Bruno’s Garage

Left a 1985 F-250 at this garage for a complete engine rebuild as part of a rehab project.  I purchased all the parts myself.  One month short of 4 years later I finally got the truck back.  I had been put off and put off and put off again and again and again.  I was patient because I thought I was getting a good job.  

Upon taking the truck out for its first test ride I noted the oil pressure dropping and fluctuating.  I stopped the truck and let it run at idle for about 20 minutes as I monitored the situation.  After this time there was about 1/2 quart of oil under the engine.  I tool it back to Brunos Garage and he stated that he had left an incorrect adapter on the Oil pressure sensor engine mount and that it should be good to go.

I again took the truck and drove about 10 miles at which time I pulled over to check the situation again.  Again there was oil dropping off the bottom of the engine at a rate of a few table spoons every 5 minutes.

Taking the truck to another garage I was informed that both valve covers were leaking and the rear main seal was bad.  This job is estimated to cost me $2500 - $3000.

Bruno seems like a good mechanic for normal, routine uncomplicated repairs, Fuel pump, tune ups, water pumps, etc but be aware that, at least in my case I paid him $4250 and spent about another $2000 on engine parts and after 4 years I'm left with a crappy engine.  I deeply regret leaving this job at this garage.

Update 24 Feb 15

The new mechanic, who I took the truck to identify where the oil leaks were coming from, did find where they were coming from.  The rear main seal was installed poorly and one valve cover was completely missing a gasket.  In addition they found a few bolts on the engine not tightened down and just thumb tightened up to the metal ( I had noted a clunking noise while driving it).  They also reported that the exhaust system, which was fabricated and installed by Brunos Garage, was poorly welded and had several leaks around the co-joined sections where bends were made.  Another job over $2000 to identify and fix the oil leaks due to poor work at Brunos Garage 

After this work I took the truck to GEARS for a rebuild of the front end 4x4, Dana 44 axil.  They also found a few more loose bolts and also commented on the poorly fabricated exhaust system and noted the exhaust leaks.  When they lift the truck the rear axil drops somewhat.  It turned out that when the rear leaf spring dropped that it contacted the fabricated/installed exhaust and broke the support welds holding the exhaust up.  So this exhaust was poorly fabricated and poorly installed, and is now just dangling.  It will have to be modified otherwise every time the truck is lifted the rear axil weight will rest on the exhaust and break its strap holding it up.

I keep waiting to find more things wrong.   I spent $4250 at Brunos Garage and waited almost 4 years and ended up with an amateurish job.  Again Bruno appears to be good at the smaller, common and less complex jobs.  For anything advanced or complex I would suggest looking elsewhere.