Action: Jet Ski repair soaks owner

On Aug. 22, I brought my Kawasaki Jet Ski into an authorized repair shop in Clearwater, because the engine would not start. The Jet Ski was to be covered under a warranty. After the shop had torn down the engine, it diagnosed that the crank was damaged due to rust and I was told, after the fact, that this would not be covered under the warranty.

I had bought this Jet Ski in March from a private individual with full knowledge that the engine was recently rebuilt and covered under the "Good Times Protection Plan" extended warranty from Kawasaki through April 1. The shop's position is that this Jet Ski was submerged underwater and the crank was damaged due to rust. I was charged $150.23 to disassemble the engine and diagnose the problem. At no time was I told that I would be charged to diagnose the problem, let alone disassemble the engine. The estimate for repairs was $1,925.10.

I had no choice but to put this charge on my credit card so I could recover my Jet Ski and take it to another shop, with the engine disassembled, for repair. There, I was told that the Jet Ski has never been submerged; otherwise, most of the engine would have been rusted. It appears that the only part of the engine that contains rust is one cylinder, which is cracked. This second shop felt that the bearing in the crank went bad, causing the crank to crack.

The second shop sought the opinion of a third, with the same results: that if my Jet Ski had been submerged, there would be signs of rust in all three cylinders, in the electrical system, controls and motor compartment as well.

Once repaired, I took my Jet Ski to a Kawasaki dealer, who concurred that the rust was not the result of submersion. The dealer called Kawasaki in California but could not persuade it to repair the Jet Ski under the warranty.

My father called and spoke to Eric Sievers with Kawasaki Motors, and his position is that corrosion is not a manufacturer's defect and wouldn't be covered under the warranty. Our position is that the rust or corrosion was caused by the motor sitting at the first shop without any oil in the engine.

I have three qualified mechanics who will give statements that this motor repair should be covered under the warranty. Please see what you can do. Alan Agoado

Response: Eric Sievers, consumer analyst with Kawasaki in Santa Ana and Irvine, Calif., said the company is familiar with your complaint. Basically, the engine does not get corroded unless it has been submerged in water, as when a rider dumps it. He said that when water gets into a cylinder, it is in a confined space, and when the water is compressed by the movement of the cylinder, it can cause breakage. Kawasaki stands by its statement that this is not a covered fault.

We're sorry we couldn't help. You always have the option of seeking resolution in small claims court.

Bills stop coming

After reading how you have helped others who have problems with lab bills, I thought I would send you my problem. On March 18, 1999, I had a mammogram at a hospital. At that time, I was with AvMed. A few months later, I started receiving bills. I would call AvMed each time and each time got a different excuse for why it hadn't been resolved but that it would be taken care of. One time I was actually told a check had been sent, but when I called the radiology office, I was told it had never been received. The hospital has been paid, but not the radiology office.

I am sending you the bill I just received. I did not make a photocopy of it because I have seven just like it. When AvMed started charging $93 a month beginning Jan. 1, I left it and went with another insurance carrier. I do hope you can get this straightened out. Thank you so much. Rosalee Guge

Response: AvMed never responded to our Oct. 26 letter, but we were glad to get your message that you have stopped receiving bills. We will consider this case closed unless we hear otherwise.

Less than full refund

I answered an ad for a hearing test. In reply, I was called and a gentleman came to my home to give me the test. He told me that he could fit me with a hearing aid that would be as well-suited for me as the model he has demonstrated in my home, but that if his instruments did not record the same improvement level, there would be no charge. This was stated on the agreement that we signed.

I returned the hearing aid for a full refund as was promised but received only $2,129.05 credit, leaving a balance of $269.95 on my credit card. A letter I received from the company regarding the cancellation of my purchase said that the money was being kept for service and cancellation fees. I have written to the company twice since then without getting a response. I would be in your debt if you would try to get this matter settled. Edward Kudlac

Response: Under state law, hearing aids may be returned for any reason, and consumers must be given a written 30-day trial period and money-back guarantee, minus certain costs. You did not send us a copy of the back of the agreement you signed with the hearing aid company, which is where the warranty notices and refund policy were outlined. However, we suspect that if you read it closely, you will discover it states that in making refunds, certain costs will be deducted. You may also contact the agencies listed on the front of your contract for assistance.

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If you have a question for Action, or your attempts to resolve a consumer complaint have failed, write: Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call your Action number, 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, (800) 333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request for Action. Names will not be omitted except in unusual circumstances. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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