www.jec.org.uk

I've just bought a new tank sender unit for my S1 3.8 FHC from one of the major Jaguar parts suppliers. Rather than the anticipated task of dropping it in and screwing it down I am faced with figuring out how to get the damn thing working.

Firstly, it looks nothing like the original item and secondly, if they are selling it for a specific purpose (S1 E Type, for instance) then why isn't it supplied fit for that purpose? There aren't even any instructions to suggest where you should start.

Now, I'm no idiot, and I know I will figure it out but it will probably take as long to sort out as it would to get my original sender unit working. So why did I bother?

Why do we allow these suppliers to get away with hastily cobbling together stuff that will sort of work and leaving the punter to sort it out and refine it? The parts prices certainly don't reflect this slap dab approach to engineering.

The club used to have a spares watchdog and there was a short period where parts were reviewed and pressure brought to bear on the suppliers but that is a long distant memory with the club appearing to cosy up to these people instead of keeping them honest.

What can we do?

Hi Stuart, if you haven't done so already I suggest you complete a feedback form in the Recommended Suppliers section of the website where you can be more specific and hopefully prompt some action.

Gareth.

"Why do we allow these suppliers to get away with hastily cobbling together stuff that will sort of work and leaving the punter to sort it out and refine it?"

Because they can and do, not many complain, they do like most people do and fix the problem because its easier and you won't get anywjere they'll say return the part at your cost and they'll refurn you.
Of course you are at least £10 out of pocket on postage charges.

Dave

Firstly, sorry to hear of your problems.

You are right, the 'Reproduction Parts Sub-Committe' did a good job in identifying 'rogue' parts and did force some suppliers to make changes.

The committee was formed in June 2001 and worked until about 2005.
The major members were: Colin Ford, Ken Bell, Ken Jenkins, Dave Marks & Brian Reid - All acknowledged experts in their field.

Quite why this important work was stopped, I couldn't possibly comment upon.

What can we do? Complain!
....to the current Chaiman, Sue Hedley.

Follow the link below to see published articles:

(I spent some time editing the text, so it is readable,
but there may well be errors and discontinuities).

Reproduction Parts Just press Search, links are on left.

ps Brother Colin says he usually tries to repair, rather replace duff senders. I wonder why!