American Diesel’s phone line busy for two solid days?

[Capt. Rodbone]

I’m trying to ready our new to us trawler to start the GreatLoop in hopefully about three weeks. There are a number of spare items I want to order and given that we have twin 120 hp Ford’s Lemans it appears that all roads lead to American diesel corporation. I’ve heard nothing but glowing things about them and their commitment to servicing us and our boats with these engines, however I’ve dialed the only phone number I can find probably 50 times in the last two days and get a busy signal? There must be something going on with them I haven’t been able to determine. I can’t remember the last time I called a business and at least didn’t get an answering machine or the dreaded list of menu items from which to choose. I certainly can’t recall getting repeated busy signals.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to contact them, or where else I might try to source these parts? I had envisioned this being a bit of a slam dunk and I can’t even seem to get through to try to give them an order.

Thank you in advance.

 

[CharlieO.]

I had good luck emailing, Brian answered me the next day.

 

[Moonfish]

I have also reached a busy signal at times. Just not for two days! When you do get through, Brian will take the time to ascertain exactly what you need. He’ll be very thorough as I’m sure he wants you to be a satisfied customer (and likely doesn’t want to deal with any returns).

First silly question: the phone number you have is off their website? If so, keep trying. It’ll be worth it. If not, you can find Lehman parts at FredWarner.com (although not as many as AD), and there’s a fellow here on TF that has a marine parts business, but for the life of me I can’t remember who it is or the name of the store!

Hopefully someone can chime in with that info.

 

[Comodave]

The first part of the week is their busy time, at least in my experience. Keep trying. Brian is excellent.

 

[jgwinks]

And giving such great customer service means a lot of phone time. He might have actually been on the phone the whole time. Sounds like he does need to update his system though.

 

[psneeld]

Snowbird time keeps them busy.

If you need stuff and can't get through, BOMAC Marine in Ga...is good too and often less expensive on some items...but it could be apples and oranges for quality.

Ford Lehman Engines | Parts | Service | Bomac Marine

 

[GB32Patience]

Agreed with the above: I have tried Brian many times and not gotten through but had more success in the mid to late afternoon. You will see that when you get him on the line that we will spend quality time with you to insure you have exactly what you need without an oversell. The man is a wealth of knowledge, will not rush you through your questions and well worth waiting for. Spring is tough but I would think this time of season a little better. As CharlieO notes, Brian does review his email and usually by the time I get to him on the phone, he has quoted or done research on what I had inquired on by mail!
Good luck!

 

[Capt. Rodbone]

You folks were dead on. Not long after I got a few replies here I decided to just stick with it and he answered the very next try. We talked twice more during the day and communicated by email. All needed parts are on the way and he was a wealth of knowledge and patient with a new “trawler guy” like me!

 

[Comodave]

Yes, he is wonderful. But everyone wants a piece of his time so you just have to be persistent. And when you get through he will spend whatever time you need to help you.