SES Engines - My Experience

[SabrToothSqrl]

I've seen UPS lose whole trucks.

But yea, to survive in 2013 your business should have a web site that does exactly what apples does when my iPhone needed repaired.

1 it allowed me to print a shipping label right front the site.
2 it showed me the steps of the repair, and which step my phone was on
3 it emailed me when they received the phone
4 it emailed me (and updated web site) when they began work
5 it emailed me when it was done
6 emailed me when it shipped w/ tracking.


That may seem like overkill, but damned if I wasn't impressed.

I knew the status every step, and never had to call anyone.

 

[adamsbj123]

Got a call from Tom today, he didn't know that I sever received it as I didn't know when it was shipped. UPS apparently lost in in transit and then has no record of it b/c of it being 90 days past when it was shipped. So now I have another 720 engine coming from SES to replace my lost one. So that's my update to me finally getting a motor. Some form of an mail when the engine is shipped would be helpful so I have an idea when to expect it. My engine got there OK, just didn't make it back.

This explanation is hard to believe. UPS tracks and follows each step in the shipping process. I find it very hard to believe that they misplaced a large 100 pound storage bin .If they lost it and were not able to make the destination delivery they would have notified the sender.

 

[rjcress]

Got a call from Tom today, he didn't know that I never received it as I didn't know when it was shipped. UPS apparently lost in in transit and then has no record of it b/c of it being 90 days past when it was shipped. So now I have another 720 engine coming from SES to replace my lost one. So that's my update to me finally getting a motor. Some form of an mail when the engine is shipped would be helpful so I have an idea when to expect it. My engine got there OK, just didn't make it back.

Awesome! He told me that it was someone in Va. Sad that yours was lost, but glad it is sorted out now.
I also told him that he needs to at least send and email or call when an engine ships so that no one is surprised when their engine arrives, or waiting indefinitely, not knowing that it shipped. He seemed to "get it". I hope he follows through with the commitment to do so.

 

[rjcress]

Just a quick call or email would work for me, so I know of a time frame when to expect it. It figures that of all the engines they ship, mine would be the one to get lost. I'm not sure how it was possible if it was in good container, had the address visible and secure, why it didn't make it to my house.

When I got my DI back, I don't recall there being any sort of note INSIDE the crate. The shipping label was secured in a self-stick shipping label pouch and stapled to the the crate lid at all 4 corners. So, if the label somehow came off of the crate, UPS would have no way of knowing where to send it. I always print a duplicate label and put it INSIDE the package so that if the label comes off, they can open the package and get the info to deliver it.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

its FREAKIN 2103 these issues should never happen....esp not a motor!

Its pathetic what we have to put up with as consumers....I am glad to hear they are stepping up to resolve it.

 

[rjcress]

I've seen UPS lose whole trucks.

But yea, to survive in 2013 your business should have a web site that does exactly what apples does when my iPhone needed repaired.

1 it allowed me to print a shipping label right front the site.
2 it showed me the steps of the repair, and which step my phone was on
3 it emailed me when they received the phone
4 it emailed me (and updated web site) when they began work
5 it emailed me when it was done
6 emailed me when it shipped w/ tracking.


That may seem like overkill, but damned if I wasn't impressed.

I knew the status every step, and never had to call anyone.

I'm not defending SES on this, as I agree that they should, at a minimum:
-notify when the package arrives
-notify if there are any delays in the rebuild
-notify when the package ships

But I think we have to keep a few things in mind when setting expectations:
-Apple is a HUGE tech company, so a fancy website is easy for them. SES is a very small business with expertise in wrenching, not web coding.
-Apple has HUGE margins and charges the highest prices in their industry. SES is the cheapest rebuilder I have found, so you have to assume they have significantly tighter margins.
-Apple does HUGE volumes of sales and customer service. Economies of scale do much to drive down their per unit customer service costs. SES's volume can't possibly be giving them much in terms of economies of scale, so everything must be comparatively more expensive as a % of margin on each sale.

Many small businesses are in the same boat, and I try to adjust my expectations accordingly.

Again, not defending SES, as I think Tom is missing some simple opportunities on the customer service front.

 

[Robj]

Tom has always been fair to me, and the one engine that I bought from him ran real well, so I got him to rebuild another a 787 from a project ski that I bought this past fall. Their work is good, just a few tweaks on the customer service front and delivery would be good. When I have spoken to him, he has always been helpful.

My 720 that he rebuilt for me last year had a slight leak between the jug and crankcase, I could see some oil residue, not a big deal. I asked Tom about it, and he told me that it should not be a big deal, but if it made me happy pull it out and send it back. Well I did, it cost me shipping one way. I got the engine back, Tom paid for return shipping, gave me a new rotary valve, and install gaskets. Now that in my mind is excellent customer service, a completely no hassle warranty. Which is why I will continue to buy from them. I don't know if any of the other rebuilders would pay any shipping costs for a warranty repair.

 

[kicker]

Well based on what i have read here, I will be giving them a shot. Picked up a GTX a while ago for $500, it was not running (needed a starter, ya whatever) Got it home checked compression and it was good. Figured I got lucky, but while turning the PTO I could hear what sounded like a ball bearing on the mag side sliding up and then falling down. I'm thinking that it is a crank bearing and the ring that holds the balls in place is toast. Sorry, don't know all the technical words for these things.

Spoke with Tom and they have $50 of the premium rebuild and will look after the shipping both ways, so that's $900 for a premium rebuild including shipping there and back and 2 year warranty. I don't think you can go wrong with this, unless they lose your motor. (Sorry that was a cheap shot).

He will notify me when he receives it and also when it leaves his shop to be returned to me.

 

[DeejaysGTI]

I think that Tom could hire some decent teenager to do some sort of office management work. His focus is to do quality work on these engines, and being a mechanic, how is he going to swing a ratchet and answer the phone at the same time?

1) setup ticketing system - Unit sent back to customer, unit received, tracking info etc.
2) Answer phones/emails

Here is some timing for you guys of my engine rebuild:

I setup a UPS label for shipment to PA on 7/31/2012 For an estimated delivery date of 8/1/2012

Tom said to me, have the engine here before August 3rd as thats the date he set aside to work on the engine.

It was delivered on the 1st. I got it back to my doorstep August 15th or 16th.

That isn't so bad now is it?

 

[CVFD1314]

I wish that system would've been in place prior to my engine getting lost

 

[kicker]

Had a good talk with Tom at SES today, he is one passionate guy about what he does. I mentioned to him that the only real negative I hear about the rebuild shops is the wait time. He believes that they can not speed things up any more for fear of loosing quality and him being able to stay hands on enough to make sure quality remains in tack.

As far as his return shipping, that is now done by a separate company which in turn sends it UPS for him and he does not monitor return shipping at all. His suggestion is to call or email them on the date the engine is suppose to be shipped and he will request his shipping company to give you the tracking number.

Tom has also said that starting in April he will have a guaranteed ship date or its free.

 

[CVFD1314]

That's exactly what Tom told me over the phone last week, that he uses a shipping broker to handle all of his packages going out. In my case, he did not have any tracking # whatsoever, which does not help either one of us out at all. I have talked to UPS myself and without having the tracking number I'm pretty much out of luck in locating my missing engine. Tom has been told the same thing when he called as well. So it sounds like keeping a record of tracking #'s is pretty important if anyone wants to see a missing engine again. I'm hoping for others sake, he will start doing that after what has happened to me.

I feel somewhat that this engine disappearance is partly on me, b/c I didn't stay on top of him about when my motor was coming and definately not knowing that I should request HIS tracking # incase it was lost. I contacted him on Oct 1st, asking about it, he said it's done, just waiting on the rotary valve shaft that was backordered, then it will be shipped. So I'm guessing it was shipped around the middle to latter part of October, so me not trying to be a nag to anyone, waiting paitently for it to come. The holidays were busy, as was I at work and it kinda skipped my mind, then once things slowed down I emailed him asking again. That's when he called telling me it was shipped a long time ago. That's when I learned he uses a shipping broker to send his engines for him and he didn't have the tracking #. Of course he's making good on the mistake by sending me another 720 for my ski, even though it's not my original. anyone know of any positives or negatives by not having my own motor back?!? As long as it runs good, has a warranty I should be ok. From what I've read on here and talking to Tom, everything is right on the money, but the shipping department has room for opportunity obviously.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

As long as you dont see any repaired cases or obvious signs of saltwater corrosion its fine.

 

[kicker]

As long as you dont see any repaired cases or obvious signs of saltwater corrosion its fine.

Minne, is there a possibility of "being out of line" with a different core? Or is there not much variation in the cores? You would think they were all built exactly the same.

 

[CVFD1314]

I would think it would just have to be realigned with an alignment tool if it was a different tool. It looks like a lot of people on here get there motors aligned up during an install.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I dont know about SES but I know that SBT linebores their cases.

Typically as long as you use matching case halves you are fine. Most inlanders like reusing their own cores b/c they dont have any saltwater or welding on them.

That would totally hack me off if I sent in a pretty core, and got back welded cases.

If we are talking about engine/pump alignment...it will always be off wither or not you use your old cases. You have to take the bottom plate off...theres plenty of wiggle room there.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I think we need a new thread

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Here is a little backround info on ses, make your own conclusions



On their website it shows their building, here is the picture they use

This is the link with the picture of the building
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/about-us/

Their address is
913 Rutledge ave
Horsam, PA 19044

Here is the link with their address
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/contact-us/

Now google maps shows that address as this

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=913+...Montgomery,+Pennsylvania+19044&gl=us&t=h&z=19

Looks like somthing is not adding up.

Then this building looks familiar!!!!!

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1729...N/?LinkCode=10850&SourceCode=1lww2t006a00001&


So he may be a good engine builder but you may want to take this into consideration
His product is good as this thread shows but his turn around time is the issue.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

If you do a simple yahoo search and use these words ---- Metalgod seadoo pwc ----- The first link is of another forum, read up on this too he used to go by metalgod and will see his name mentioned many times by his customers. Lots of complaints on shipping 3-5 months

 

[griz400]

my penny or 2, i havent had any dealings with ses, but , me living 40 minute drive to sbt, thats the reason i guess, but, early in this shops origin, i have read nothing but bad in years past, now, seems to be getting better, saber seems to have good work from there, but, i think he (ses) was trying to get real big like SBT, on a skeleton crew, ive been to sbt numerous times, ive seen like 20-25 motors being shipped out of there on any given day, i always walk back to the shop, and they welcome you to tour it, and on ses"s website, they compare everything to sbt, oh, by the way, if you keep oil on bearings, they dont fail, engines come apart from many different things, ive been a technician over 30 years, and if it dont blow, in a few days, it probably wont, until you add other variables, like oil problems, wrong oil, ( lean conditions) *** lean, being probably the number 1 engine killer, and what puzzles me the absolute most, is, when people spend, like 1200.00 then 300.00 on carbs and lines, and redo fuel tank units , then, ask if they can some crappy oil thats like 8.00 cheaper a gal....???? the manufacturer, has determined the correct oil type for every engine they make, spending tons of research money ....

do you know every engine dodge builds starts with cylinder head design and spark plug type ??? we have some motors that wont run on some aftermarket crap sparkplugs


so, seems like ses, nowadays anyways, by reading posts from here and other places, has a pretty good product, on a much smaller scale than sbt, offers a warranty comparable to sbt (almost has to), but seems to me, he gets backed up to much and he wont tell you that when you call, ...after all, that wouldnt be good for his pockets ....therefore, long wait for engine.

 

[Jetskigoodies]

Just wondering did sbt ever falsely use a picture of building that is for sale in another state and claim it as their own? Just wondering if sbt ever made themselves out to be something they were not. I have not used him but these things get to me. He is scamming people, not everyone who ones a seadoo knows many good places to send their motor to. If I didnt know better and I went to his site, it would look like a legitimate business. Appearance means alot in every aspect in business. He is making his appearance out to be something that he is not. That building would suggest he has alot of equipment, employees and plenty of work. Now if you saw this building

Then you may shy away. I am not saying that is what he works out of but now you see what I mean by misleading. A Con artist and A scam Artist will always make themselves appear to be something they are not

 

[adamsbj123]

Here is a little backround info on ses, make your own conclusions



On their website it shows their building, here is the picture they use

This is the link with the picture of the building
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/about-us/

Their address is
913 Rutledge ave
Horsam, PA 19044

Here is the link with their address
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/contact-us/

Now google maps shows that address as this

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=913+...Montgomery,+Pennsylvania+19044&gl=us&t=h&z=19

Looks like somthing is not adding up.

Then this building looks familiar!!!!!

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1729...N/?LinkCode=10850&SourceCode=1lww2t006a00001&

Then if you just search the address you will come up with yet another business.

http://local.yahoo.com/info-48371064-lynch-contractors-incorporated-horsham

So he may be a good engine builder but you may want to take this into consideration
His product is good as this thread shows but his turn around time is the issue.

Thanks alot! I was having a great day until I saw this.
My engine has been at SES since August 2012. I called and left a message a few weeks ago asking what was taking so long. Tom quoted me 6-8 weeks originally and it has been nearly 6 months now. Tom returned my call and left a message saying it was done and he was personally taking to his shipping broker that day and I should receive it in 5-6 days. Tomorrow will be 21 days and I still have not seen my engine. I called 3 days ago to find out what was up. Tom said he would call his shipping broker to track it and call me back. I did not get a call back. Next week will be 6 months since he received my engine. If I dont see my engine by next Friday I am going to call my credit card and Paypal to pursue a refund. I should have spent another $400 bucks and gone with SBT. I just hope I can somehow get my engine back so atleast I will have a core. At this point without a core I am screwed.

 

[Robj]

In my opinion, as long as he does good work, backs his product, I couldn't care less what his shop looks like. I believe the engines get shipped to his house. Where they go from there, I really don't care. I remember touring an automotive reman facility and it was a dump, but they produced a good product. Now regarding delivery, 6 months is ridiculous. I have a 787 waiting for me to pick it up in Blaine, Wa. It took 2 months, but I told Tom that I wasn't in a hurry.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Its definitely fishy thats for sure JSG. Thanks for doing some backround check.

I know some guy claiming we worked/ran SES was on here a while back I wonder if he will resolve all these issues.

People are always looking for the cheapest everything and we all know you get what you pay for. Yes, many times you will get what you want and you score, but if an issue is going to happen its likely going to be with lowest price guy.

I have it happen all the time where people tell me "its $xx cheaper on ebay can you match it?" The answer is usually no. They go and get it, it turns out to be not what they expected or needed, and they order it from me. I am alot more than a guy just selling parts...like my card says I live and breathe the sport. Customer service is key.

Im a guy that wants quality parts in my my engines...good bearings, good pistons...no corners cut. I know that its going to cost more than SES and SBT, but I know it will last longer too.

I wish all the prople who have pending issues with SES that they are resolved. It doesnt seem like they are out and out stealing motors, but time and time again they are taking a LONG time. If its parts availability then communicate, otherwise theres no excuse.

I had a customer locally who used them 4ish yeas ago and after waiting all summer for his motor they didnt send back his intake and exhaust manifold, nor his stator/cover. He just bought some from me cuz he was so glad he actually got his motor back.

 

[CReynoldsMIZ]

Here is a little backround info on ses, make your own conclusions



On their website it shows their building, here is the picture they use

This is the link with the picture of the building
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/about-us/

Their address is
913 Rutledge ave
Horsam, PA 19044

Here is the link with their address
http://www.seadooengineshop.com/contact-us/

Now google maps shows that address as this

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=913+...Montgomery,+Pennsylvania+19044&gl=us&t=h&z=19

Looks like somthing is not adding up.

Then this building looks familiar!!!!!

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1729...N/?LinkCode=10850&SourceCode=1lww2t006a00001&


So he may be a good engine builder but you may want to take this into consideration
His product is good as this thread shows but his turn around time is the issue.

WOW! That is some crazy stuff there. JSG how did you find that building without having the address for it??? It sounds like this guy is making himself come off way better than he really is. Nobody is questioning whether he can build an engine, he obviously can. But he needs to realize that this isnt some "side job", and if it is to him then he needs to tell people. It sounds VERY unprofessional what he is doing, the whole not calling people back and giving them the runaround on time expectancy's to get there engine back. If it was me, I would send my engine to SBT. I dont think i have ever heard a story about them loosing an engine (and think about it, im sure they do at least 200x as much business as this guy), never having a tracking number, the run around, lying about their facilities, or long time to get an engine. This is just a bystander's opinion who has never used either place, but these seem to be common experiences from our users here