Topic: Mechanic in NYC area?

[LRSDTIM]

I have an oil leak in my CB350F that has reached epic proportions. Can anyone recommend a mechanic or shop that isn't likely to gouge me? I've never torn down an engine so I'm nervous about doing it myself. The only estimate I have for a head gasket replacement over the phone was around $1000, does that seem really high or close to what I should expect? If it is, I may chance it and do the work myself.

[Gordon]

The best mechanic for your bike is you!  If you have a place you can work on it, then do it yourself.  Without even knowing anything about you, I feel comfortable saying that the work is well within your capabilities, as long as you can read instructions and follow them.  You don't even need to pull the engine to work on the top end on anything but the 750's.  If you get hung up on something that you can't figure out on your own then come research or ask questions on this forum, that's what it's here for. 

We hate to see someone throw away their hard-earned money on a mechanic that may not even do the work right, and not learn anything about their bike in the process.  

[edbikerii]

$1000 seems like a pretty reasonable estimate to me.  Might even be a little low.  It is basically an all day job, after all.

I'd prefer to do it myself, as I am rarely satisfied with the level of care that others take with my bike.

That being said, there was one gentleman, Jorge, who had a shop called ARC Cycle over on the west side highway and 11th street, about 12 years ago.  I think his shop got turned into an apartment building, and he moved over to 14th or 15th street and 9th or 10th ave.  Jorge used to be good, fair, and reasonably priced.  I haven't seen him in years.  He was very helpful with me when I was new to bikes.

[mb3000gt]

I say get a shop manual and do it yourself, its not that big of a job and if you get stuck the guys on this board can always help you out. I think 1000 is too much as it should only take a couple of hours. most of the shops around here (i'm in brooklyn) kinda suck. use factory gaskets, not worth taking a chance on aftermarket ones.

[Gordon]

as it should only take a couple of hours.

I have to respectfully disagree with that.  If you do the job right, it's going to take longer than a couple of hours

[edbikerii]

as it should only take a couple of hours.

I have to respectfully disagree with that.  If you do the job right, it's going to take longer than a couple of hours

Yeah, it'll probably take more than a couple of hours just to scrape the old gaskets off properly.

[736cc]

Alternative Cycle 516-379-3287 at 77 Sunrise Hwy, Freeport Long Island. Mitch's shop is the only shop I'll  recommend, owner-operated and KNOWS Jap bikes all years.

[LRSDTIM]

Alternative is the one that quoted me $1000. Thanks for the encouragement folks. I'm nervous I'm going to screw it up and have to pay someone just as much to fix any mistakes I made. Fortunately I have a space to work for the next week or so. Time to search for gasket tips on the board...