Unsatisfied customer dealing with Full Throttle

8ball · 05-03-2006, 12:39 AM

My name is ArQuist Edwards. I bought a GT6131E turbo fro Full Throttle back in November. Well, in March the turbo failed on me. And I came to find out the shaft is slightly bent because the blades on the compressor side is barely rubbing the housing, you see a few scrapes. I contacted Mike Licht at Full Throttle and told him the problem and he told me to send it in so he can check it out. So that's what I did. I waited about 2 weeks and gave him a call to see what's the problem and he put me on the phone with Marianne and she told me that it was sent back to the manufacturer and would cost $525 to repair the turbo. I asked what was wrong with it, she told me something went through it. How can something go through a turbo and not damage the blades. She asked Mike how can that be possible he said he didn't look at it but he told me that he was when I sent it off and now youu saying I have to spend $525 on a turbo that only has about 500 miles on it and never ran hard. I asked her to send it back to me and she said it would be in pieces because they tore it down. They can't even send back like I sent it. Can anyone help me get some descent help around here. I buy all my performance parts from these people and get treated like this.

earlbrown · 05-03-2006, 12:49 AM

If something went through the oiling system It wouldn't damage the blades. If the bearing gets clearanced enough the blades can make contact, but that's after more use.

Mike Licht · 05-03-2006, 07:36 AM

I am very sorry you are unsatisified and can certainly understany why but let me post a few facts. Full Throttle does not build turbos, we are a dealer so we cannot allow or deny warranty claims. We certainly will try to help with communication and shipping to the manufacturer however. You called and said you were having a problem, I asked that you send the unit to me. You did, I inspected it and saw the turbine wheel damage. I sent it to Limit Engineering (the manufacturer) and approved the teardown. Chopper determined that something had passed through the turbine wheel causing the failure and denied the warranty claim. You did not want to pay their cost of repair and asked that the unit be returned to you. I had them ship it directly to you and asked them to BILL ME for the cost of tear down and shipping so you would not have to pay that.
Mike Licht
Full Throttle Speed

MonteC · 05-03-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Licht

I am very sorry you are unsatisified and can certainly understany why but let me post a few facts. Full Throttle does not build turbos, we are a dealer so we cannot allow or deny warranty claims. We certainly will try to help with communication and shipping to the manufacturer however. You called and said you were having a problem, I asked that you send the unit to me. You did, I inspected it and saw the turbine wheel damage. I sent it to Limit Engineering (the manufacturer) and approved the teardown. Chopper determined that something had passed through the turbine wheel causing the failure and denied the warranty claim. You did not want to pay their cost of repair and asked that the unit be returned to you. I had them ship it directly to you and asked them to BILL ME for the cost of tear down and shipping so you would not have to pay that.
Mike Licht
Full Throttle Speed

that seems pretty reasonable to me.

RealestVIN7 · 05-03-2006, 12:19 PM

Any of you guys involved have any pics? I would like to see some turbo damage. What the heck could have gotten through into the blades?

Mike Licht · 05-03-2006, 12:50 PM

I do not but, I can tell you this, when Hooker headers were popular every spring a couple guys would lose a turbo from a chunk of rust that came out of the inside of the tubes on that first start up. It does not take much hitting the turbine wheel when it is at speed to do damage. Once it is out of balance it goes away quick
Mike

Doc1of7 · 05-03-2006, 01:20 PM

I've dealt with *Chopper* at Limited several times, and you can take to the Bank whatever he says. I don't know of a more professional, or experrienced guy.

Mike's a vendor, and while he did take your money, like he said, he didn't build it.

A less then common problem is something like water going thur a turbo. It leaves no evidence of fins having *hit* anything.

Warranties, can be a PITB. But if a manufacturer starts to *do over* too many customers, the word gets out, that they'll close down. In that reguard, reputation is everything, and Limit's is about as good as they come, IMO. No one selling race car parts is going to keep everyone happy, all the time, but again, IMO, Mike, and Chopper are fair and honest.

RealestVIN7 · 05-03-2006, 01:25 PM

Not to take over this thread, but I would love to see some turbocharged carnage. Anybody else?

Doc1of7 · 05-03-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealestVIN7

Not to take over this thread, but I would love to see some turbocharged carnage. Anybody else?

The best place to really see that is by getting a pit pass, and attending some tractor pulls. Maybe searching on the net will lead you to some pics. *We* had one that crystialized the turbine wheel, and it exploded at WOT. It threw pieces for 50+ yards, of the turbine housing, and tore the sheetmetal hood all to Hell.

Nasty Wendy · 05-03-2006, 02:13 PM

Arquist I believe I've met you before but I may be mistaken. I'd be upset if I were you. How can you not be upset about getting 500 easy miles on a new turbo? Problem is Mike is a middle man as is most vendors that offer turbos. He really doesn't have the power to grant the warranty. I've dealt with Mike and will continue to deal with him because he is a really good vendor. I will not buy a turbo from him or anyone else for that matter that does not manufactor them. I have chosen to deal directly with Limit Engineering for my turbo needs and have NEVER been disappointed. I had a TE44 fail on me and sent it to them for the rebuild. The rebuild failed inside of one month. I spoke with Chopper and he had me do some inspections of the car. Nothing was out of order and they REPLACED the turbo with a new unit. Keep in mind that I didn't buy the turbo from them, I only had them to rebuild it. Icing on the cake is that the original turbo had a polished compressor housing and the new one didn't. I called them to ask them about purchasing a polished housing and they sent me one no charge (I had to return the unpolished housing). I feel for you man, this may end up being a $525 hit for you. If it does I suggest that YOU send the turbo to Limit Engineering for the rebuild, that way you will establish a relationship directly with the people that make your turbo.

Grumpy · 05-03-2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc1of7

I've dealt with *Chopper* at Limited several times, and you can take to the Bank whatever he says. I don't know of a more professional, or experrienced guy.

I do !!!! John Craig

seriouslly I have delt with Limit since 1990

dammm I am old

RealestVIN7 · 05-03-2006, 02:21 PM

Who makes Limit Engineering's turbos? Do they just make mods to Precision turbos or what?

Mike Licht · 05-03-2006, 02:43 PM

Limit is a manufactured just like PTE is . They buy turbine housings and other small parts that PTE makes and are also a Garrett performance distributor. They use those parts to build their own turbos.
Mike

Mike Licht · 05-03-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasty Wendy

Arquist I believe I've met you before but I may be mistaken. I'd be upset if I were you. How can you not be upset about getting 500 easy miles on a new turbo? Problem is Mike is a middle man as is most vendors that offer turbos. He really doesn't have the power to grant the warranty. I've dealt with Mike and will continue to deal with him because he is a really good vendor.

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasty Wendy

I feel for you man, this may end up being a $525 hit for you. If it does I suggest that YOU send the turbo to Limit Engineering for the rebuild, that way you will establish a relationship directly with the people that make your turbo.

I do not think that will help much the $525 figure is my cost as a dealer. I eat the shipping part which is what we do for our customers. Retail price of repair was quoted by Limit to be $650 if the customer was to send it in. I am not sure all dealers pass along the savings but we do.

This is a unfortunant situation but Limit does not deny many claims and are very fair about repairs when they happen. Something went through the turbo, that is not our fault, and it is not Limit's fault either. If it was one of us would be taking care of the bill no question.
Mike

tony moore · 05-03-2006, 09:15 PM

if it ran four months with no problems its obvious something went through it.

05-03-2006, 12:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
8ball Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: louisiana Posts: 52	Unsatisfied customer dealing with Full Throttle My name is ArQuist Edwards. I bought a GT6131E turbo fro Full Throttle back in November. Well, in March the turbo failed on me. And I came to find out the shaft is slightly bent because the blades on the compressor side is barely rubbing the housing, you see a few scrapes. I contacted Mike Licht at Full Throttle and told him the problem and he told me to send it in so he can check it out. So that's what I did. I waited about 2 weeks and gave him a call to see what's the problem and he put me on the phone with Marianne and she told me that it was sent back to the manufacturer and would cost $525 to repair the turbo. I asked what was wrong with it, she told me something went through it. How can something go through a turbo and not damage the blades. She asked Mike how can that be possible he said he didn't look at it but he told me that he was when I sent it off and now youu saying I have to spend $525 on a turbo that only has about 500 miles on it and never ran hard. I asked her to send it back to me and she said it would be in pieces because they tore it down. They can't even send back like I sent it. Can anyone help me get some descent help around here. I buy all my performance parts from these people and get treated like this.

05-03-2006, 12:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
earlbrown Iheartporn Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: lagrange ga Posts: 3,366	If something went through the oiling system It wouldn't damage the blades. If the bearing gets clearanced enough the blades can make contact, but that's after more use. __________________ PORN: It's not just for breakfast, lunch, and dinner anymore

05-03-2006, 07:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mike Licht Mmmmm....Kool Aid Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 722	I am very sorry you are unsatisified and can certainly understany why but let me post a few facts. Full Throttle does not build turbos, we are a dealer so we cannot allow or deny warranty claims. We certainly will try to help with communication and shipping to the manufacturer however. You called and said you were having a problem, I asked that you send the unit to me. You did, I inspected it and saw the turbine wheel damage. I sent it to Limit Engineering (the manufacturer) and approved the teardown. Chopper determined that something had passed through the turbine wheel causing the failure and denied the warranty claim. You did not want to pay their cost of repair and asked that the unit be returned to you. I had them ship it directly to you and asked them to BILL ME for the cost of tear down and shipping so you would not have to pay that. Mike Licht Full Throttle Speed __________________ www.fullthrottlespeed.com 586 790 4406 Got Questions? www.fullthrottletech.com eBay specials: stores.ebay.com/Full-Throttle-Speed JCC Membeship Application Submitted

05-03-2006, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
RealestVIN7 It's a 'G' thang Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denton & Ennis, TX Posts: 1,066	Any of you guys involved have any pics? I would like to see some turbo damage. What the heck could have gotten through into the blades? __________________ - Andrizzle - 972 742 5155 Poor college kid w/ a busted '87 TR & a '94 Mustang GT daily driver. Need a 109 block, turbo crank, or 4.1? I just might have what you need.

05-03-2006, 12:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mike Licht Mmmmm....Kool Aid Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 722	I do not but, I can tell you this, when Hooker headers were popular every spring a couple guys would lose a turbo from a chunk of rust that came out of the inside of the tubes on that first start up. It does not take much hitting the turbine wheel when it is at speed to do damage. Once it is out of balance it goes away quick Mike __________________ www.fullthrottlespeed.com 586 790 4406 Got Questions? www.fullthrottletech.com eBay specials: stores.ebay.com/Full-Throttle-Speed JCC Membeship Application Submitted

05-03-2006, 01:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
Doc1of7 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 2,313	I've dealt with Chopper at Limited several times, and you can take to the Bank whatever he says. I don't know of a more professional, or experrienced guy. Mike's a vendor, and while he did take your money, like he said, he didn't build it. A less then common problem is something like water going thur a turbo. It leaves no evidence of fins having hit anything. Warranties, can be a PITB. But if a manufacturer starts to do over too many customers, the word gets out, that they'll close down. In that reguard, reputation is everything, and Limit's is about as good as they come, IMO. No one selling race car parts is going to keep everyone happy, all the time, but again, IMO, Mike, and Chopper are fair and honest.

05-03-2006, 01:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
RealestVIN7 It's a 'G' thang Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denton & Ennis, TX Posts: 1,066	Not to take over this thread, but I would love to see some turbocharged carnage. Anybody else? __________________ - Andrizzle - 972 742 5155 Poor college kid w/ a busted '87 TR & a '94 Mustang GT daily driver. Need a 109 block, turbo crank, or 4.1? I just might have what you need.

05-03-2006, 02:13 PM	#10 (permalink)
Nasty Wendy Defender of the Universe Join Date: May 2001 Location: Waggaman, La. USA Posts: 9,919	Arquist I believe I've met you before but I may be mistaken. I'd be upset if I were you. How can you not be upset about getting 500 easy miles on a new turbo? Problem is Mike is a middle man as is most vendors that offer turbos. He really doesn't have the power to grant the warranty. I've dealt with Mike and will continue to deal with him because he is a really good vendor. I will not buy a turbo from him or anyone else for that matter that does not manufactor them. I have chosen to deal directly with Limit Engineering for my turbo needs and have NEVER been disappointed. I had a TE44 fail on me and sent it to them for the rebuild. The rebuild failed inside of one month. I spoke with Chopper and he had me do some inspections of the car. Nothing was out of order and they REPLACED the turbo with a new unit. Keep in mind that I didn't buy the turbo from them, I only had them to rebuild it. Icing on the cake is that the original turbo had a polished compressor housing and the new one didn't. I called them to ask them about purchasing a polished housing and they sent me one no charge (I had to return the unpolished housing). I feel for you man, this may end up being a $525 hit for you. If it does I suggest that YOU send the turbo to Limit Engineering for the rebuild, that way you will establish a relationship directly with the people that make your turbo. __________________ The Turbobuicks.com FFL 2006 Champions DSR #3

05-03-2006, 02:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
RealestVIN7 It's a 'G' thang Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Denton & Ennis, TX Posts: 1,066	Who makes Limit Engineering's turbos? Do they just make mods to Precision turbos or what? __________________ - Andrizzle - 972 742 5155 Poor college kid w/ a busted '87 TR & a '94 Mustang GT daily driver. Need a 109 block, turbo crank, or 4.1? I just might have what you need.

05-03-2006, 02:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mike Licht Mmmmm....Kool Aid Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 722	Limit is a manufactured just like PTE is . They buy turbine housings and other small parts that PTE makes and are also a Garrett performance distributor. They use those parts to build their own turbos. Mike __________________ www.fullthrottlespeed.com 586 790 4406 Got Questions? www.fullthrottletech.com eBay specials: stores.ebay.com/Full-Throttle-Speed JCC Membeship Application Submitted

05-03-2006, 09:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
tony moore old skool Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: South carolina Posts: 3,609	if it ran four months with no problems its obvious something went through it. __________________ 86 grand national 2nd owner t tops, digital dash and few other options. bone stock no mods(yet!!) brought back from the dead. new paint and interior 85 regal t type clone, blue in and out , carb. turbo stock engine , no ecm, msd btm,holley blue fuel pump, 650 holley double pump carb. 3.73 gear with mini spool,all the gauges, stock trans and conv. slow but fun!!

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