If you are considering purchasing a rebuilt engine from NAPA, you might want to reconsider…read more I like to buy local when I can even if it costs more. So, in March 2019, I paid the Westbay NAPA store in nearby Poulsbo, WA, $3,290.70 for a rebuilt marine GMC 5.7 L long block to go in my 54-foot, 10,000-pound houseboat. My mechanic swears he told the salesperson that it was for a jet drive powering a 54-foot houseboat when he ordered it. When I came in later to pay for it, I recall mentioning what it was for, too. The NAPA engine failed after less than 20 hours of run time. At first, we thought it was a bad starter. $1,700 in mechanics' fees later, having tried everything from new starters to Miracle Oil to get the engine to turn over, I had to face the fact the brand-new NAPA engine was totally frozen up. The mystery was why? Why would a newly rebuilt engine fail so suddenly and catastrophically? I rented an expensive crane boat and had the engine pulled. Then, I had another, impartial professional mechanic (not the one who installed it) disassemble the motor. Another mechanic and a certified ship's captain with decades of experience with small boat engines served as witnesses. I also took photos. The mechanics concluded the engine seized up because at least one of the cylinder walls had cracked due to overheating. However, the overheating sensor on the freeze plug was intact. Further investigation revealed the engine had been bored out to 60 over, leaving too little metal between the piston walls and the water jacket to properly dissipate the heat created by an engine under constant heavy load. It was also noted the camshaft was more suited for zipping along a small speed boat, rather than a pushing a lumbering 54-foot long houseboat. The 10,000-pound houseboat requires an engine designed for torque, they explained, not speed (think an ocean-going truck as opposed to a sports car). "It looks like this was an engine they had in the back of the shop and wanted to get rid of," said the lead mechanic. "A small-block like this, being bored out to the max like it is, you can't even turn it in for the core charge on another engine. It's junk." Armed with this information, I went to see the manager at the Poulsbo NAPA store (www.westbayautoparts.com/poulsbo.html). He informed me NAPA (napaonline.com) had outsourced its engine rebuilding work; my engine came from KP Automotive Machine (http://kpautomachine.com) located in Spokane, Washington. Together, the manager and I spoke to a KP representative. The outcome was disappointing, to put it mildly. Westbay NAPA says it doesn't have any liability -- even though they took my $3,290.70 and ordered the engine -- because it was KP's responsibility to deliver a sound engine. However, KP says it isn't their fault because the Westbay NAPA folks didn't tell them what kind of boat it was going into. The only thing they both agree on is that it is all my fault because my original mechanic didn't send in the warranty. Right.... The manager at the Poulsbo Westbay NAPA store did agree to give me spark plugs and antifreeze, gaskets and other things for a new engine that he valued at $200. In the meantime, I was out $3,290.71 for the bum NAPA/KP engine, some $8,000 in mechanics' fees, the price of another engine, and another crane boat rental to put the new engine into my boat. This time around, I did not buy a replacement engine at a NAPA store. I also paid a lot less for a solid engine that hasn't been bored out and has the proper cam. I have been a NAPA customer for 58 years; always considered them the epitome of parts stores with the best quality parts and customer service. No longer. T. M. Asla, Ph.D. Proeducation.kitsap@gmail.com

Stopped by one rainy night recently to get a new windshield wiper. I was helped my a nice young…read morefella who helped me pick out the best wiper blade you can get. It's one of the flat types and it works better than any wiper I've ever used before. It's quiet and doesn't smear the water around like the old one did.

These folks are GREAT! I needed a specific part to fix a ladder. Not only did they understand what…read moreI needed but they found the part in simply minutes! Thanks everyone! The guy from Lowes said he didn't have the part but to come to West Bay Auto Parts because there would be people here who would know what I needed. And he was right!

Purchased a headlight for my car from here and the service was top notch! Although they are not…read moremechanics, when looking up the part number there was some confusion as to whether the part was in store but he knew which one I needed and installed the headlight too! I thought I should replace both but he let me know it was not really necessary, I appreciate a salesman that is more concerned with me getting the most out of the one it have rather than trying to boost his store sales. $11 later I'm rolling with two headlights again :)

Aaron is a very professional and well-qualified mechanic he handled the job very well and I am very…read morepleased with his work well worth the money

I needed a truck bed crane installed in my pick-up truck so I can load my generator when we tow our…read moreFifth Wheel RV. I needed it to be attached firmly to the frame of the truck, not just to the sheet metal of the bed, which would not be strong enough to lift the generator without damaging the truck. Aaron responded promptly when called. He took his time trouble-shooting various possible solutions, and came up with a simple, inexpensive plan. He returned today and did the job in a couple of hours, including welding, and then stuck around and assisted me in load testing of the crane. Crane works and stows beautifully. SO, Aaron did not only did excellent work, but brainstormed with me for a solution unique to my circumstances. I will be hiring Aaron again soon for some other projects, he was very easy to work with, and stayed within his estimate which was reasonable to begin with.

I had a great experience with Aaron and Orca Auto Repair. I was having an issue with the driver's…read moreseat in my Honda Pilot not moving back far enough, and Aaron went above and beyond to help get it fixed for me. He took the time to figure out what was actually wrong, went out of his way to track down a replacement seat, and got me in quickly to have the repair completed. The whole process was straightforward, communication was great, and I really appreciated the effort he put into finding a solution instead of just telling me the part was unavailable or the repair would be difficult. My seat is working properly again and I can finally sit comfortably in the car. I would absolutely recommend Aaron and Orca Auto Repair to anyone looking for a trustworthy auto repair shop that is willing to put in the extra effort to actually solve the problem.

Came to aaron with a misfire, he is a stand up guy, replaced my spark plugs along with an Ignition…read morecoil, got me in and out. QUALITY SERVICE & VERY FAIR PRICING.. will be going here for future repair. Thanks an again Aaron!

Have had rock chips repaired 4 times and they are still holding. Quick no appt needed service,…read morefriendly and helpful

My Nissan Murano developed a serious water leak due to plugged drain lines in the sunroof. The team…read moreat the Autoglass Clinic expertly removed the entire sunroof to access and clean out the drain lines. They were professional, courteous, and excellent communicators providing updates throughout the process. I would highly encourage anyone to contact them for services.

Recommend Larry highly. He is our go to guy when we have an issue with our motorhome.read more

They are a great team. Timely, knowledgable and answered technical and knowledge questions very…read morewell. Even went out of his way o look at my RV roof.

I had an unfortunate mishap with a tire on my truck and Eagle Towing Bremerton was called by my…read moreroadside assistance company. I could not have been more pleased with the service and professionalism that I received from this local towing service. Outstanding.

Terrible customer service. My car broke down so I was getting roadside assistance through my…read moreinsurance. I was notified that Eagle towing was going to provide service and that it would be an hour wait. I googled their location and they were only 2.5 miles away from me so I called just to confirm the wait time, I understand that maybe they were all busy at the moment but I would assume that if they have someone available they would be within close proximity of their main location but instead of explaining anything they just said "what are we supposed to do just sit here and wait for your call?" and continued to talk to me like I'm some kind of idiot.

Our visit today was for rock chip repair was awesome. Such friendly staff and welcoming…read moreenvironment. Price was incredible and service was fast. The chip repair was very clean and we are very happy with it. Thank you again for the amazing service today

These guys are great. I needed a new rear truck window and they delivered. They do excellent work…read moreand they stand behind the finished work. I would use them again if needed. Highly recommended.