Never a truer word was spoken. Very professional. Everyone makes mistakes.

i found an alternator hooked to ground once, it didn't charge well but made a great heater!!

agreed....talking badly about the previous guy is classless. it also could prevent them from calling you again.

You're an unusual guy Wes. I mean that in the most positive way. I love watching you work and I always take something away from your videos. I have little experience with large equipment but the process for troubleshooting is the same be it large or small and you do that very well. Good job. One of my favorite channels.

I work in IT and one of my first questions to the customer is "what changed or was touched recently". That gives me a good starting point. I've learned a lot from you, thanks for the videos.

If that thing was any of the newer machines with all the electronics and plastic over everything, it would have burned straight to the ground. Wise words in the end. Great job Wes!

A little late here but as an old retired electrician I was struck by two things in this video. You’re very quick and correct analysis of the problem and you’re statement at the close of the video about diplomacy. I was called out on hundreds of service calls in my job and many times it was obvious that the problem was something done by uncle Harry or cousin buddy. And many times we were just minutes away from disaster. I learned to keep my mouth shut cause the culprit was probably standing next to you or was a beloved friend or family member. You’ve got to get it fixed. The last thing you want is some outraged handyman you’ve insulted stomping around

7:46 GREAT! Advice at the end. I am a tradesman and it blows my mind how many of my fellow tradesmen feel the need to be so critical of those who worked on it ahead of them. It serves no purpose.

You are a true professional, Wes..love your videos ❤️

Very good troubleshooting! And you're an expert on human relationships. Good man, Charlie Brown.

Well said Wes, there is no up side to down grading previous work. You are totally right about fix it and inform and move on. Thanks for sharing.

Still have not quite worked out yet why I find these videos so fascinating (I have nothing to do with big Diesel engines) but I am always glued to the screen. Wes certainly is a wizard.

That last little bit about professionalism is absolutely true. Learned that the hard way when I first started working in automotive garages. Now if only customers can start showing respect and courtesy, then we'll be getting somewhere.

That was a great video! Very excellent diagnosis and fix as well as wise words! Love it. Don't underestimate these "meatless" vids sir!!!

The KZfaq algorithm must be favouring this one at the moment… I’ve been watching your videos for a few years but I hadn’t seen this one. This is gold! You are so right - the moment you badmouth a previous worker on a job, you dig yourself a hole. Been there, learnt from that! You’ve gotten much more professional in your videos since this one, I’m sure you agree - the content has always been great (hence the number of subscribers) but the execution has lifted a mile. Thank you for caring enough to do this, because I know sometimes it’s a labour of love.

Pushing 50 yrs experience, with Automotive Education, and I can still miss something. Still learning and getting better. Thanks for the editorial. Good advice Wes. Back when i was in Mechanics class we didn't have smart phones, but now that we do it is a good idea to take pictures before disassembly.

You couldn’t be more right Wes. Even if the customer didn’t work on it last, everybody has a bad day and makes a mistake or misses something. 👍

Nice work man. I agree completely with you about when you find something done wrong just keep it to yourself and get the job done everybody goes home happy, and they will call you back for another job sometime.

When I get into a situation where the previous mechanic made a mistake and I cant avoid telling the customer about it, I just let them know that the reason I knew what to look for is that I did the same thing once. When one of us older guys walks up to a problem that had you stumped and they immediately recognize a mistake you made...its because they made the same mistake.

Your ending statement was wonderful. I wish there were more people like you.

I like the Wes top job mate, and good advice tagged on to the end. Al.

Love the comment at the end - well said that man!

A 7ft long heating element, that's hilarious

Watch the "archy sparkies". Love that. End note is a sign of a true professional. Keep up the good work Wes and thanks.

your final words have made me think about how I go off when I see work done badly and get pissed about it, how going off about it can cause problems for me and others, I shall remember that advice forever, cheers.

Another great video! Excellent and quick diagnosis of a serious problem. Tip on professionalism is 150% on point and excellent advice. Guy was probably delighted you didn't soak him for a lot more money - as many would. Men like you make the world a better place.

Love the professional courtesy advice - fully agree. What was refreshing here was the honesty on both sides. Customer could have saved himself some labour hours by telling you what had been done recently.

Stay humble. No one is perfect! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Great advice to be sure. I worked in a field where I checked the work of other people amd instead of berating them and making them feel about 2" tall, I would spend whatever time it took to show them the mistakes and walk them through how to correct them and avoid them in the future and people are far more appreciative of that then being humiliated. I always learn something new with your videos and even though I am not a mechanic, it's helped me know more about my car and how to discuss problems with my shop folks, so you're doing an incredible service to everyone by sharing your knowledge and skills with all of us.

I have never seen that. Had many weird things happen. One machine we have blew up alternators until I traced the positive wire with a rotten spot from road spray. Good advice, never trash who hired you. Take care Wes

You're a credit to your profession Wes,love the channel

This is the first time I have ever watched your videos and I am so frikkin happy that there are guys like you in the world today. You are exactly like myself. Everything you did from start to finish was on point and very professional especially when you too the time to explain on what to do and how to do the job. Not many people out there can be a professional and still be a grounded individual out there. Most of them have inflated egos and run with it. I couldn't be more proud of someone like I am of you. Keep it real!

Customer's remember the grace and professional courtesy long after the repair. It is a reflection on the character of the man.

It was really interesting to watch how you went thru the process of diagnosing and fixing the problem. It was worthwhile posting this one. Thanks,

Thanks Wes, I check almost every morning to see if you posted anything new, I’m glad I checked today! Also, good for you being a class act with your advice at the end, thank you!

Very wise. That's why I love your videos. Get it fixed, get the work done, analyze later. Your follow ups are always informative and often entertaining.

To your point about keeping your trap shut about finding mistakes in jobs, something I've always held to be true is that the only thing more annoying than incompetence is super-competence. No one likes someone who is way better at their job than they are. It's the opposite end of the Peter Principle spectrum. Love watching you work Wes, I hope you keep at making these videos! The best part is I get to watch and I don't get yelled at for holding the flashlight wrong

Excellent video and sage advice. I love going through the process of determining the cause of a failure and how to fix it. Two thumbs up!

Such a wise head on such young shoulders.Well spoken Wes and great work.Cheers from Australia.

Nice speech about not crapping on the customer at the end there. Lots of people try to fix things, and lack the tools or knowledge in the end, so surrender and bring it to the professional. Or they just overlooked the obvious and lack that second pair of eyes at home. They want to learn and should be encouraged. A more practical population is a happier population. Subscribed because of your positive attitude. 👍

Thanks Wes, That was interesting.

I wish that we had mechanics like you here in south Texas. You are one of a kind my friend!

Wes, you'll probably never see this comment on a year old video but never the less, the last minute and a half of this video alone earned the thumbs up I gave you for this one. I've only been subscribed to you for maybe a month now (11/2021) but was your knowledge and especially the professionalism you practice that earned my subscription. Hold your course young man, I believe it to be true! Your a credit to your profession.

Very professional. Your a good teacher. Must come from a good family. Keep the good work Wes.

Your comments on professionalism were spot on. Some folks just don't get it.

Very good advice.I enjoy watching you work on trucks and heavy equipment.I grew up doing it also.Thank you for the videos.

Hello from rural Idaho. My husband and I watch you faithfully. I have learned so much but doubt I will be giving you any competition. (Not because I'm a female, but I hit the big 70 and would have to take frequent naps between changing out the glow plugs in my husband's cherished 7.3 Ford 250 Superduty....whatever) and not saying I wouldn't try...ya maybe not..... We love your advice at the end of this video. My first husband was an exotic car mechanic in So. CA and ran very successful business because he lived by that same rule. GOOD FOR YOU! You're not only super smart but humble. God bless you kid. Keep teaching and entertaining us with your videos. (We found out our neighbor also watches you.)

Wes, I appreciate you sharing this video and the words of professionalism.

Good advice when dealing with repairs. We aren't being paid to psychoanalyze or teach, just here to turn wrenches.

Ending comment was spot on. Letting them know about the problem without any commentary is the best practice. Your professionalism will get you call backs. Fixing it and being an ass could put you on their no-go list.

Great video and great advice. Perfect length for me to watch at work. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Wes for the end comment on true professionalism. Sometimes we forget that yes, someone else had worked on it before.

Be Professional. Best advice, ever. I"ve worked in the pool and spa industry for the last 15 years, and have trained many service technicians. "Keep your mouth shut!" is often the hardest thing for them to learn; until that awkward moment when...

very well said Sir, your professionalism is impeccable.

Great final words, great attitude. As always.

Most people who have worked on a vehicle and screwed something up and then drop it in your lap are embarrassed with not knowing what they did wrong. You are right, rubbing it in won't generate a repeat customer. I've had friends stop by and say something like "can you look at my back brakes? I changed the shoes, and now the rears won't work." Then you find they weren't bled, etc. They didn't know how to do that, or even how to adjust the shoes". I then offer to help with their next project, or direct them to KZfaq tutorials. In Pennsylvania, we help our neighbors if we can, especially if they are elderly. We also have several local mechanics who will always do a great job. Others. not so much. As you know, what some people diagnose as their problem may just be the tip of the iceberg once a trained eye looks at it. You relate your customer interactions very well.

nice work Wes... Part of the difficulty in troubleshooting something like this is knowing how some component was "suppose to work" without having access to diagrams or service info... I am dealign with that now on the stupid belt sander optical eye... Good advice at the end, and yes, so many folks LOVE to point out what someone else did before and bad mouth it. Your wise beyond your years... Congrats on the growth of yoru channel!

That is very insightful and even more true Wes. I’ve been behind builders who didn’t do something right or to building code. You just have to show the customer and explain what the issue is and what needs to be done to fix it. There’s a 50/50 chance that they were the one who did it. I watch a lot of auto repair channels on KZfaq. It’s educational. There is no way I could get a chance to see everything 3 or 4 shops see just by working on my 4 vehicles. And it’s entertaining too.

Pretty cool, thanks for sharing what you found. Nobody is perfect, everyone makes mistakes! Love the sound of the L10 Cummins!

I ran a grader for a little bit as an equipment operator. You really only use a few levers the most and you learn where they are like typing on a keyboard. I don’t really like running graders they can be frustrating. That’s funny most likely the guy who worked on it is the guy that is paying you. Great advice. You can’t really take something back once it’s said. I’ve said things I have instantly regretted and I’ve been happy I didn’t say something I was thinking.

Good video and really like what you said at the end you always come out on top being a professional about it.

Be professional - good advice for all trades. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

Great Video, Great Advice. I teach apprentices and one of my warnings is you never know who you are talking to, be honest, be professional. If you don’t know the answer tell them, and that you will find the answer. I have had guys try to BS a customer thinking they were just a janitor or maintenance guy, in reality he is the owner of the multi million dollar business that you no longer are allowed to work at. I know this video is old, but great. Thanks, Wes.

They were very lucky to find someone like yourself and with your skills.

With a attitude like that you will go far in your business very good job..

thats a very much THUMBS UP about the talk at the end! not many people would be as professional about a job as that, and you sir, appear are a cut above in that regard! we need more people in the world like you!

Great piece of fault finding and some very sound advice 👍

Great job and advice! I love the short and sweet too! 👏🏻👍🏻

Wes you have wise words,And you have mostly got another customer good vlog

I went to work for an industrial hydraulics company once. Seems you spend more time is a class than you do working. One class was actually about etiquette. Never bad mouth the mechanic before you as we all are capable of making mistakes. Very good thing. I cannot count all the mistakes I've made, lol Your a good man Wes, you have to admit we do see some strange things in our line of work.. Lol..

Great video…..very smart approach to dealing with customers

I love the dry, 1980 Chevy Chase style of humor you have............"I've never run a motor grader before. How do you do it? Do you have to have 8 hands?" I was literally laughing out loud! That was great! Thanks for the laugh man! Have a great weekend!

Excellent video and excellent advice, Wes. That is why you have 60K subscribers, and still growing.

Well put Wes! Entertaining and instructive as always, thanks for posting it😁👍

Great job and good advice thank you Wes !!!

Nice video. I wish you were closer to s.w. missouri. I am getting older and most of the shops like yours, that you could depend on, have closed and or retired. I could keep you busy for at least a month. I can't get up and down very well anymore.

Other people’s mistakes make us money. They also make us look good.

It always best to repair the damage and send them the bill. Great professionalism.

You are a wise young man. Very impressive.

Your thinking is very honest and plain...i agree 100%. I work in mining facilities, but only during commissioning, start-up and ramp-up stages... Sometimes the things we find are hard to believe, but the guys that hired our company are the ones that designed and built the plant, expended hundreds of millions, sometimes thousands of millions...and they want it running and producing YESTERDAY. No time or reason for recrimination/excuses/justifications... Cheers from the Patagonia, SouthAmerica.

Good job. Wasn't long ago I was doing the exact same thing as you. We used to have a constant lineup of trucks and tractors to repair.

What you said at the very end is so underrated, I've experienced that a few too many times in the past, and I learned 2 ways of dealing with it, first take the project somewhere else, second learn to repair things yourself. No one starts out as an expert with repairing anything, its all a learning experience, and the last thing you need is some hotshot mechanic calling you a dumba$$ for trying to do something yourself.

Number 1) Champion grader. UGH! Did battle with more then one of them in my career. Number 2) Would take the champion over the 14M we got at work just before I retired. Can you imagine the damage that would have happened if you crossed the polarity on it! Your little life lesson at the end was spot on.

I think the last 1:30 of this video is the best part of the video, I appreciate your philosophy and could not agree more. Well Done Wes!

it was a good video made by a gentleman , we can all learn from our mistakes

Great video Wes Good business philosophy Be safe out there.

Just found your channel, really liking it.

You'll go far in business, I have the same attitude in my business dealings as you. Never tell your customer he is an idiot, after all he is paying you. You can think to yourself but never tell the customer. I have been in business for myself 50 years, and it has worked well for me.

I am a former US Navy Corpsman, and, a retired Physicians Assistant, in some instances being wrong can cost a life or limb, so, yeah, no one wants to be wrong! I'm my business uh oh, or, oops is really bad! Love your vids. Doc Mike USN

Another great video Wes thanks for sharing 👍🇦🇺🚜

I agree with you, fix the problem as a professional like you explained to the customer what’s needed to complete the repair he will respect you and be happy that the grader is fixed and hopefully give you more work in the future.

Totally agree with your last comments! BTW, more short videos like this as well as your main videos would be great.

A positive ground lends me to think an old fella who's own vehicle had a positive ground, changed the batteries, and hooked them up to a positive ground. Some folk never cease to amaze me.

Good speech and that's how a customer wants no bull !

I was just curious about the video until you spoke about being a professional , just doing your job and keep your trap shut..I’m now a new subscriber ... great advice

Champion Motor graders. Built in Goodrich Ontario, for many years. Champions were sent world wide, then Volvo bought them and shut them down. They were the go to graders. Every motor grader is styled on the Canadian original.

Excellent advice on the customer relations part. Regards Mark in the UK

I really like your advice on the final, its a great lesson for me. Excuse my very bad english. Thank you great advice. Saludos desde Argentina

My friend Tate loves your channel so much

your wise words at the end reminded me of a time i put new pickups in one of my guitars, id done it before but this was my first time doing it with 2 volume/tone knobs. anyways i thought i had it but couldnt get it working, so i took it to the music shop to be done professionally. got a call the next day from the tech flying off the handle about some ameture screwed up all the wiring, apparently not knowing it was me he was belittling. never went back after that, and honestly he didnt even really get it working. anyways, good stuff as always Wes!