Rocker Arm / Cam "good will" request DENIED by Ducati NA! (Sorry, but long winded...)

[desmofetish]

Here is my original post regarding the subject:

Rocker Arm and Cam replacement by way of Ducati goodwill...

As some of you know, I have been waiting to receive word from Ducati NA regarding my request for the "goodwill" of 16 rockers (all have failed) as well as 3 of the 4 cams which failed as a result of the flaking rockers. Well the call came today as I was notified that Ducati NA has declined my claim. They came to this determination as they feel there must have been something wrong with the engine to have caused this, not the quality of the rockers or the cams themselves.

So, here is why I am pissed. I have been paying the premium of using only Ducati Authorized Techs at Ducati Authorized Dealerships all along. I have done so, as suggested by Ducati, in hopes to assure that I would avoid any issues these motorcycles are prone to. Or, if regardless of such they still occurred, I would have the service record required to receive their support. The bottom-end was rebuilt just 6k miles ago at a Ducati Dealer as well as having the full valve adjustment... and I personally requested and was told that my cams would be pulled (something I request at every service) to assure all rockers were good. This was confirmed to be so. Then, 6k miles later, I need $2k ($3k w/labor) in rockers and cams??? With 0 track days and average rpm at 6.5k-8k during daily commute.

I am very disappointed at this point and will now be left with the following decision:

#1. Part out my fully customized bike and find an alternative means of transportation for the next year, before moving abroad.

#2. Locate a 998 or 999 complete with electrics, fuel injectors, computer and exhaust for a transplant... that is, if I can locate such and afford it.

#3. Or repair the bike. This final option seems unreasonable as it will be a total of $3k in parts and labor to do so after having over $4500 worth of work done on the bottom-end only 6k miles ago. The bottom-end is fine, and therefore could likely be sold as is to help with the cost of a transplant.

I have never owned any other motorcycle other than Ducati's. This is my third Ducati in 5 years of riding. I am very disappointed that they have reached the decision they have.

While in the past I was not in the position that required me to consider speaking to a lawyer, perhaps this is now the time. I accepted the possibility of faulty rockers as I understood Ducati would stand behind such, at least in parts... but now, I am curious who else would partake in the dreaded "class action law suit". Am I wrong to feel as though I should consult a lawyer??? Even if the determination was not found in my favor, perhaps it could award others who have been in my predicament? I understand that even bringing this up can be cause to get me "flamed", but then I guess that's the cost of participating in an open forum...

...I am just left feeling as though Ducati has failed me...

…And if the responsibility isn’t with Ducati NA, then who? The dealer who handled the bottom-end rebuild and valve service only 6k miles ago? What outside of perhaps improper maintenance could have possibly caused such damage? Or myself, as the bike is out of warranty with 24k total miles and therefore regardless of a proper service record and no abuse, it’s all on me? What’s your opinion?

Thanks guys for assisting me in my frustration.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by desmofetish

What’s your opinion?

It's really unusual for ALL the rockers to go from good to bad in 6,000 miles. If it was me (and I knew I had not done anything unusual to cause this) I would highly suspect the bottom end rebuild was faulty in some way. It sounds like an oil supply problem, perhaps caused by a plugged oil passage due to some gasket material escaping or a piece of debris getting inside the engine while it was open. It might be hard to learn what really happened, particularly if you are dependent upon Ducati dealer mechanics to do the investigating.

I'm truly sorry for your unacceptable experience but suggest the problem was more likely caused by the mechanic than Ducati themselves. I recommend that you keep your head and try to develop a strategy that puts pressure on the dealership that did the work to rectify it. I know this isn't much help but it's the best I can do.

This is why I do all my own work. I simply don't believe my chances are better with a factory trained "professional" mechanic.

[grendels_arm]

My advice. Don't pay one more dollar into that bike. $3000 into the bike? Forget that.

[Desmo_Demon]

Originally Posted by Mike

It sounds like an oil supply problem,

Mike, now that you mention it, I remember a bunch of threads a few years ago about the importance of blue-printing a 748's oil pump due to low oil pressure and damage due to this.....I recall doing most of that reading back on the old Ducati Index, though. Haven't heard much about it over the last few years. Buckelew may have some more insight on this.

Originally Posted by grendels_arm

My advice. Don't pay one more dollar into that bike. $3000 into the bike? Forget that.

....and sell it to you for another repair project?

[Mike931]

Originally Posted by Desmo_Demon

Mike, now that you mention it, I remember a bunch of threads a few years ago about the importance of blue-printing a 748's oil pump due to low oil pressure and damage due to this.....I recall doing most of that reading back on the old Ducati Index, though. Haven't heard much about it over the last few years. Buckelew may have some more insight on this.

hmm enquiring minds want to know more

[Desmo_Demon]

Originally Posted by Mike931

hmm enquiring minds want to know more

I remember it was something about the tolerances between the engine block and the oil pump.....I may surf a while and see what I can dig up......I was just told I'm working late, anyway.....gotta find something to do.

[desmofetish]

I do know that my oil pump, along with the crank, pistons, rods and rings were all included in my bottom-end rebuild 6k miles ago... but of course, they were replaced with factory parts. No "blue printing" was involved... or at least my Dealer never charged for this.

[Bella749]

Man, between desmofetish and drendels_arm, it's a sad day on this forum. My condolences to both of you.

[desmofetish]

Originally Posted by Bella749

Man, between desmofetish and drendels_arm, it's a sad day on this forum. My condolences to both of you.

Thanks Bella749... that it is.

[Mike931]

Originally Posted by Bella749

Man, between desmofetish and drendels_arm, it's a sad day on this forum. My condolences to both of you.

Hey count me in! I am replacing all of my rockers due to insane damage across the board including closers in some cases.