Yup, I live near Soldotna. Great place --- world class fishing! Just to clarify things a bit further; I buy most everything from my local dealer. I do in fact, appreciate the idea that he's here when I need him, so I try to support his business. However, if I'm short on money, I don't reckon' that he's gonna tail me up 'til I get back on track...! Therefore, on big ticket items -- major repairs --- say a $900 injector pump that I could likely remove and reinstall myself, I'm gonna do just exactly that if it saves me several hundred dollars. And on a shortblock or longblock purchase; well, I don't really know what kind of savings there might or might not be. That's when I try to do a little homework and askin' around.
I took a peek in the Yellow pages today to get a better idea about diesel engine service in the area. About 10 listings. 7 of 'em are Washington state. 1 marine service in Homer, 1 oilfield in Kenai and 1 heavy equip (Cat) in Anchorage. The JD dealer has 4-5 dealerships in AK. Soldotna, Anch, Wasilla, Fairbanks and Delta Jct. (I think). Single ownership -- Craig Taylor. They got cha' if you're green! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
But, I've got old parents and family in the lower 48 that I'm committed to visit at least once a year until they're no longer upright and takin' nourishment. So, if there's something that I need or the neighbors need and want to go in on the cost --- well, I'll saddle up the Duramax and hit the trail. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
That said, I do appreciate the info and the comments that everyone has offered. AKfish