prices for mechanic services in Morocco

[famous_walker]

Hi all! Stuck near Zagora in Morocco with what seems to be a worn out clutch disk which may need replacement. At the moment a team of mechanics are disassembling the unit, and I'll have the verdict in a couple of hours inshalla. I am anticipating a protracted discussion when the job is done as to how much it costs. Anyone has a rough idea how much this kind of work costs here? Any help appreciated.

Forgot to mention - it is an HJ61 landcruiser, if that makes a difference.

Peter

[Linzi]

Hi, I'm in England but I know a school teacher in Risanni and I'll e-mail him and ask if he knows. Linzi.

[airhead]

sorry, for you it is probably too late now, but maybe not for others.
rule #1 is: always talk about prices in advance!

[Linzi]

Hi, OK the answer is that the job will be expensive. I asked what charge per hour but the answer seems to be for the job. The teacher read the HUBB entry. He said 2000 to 3000 dirams, any more is too much. If you need some support he offered to help. How's that! I hope this is SOME help. Linzi.

[Linzi]

Hi the answer is that it will be expensive. 2000 to 3000 Dirhams. Any more asked is too much. The teacher read your entry and offered to help further if needed. Hope this helps a bit. Linzi.

[Linzi]

Hi, pm me if you need the teacher's phone number which he volunteered. Linzi.

[famous_walker]

Thanks Linzi, and thanks to your friend who offered help. The mechanic has just returned from Zagora with a new clutch disk, and they're now installing it. In a couple of hours I'll know how much it will be.

Airhead, fair enough but it was not really possible to discuss anything in the beginning, since it wasn't clear what the problem was. I first thought something was wrong with the fuel - I'd suspected that the diesel I put in the tank at the last service station was bad quality. In fact it was - we ended up emptying the tank, and I think that the fuel tract would have to be seriously inspected soon.

Then the mechanic had another look and said it must be the clutch - he ripped the case apart and he was right of course, but by that time the car was completely disassembled and it was too late and not the right moment to discuss prices, I just needed the job done.

In the meantime, would anyone give me an idea - the disk they found is an Exedy TYD006U, apparently made in Japan. I am no expert on clutch disks - how good/suitable for my HJ61 is it? Would I have to change it for something else when I get home? I am trying to find reviews of it on the internet but no luck so far.

Peter

[Huskynose]

Hi Peter

the clutchdisk you specify is intended for use with a ATY-013, ATY-014 or a ATY-069 engine.
If you check your engine type, you'll know wether it's suitable to leave it in.
If it does the job but is not for your engine type, have it changed when you return home.
Greetz,
Joey

[Peter Girling]

Well, you may need to haggele a bit. But...

Sure labour rates will be a lot lower than at home.

You're on the fringes of the Sahara and they've got the right part (and hopefully fitted it correctly)

Negotiate what you feel is a fair price to allow you to continue your trip.

Jojo

PS Hi Joey! See you back in Marocco soon, he,he!

[famous_walker]

Got it fixed, seems to be almost in order now. There's some rattle in the gearbox when you are putting it in reverse, but I hope it will stop after the new clutch disk has broken in so to say.

I ended up paying 1200Dh for the disk, and 1800Dh for the job. It took them almost 24 hours to do it - from 16:00 to 16:00 the following day, with a short break for the night.

The engine I've got is a 12HT diesel, the original one from Toyota. I found a sign on the box that came with the new disk that it is suited for 2H engines, which were used in the earlier HJ60 version I understand. Seems to be the same size.

Anyway, thank you all for your advise and willingness to help. It is nice to know that help always comes when you're stuck.

Btw, I am now in Ourzazate staying at Peter and Zineb at Bikers' Home, and I can't recommend a better place to get all your mechanical problems sorted, on top of the hospitality and comfort they offer.

[Linzi]

That's good news. They really seem to have been willing to help which is cheering. Linzi.

[Eric DN]

Hi
Say Hello for me to Peter and Zineb

Eric there in October ( 2 Honda 400XR )

[Chris Scott]

I would not say its a 24-hour job (maybe with the fuel it was). We changed a clutch in the Tenere once in an evening. But you're on the road again for 300 euros which is not bad.

fyi a 12HT has about 25% more power than a 2H. it is possible the clutch may be stronger. Someone will know.

Ch

[Niva Say Never]

Hi, i've just done the clutch on my HJ60 this weekend. The gearbox is a bit of a lump to say the least, but is not a bad job.
I've just had a quick look at toyoDIY.com, an online part manual. It looks like the same disk for HJ60 (2H) and HJ61 (12H-T)

Happy travels
Sam

[famous_walker]

The new clutch disk does seem alright. I've contacted a friend who works for Toyota - his office guru said it should work. Once again, thanks to all of you who offered your knowledge and advise on the subject.

Incidentally, I had to use a mechanic's service once more this week - I changed two leaf springs on each of the front wheels, as mine were getting rusty and close to breaking. I bought four pieces of troisieme - the third leaf in a set - from a local vendor at 90Dh a piece, plus two bolts 5Dh each, that's 370Dh. Then I got them cut up to measure (I needed to change the 3d and the 4th) and fitted in for another 250Dh. That makes it 620Dh, which I thought was a good value. The only problem is that the mechanic didn't quite know how to do the job, so it took him 6 hours (!) instead of 2hrs or so which's what it should take you'd think. But that was my mistake - I should have shopped around better. That was in Tinherir.

Finally, I got engine oil changed today, in Marrakech - 10 litres of Helix 10W-40 plus the job cost me 530Dh at a Shell station.