Eric Gorr Terrible Customer Service

BobPA wrote:

I really do not like to bash a company publicly, but my patience in this situation has run out. I know I will get ripped on...

I really do not like to bash a company publicly, but my patience in this situation has run out. I know I will get ripped on for this, but please read this post and take a look at the photos with an open mind. Try to put yourself in my shoes. This will be a longish wordy post.

December 1st of last year I sent my 2003 KX 125 cylinder to Eric for a 144cc big bore with race gas compression. He says on his website to send in your old piston and spark plug for a free analysis, so they were also sent. On my work order I stated very clearly to please call me before the work is performed as I would like to discuss options. A few days later I had a PayPal request for payment as the work had already been performed. After a few days of trying I got a hold of him he answered the phone, and luckily the work he performed ended up being what I wanted.

December 12th I received my cylinder back in the mail. None of my old parts were returned, and there was never a "free analysis" given, no biggie really. Upon inspection of my cylinder I noticed a TON of pitting, most of which was large enough to be "nailed". I have had many cylinders re-plated and some pitting is normal, but look at the pictures and you can see it is excessive......especially the large hole on the exhaust bridge. Not only was the pitting terrible, but his "porting" was non existent. Not one of the transfers was even touched, all of the casting marks still remained, and port sizing was stock. I sent him an e-mail with photos and he said send it back, not a problem and I would be refunded for shipping. Cool, I understand that mistakes happen.

Initial cylinder plating






I sent the cylinder back and it returned a few weeks later with a much better port work, but with a SUPER thin crooked exhaust bridge. I also included my PayPal address for the $25 refund, this is just ignored (still is being ignored). Winter was coming to a close so I figured it was time to assemble the engine and get it broken in. We had a nasty blizzard here so our riding season did not start until mid April. April 30th of this year i finally get to take the bike for a ride and start to break it in. Runs descent the first half hour, it was still rich for break in. I take it to my local riding spot to finish the break in and to start to dial in the jetting. This occurs on May 4th. I felt the engine starting to go away and getting weak, so I shut it down and took it home after 1.2 hours of ride time. This is what I found...








Before you tell me I should have measured all the components before install, just remember, I paid someone else a lot of money so I did not have to do so. The piston clearance was too tight causing it to partially seize. The ring was snagging on the powervalve assembly and just for fun, zoom in on the exhaust bridge and look at that terrible chamfer job. Crooked and skinny. So i send the cylinder back once again.

He responds promptly to my e-mails and even acknowledges that I am still owed $25, cool....Shit happens I know. I send it back May 9th. The cylinder returns to me June 6th, still with no PayPal refund, and with numerous e-mails in between stating so. He warrantied the piston, gaskets, and cylinder...Sweet, and the cylinder looks great. He re-welded the exhaust bridge and the plating looks excellent. He ground the exhaust valves so they will no longer hit the piston....etc. There is just one more hitch. The piston he sent back to me has the exhaust bridge cooling holes drilled so crooked that there is no way to cover them with the exhaust bridge.



I sent my initial e-mail about the piston on June 9th (started engine assembly). Since then, I have received nothing. Not one e-mail, no returned phone calls, radio silence. I had to order a piston because I can no longer wait for him to cover the mistakes (I want to ride this thing). I sent him a PayPal request for $130.30 for the piston and return shipping he still owes me (this was mostly to try and get some type of response). I have sent numerous e-mails and tried calling on the phone several times. I was never threatening, nor even angry. If worse comes to worse I would gladly share all of our conversations.

I am mostly making this post out to see if anyone else has been in contact, and could ask him to contact me. I know it is only over $130, but this is months and months of going back and forth...and my bike has been useless ever since. Sorry for the lengthy read, I am just quite frustrated.

jasonwhite wrote:

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding...

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding status.  I was beginning to think I got scammed or the guy died or something.  My frustration and disappointment grew as I was beginning to believe I better be on the hunt for a new jug.  Then finally one day I get a notification that he wants to deliver it to me via the Midwest Engine shop near my home instead of just shipping it back to me.  I figured no harm, good to meet the guy.  So I agree to meet him there.  All seems well.  Eric seemed genuine.  I get home with new gaskets, "a" cylinder, a piston and rings.  When I got ready to install, which was that day I realized the cylinder wasn't bored at all, and the piston was significantly incapable of fitting in that bore.  So I reached out to Eric.  I met him again about two weeks later for the work to be redone.  At this point my faith was waivered as I am wondering about his attention detail and to a customer's paid for service.  

Another three months goes by.  I'm thinking I've already waiting 6 months.  Why the hell isn't my long since paid work prioritized?  Finally, he set a time to meet again to pick up the jug and piston/rings, etc.  all seemed well.  However, the piston has what I would say is too much play in the cylinder.  What do I know, right?  Eric is supposed to be "the man.". 

I assembled the bike (100% restoration).  The bike started on the 2nd kick and sounded great.  The first time I took it out it blew a head gasket after 20 minutes.  Got a new head gasket, installed and torqued the head as always.  Back out again.  I had a couple of short rides and all seemed well, but I noticed engine knock on the top-end of 2nd gear or highigher.  So I pulled the head to make check the piston and cylinder.  All seemed well, and spark plug was a nice Caramel brown.  So I reinstalled with a new head gasket and again, torqued etc.  Next ride, coolant and was gushing out of the head.  That ride ended in 5 minutes.  New head gasket, same deal.  Another new head gasket and brand new OEM head.  Still gushing coolant.  Another new head gasket, and the bike just won't start.  Turns out coolant is getting into the cylinder.  After 8 hrs of trying everything I can to keep the coolant head leak to stop.  Finally I got it.  Took the bike out and it rode great for 15 minutes.  I chose to stop, let it cool and check the coolant level.  It was low again.  I topped it off and tried restarting.  Clearly the plug was being fouled again and it would not start.  I checked the coolant level after  a few minutes of kick starting and it was low already not having even started.  

At this point I believe there is a hairline crack somewhere in the jug.  I am almost certain it is not my jug.  Now I have a beautiful restoration worth little as is. Can I blame Eric?  I cannot for certain, but this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to restorations or top end rebuilds.  All I know is that I have a jug gushing coolant into the cylinder and have had head gasket issues repeatedly, even with a new head.  In fact the second head gasket was broken with pieces I know not where, likely in the case now as sometimes kicking it feels like something is getting jammed up.  My guess is that because the piston is not a snug fit it is hitting the head gasket unevenly, which cause the gasket to break the 2nd replacement.  Now I'm looking at a full engine rebuild again with only a few short rides.  I ordered the last used jug I can find on the Internet and will make sure it is in pristine condition before installing, but hopefully it's not bored out.  Another builder I follow says he's not a fan of BB kits due to unknown issues that arise.  I am beginning to side with that.  However, I have a  Eddie Sanders 325 BB kit on my 250 and it has been fine with greater quality of work and customer service than Eric Gore and Eddie is or was just as busy with orders.  At least with my 250 I can revert to my old jug if need be.  I'd inquire with Eric Gore, but at this point I believe I had dealt with someone that these days lacks integrity of work and communication.  So, it's not worth the headache and months of lost time if I even allowed him to do any work.

 

profeshenal125 wrote:

Weird thread since he’s been retired for yrs. 

profeshenal125 wrote:

Weird thread since he’s been retired for yrs. 

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

Why and how would a piston ever hit a head gasket?

Do you mean the cylinder head? 



 

BoxcarWilly wrote:

If I got a piston with relief holes drilled like that I wouldn't even bother emailing him, I would just file a CC charge back. Stevie...

If I got a piston with relief holes drilled like that I wouldn't even bother emailing him, I would just file a CC charge back. Stevie Wonder could do it better after 6 beers. 

jasonwhite wrote:

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding...

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding status.  I was beginning to think I got scammed or the guy died or something.  My frustration and disappointment grew as I was beginning to believe I better be on the hunt for a new jug.  Then finally one day I get a notification that he wants to deliver it to me via the Midwest Engine shop near my home instead of just shipping it back to me.  I figured no harm, good to meet the guy.  So I agree to meet him there.  All seems well.  Eric seemed genuine.  I get home with new gaskets, "a" cylinder, a piston and rings.  When I got ready to install, which was that day I realized the cylinder wasn't bored at all, and the piston was significantly incapable of fitting in that bore.  So I reached out to Eric.  I met him again about two weeks later for the work to be redone.  At this point my faith was waivered as I am wondering about his attention detail and to a customer's paid for service.  

Another three months goes by.  I'm thinking I've already waiting 6 months.  Why the hell isn't my long since paid work prioritized?  Finally, he set a time to meet again to pick up the jug and piston/rings, etc.  all seemed well.  However, the piston has what I would say is too much play in the cylinder.  What do I know, right?  Eric is supposed to be "the man.". 

I assembled the bike (100% restoration).  The bike started on the 2nd kick and sounded great.  The first time I took it out it blew a head gasket after 20 minutes.  Got a new head gasket, installed and torqued the head as always.  Back out again.  I had a couple of short rides and all seemed well, but I noticed engine knock on the top-end of 2nd gear or highigher.  So I pulled the head to make check the piston and cylinder.  All seemed well, and spark plug was a nice Caramel brown.  So I reinstalled with a new head gasket and again, torqued etc.  Next ride, coolant and was gushing out of the head.  That ride ended in 5 minutes.  New head gasket, same deal.  Another new head gasket and brand new OEM head.  Still gushing coolant.  Another new head gasket, and the bike just won't start.  Turns out coolant is getting into the cylinder.  After 8 hrs of trying everything I can to keep the coolant head leak to stop.  Finally I got it.  Took the bike out and it rode great for 15 minutes.  I chose to stop, let it cool and check the coolant level.  It was low again.  I topped it off and tried restarting.  Clearly the plug was being fouled again and it would not start.  I checked the coolant level after  a few minutes of kick starting and it was low already not having even started.  

At this point I believe there is a hairline crack somewhere in the jug.  I am almost certain it is not my jug.  Now I have a beautiful restoration worth little as is. Can I blame Eric?  I cannot for certain, but this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to restorations or top end rebuilds.  All I know is that I have a jug gushing coolant into the cylinder and have had head gasket issues repeatedly, even with a new head.  In fact the second head gasket was broken with pieces I know not where, likely in the case now as sometimes kicking it feels like something is getting jammed up.  My guess is that because the piston is not a snug fit it is hitting the head gasket unevenly, which cause the gasket to break the 2nd replacement.  Now I'm looking at a full engine rebuild again with only a few short rides.  I ordered the last used jug I can find on the Internet and will make sure it is in pristine condition before installing, but hopefully it's not bored out.  Another builder I follow says he's not a fan of BB kits due to unknown issues that arise.  I am beginning to side with that.  However, I have a  Eddie Sanders 325 BB kit on my 250 and it has been fine with greater quality of work and customer service than Eric Gore and Eddie is or was just as busy with orders.  At least with my 250 I can revert to my old jug if need be.  I'd inquire with Eric Gore, but at this point I believe I had dealt with someone that these days lacks integrity of work and communication.  So, it's not worth the headache and months of lost time if I even allowed him to do any work.

 

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

Why and how would a piston ever hit a head gasket?

Do you mean the cylinder head? 



 

jasonwhite wrote:

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding...

I thought I was the only one.  When I sent my  jug to Eric I was excited.  Nearly 6 months went by with zero responses regarding status.  I was beginning to think I got scammed or the guy died or something.  My frustration and disappointment grew as I was beginning to believe I better be on the hunt for a new jug.  Then finally one day I get a notification that he wants to deliver it to me via the Midwest Engine shop near my home instead of just shipping it back to me.  I figured no harm, good to meet the guy.  So I agree to meet him there.  All seems well.  Eric seemed genuine.  I get home with new gaskets, "a" cylinder, a piston and rings.  When I got ready to install, which was that day I realized the cylinder wasn't bored at all, and the piston was significantly incapable of fitting in that bore.  So I reached out to Eric.  I met him again about two weeks later for the work to be redone.  At this point my faith was waivered as I am wondering about his attention detail and to a customer's paid for service.  

Another three months goes by.  I'm thinking I've already waiting 6 months.  Why the hell isn't my long since paid work prioritized?  Finally, he set a time to meet again to pick up the jug and piston/rings, etc.  all seemed well.  However, the piston has what I would say is too much play in the cylinder.  What do I know, right?  Eric is supposed to be "the man.". 

I assembled the bike (100% restoration).  The bike started on the 2nd kick and sounded great.  The first time I took it out it blew a head gasket after 20 minutes.  Got a new head gasket, installed and torqued the head as always.  Back out again.  I had a couple of short rides and all seemed well, but I noticed engine knock on the top-end of 2nd gear or highigher.  So I pulled the head to make check the piston and cylinder.  All seemed well, and spark plug was a nice Caramel brown.  So I reinstalled with a new head gasket and again, torqued etc.  Next ride, coolant and was gushing out of the head.  That ride ended in 5 minutes.  New head gasket, same deal.  Another new head gasket and brand new OEM head.  Still gushing coolant.  Another new head gasket, and the bike just won't start.  Turns out coolant is getting into the cylinder.  After 8 hrs of trying everything I can to keep the coolant head leak to stop.  Finally I got it.  Took the bike out and it rode great for 15 minutes.  I chose to stop, let it cool and check the coolant level.  It was low again.  I topped it off and tried restarting.  Clearly the plug was being fouled again and it would not start.  I checked the coolant level after  a few minutes of kick starting and it was low already not having even started.  

At this point I believe there is a hairline crack somewhere in the jug.  I am almost certain it is not my jug.  Now I have a beautiful restoration worth little as is. Can I blame Eric?  I cannot for certain, but this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to restorations or top end rebuilds.  All I know is that I have a jug gushing coolant into the cylinder and have had head gasket issues repeatedly, even with a new head.  In fact the second head gasket was broken with pieces I know not where, likely in the case now as sometimes kicking it feels like something is getting jammed up.  My guess is that because the piston is not a snug fit it is hitting the head gasket unevenly, which cause the gasket to break the 2nd replacement.  Now I'm looking at a full engine rebuild again with only a few short rides.  I ordered the last used jug I can find on the Internet and will make sure it is in pristine condition before installing, but hopefully it's not bored out.  Another builder I follow says he's not a fan of BB kits due to unknown issues that arise.  I am beginning to side with that.  However, I have a  Eddie Sanders 325 BB kit on my 250 and it has been fine with greater quality of work and customer service than Eric Gore and Eddie is or was just as busy with orders.  At least with my 250 I can revert to my old jug if need be.  I'd inquire with Eric Gore, but at this point I believe I had dealt with someone that these days lacks integrity of work and communication.  So, it's not worth the headache and months of lost time if I even allowed him to do any work.

 

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

Why and how would a piston ever hit a head gasket?

Do you mean the cylinder head? 



 

jasonwhite wrote:

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting...

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting the gasket, which is what was causing the gasket to get destroyed.

I doubled up the gasket under the cylinder and it gives just enough space to not top out and break the gasket.  If there was a correct size gasket for 144 bores that would solve the issue as well.

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

Why and how would a piston ever hit a head gasket?

Do you mean the cylinder head? 



 

jasonwhite wrote:

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting...

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting the gasket, which is what was causing the gasket to get destroyed.

I doubled up the gasket under the cylinder and it gives just enough space to not top out and break the gasket.  If there was a correct size gasket for 144 bores that would solve the issue as well.

soggy wrote:

I can’t believe there isn’t a specific gasket for 144 kits?

soggy wrote:

I can’t believe there isn’t a specific gasket for 144 kits?

Jeremy Macduff wrote:

Why and how would a piston ever hit a head gasket?

Do you mean the cylinder head? 



 

jasonwhite wrote:

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting...

The 144 is bored larger than the head gasket opening, which is for a 125.  If the piston is hitting the head it is also hitting the gasket, which is what was causing the gasket to get destroyed.

I doubled up the gasket under the cylinder and it gives just enough space to not top out and break the gasket.  If there was a correct size gasket for 144 bores that would solve the issue as well.

soggy wrote:

I can’t believe there isn’t a specific gasket for 144 kits?

JayByrd wrote:

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker...

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker one. 

JayByrd wrote:

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker...

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker one. 

JayByrd wrote:

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker...

Cometic had a gasket kit for the big bore where the head gasket was oversized. Or maybe double up the base gasket or order a thicker one. 

mxaniac wrote:

I was sitting in a hotel bar one night in Ohio on a business trip and ended up talking with some random dude. Eventualy me building...

I was sitting in a hotel bar one night in Ohio on a business trip and ended up talking with some random dude. Eventualy me building engines came up. He asked what kind of gaskets I used, seemed like a weird question but I said Cometic, they're the best. He smiled a bit, and told me he was the founder. Had pictures on his phone of him hanging out with Carmichael, tons of race car drivers etc. Rob Gorman seemed like a really nice unassuming guy, invited me to tour the plant if I wanted but sadly I never made it over there. 

profeshenal125 wrote:

Weird thread since he’s been retired for yrs. 

ktmracer726 wrote:

He's been back at it for awhile.  https://eric-gorr.com/