wouldn't replace the seal's unless i was sure.) that problem could happen with any saw/brand.

 

[woodbutcher56]

Well I can tell you that is the plan! He said Makita said that was the problem , he's waiting on the parts and will call when it's finished. Who knows if the seals will correct the problem. I wonder what they will tell him next if this doesn't work????

 

[merc_man]

I wouldnt ditch the saw. They are good saws. Probly assembly error from factory. Sounds to me that the dealer dont know his
@$$ from a hole in the ground and making this way worse then it is.

Sent from my SM-J320W8 using Tapatalk

 

[sugarbush]

your dealer is the man not makita. it's up to the dealer to find and fix the problem not makita.