I have a question regarding quality control on the Badger Pistons. I started all of this by ordering a set of std bore pistons from Tim Meyer. Before I start my story, I want to make it clear that I have been very happy with the way Tim has treated me in getting this resolved. I have no complaints about him - just the QA at Badger.

I am rebuilding my 400 and after measuring the bore we felt I was close enough to rebuild with std bore pistons. I ordered a set from Tim and he had them drop shipped to me. They arrived but one of the pistons had a defect in the casting. See the following picture:

http://calvaryaog.net/fte/std.jpg

After talking to Tim, he had Badger drop ship a replacement piston and had it sent out next day air. I received the replacement piston, but it was a different design and weighed approximately 30 grams less than the first set. Working with Tim again, I sent all of these back to Badger and they shipped out a complete set of the std bore pistons. These were consequently the newer, lighter design. After taking everything down to the machine shop, the worst thing imaginable at this point occurred. They didn't want to use the std pistons.

Tim was very helpful even after all of this and arranged to exchange the stds for a set of 20's. I received those today, and one of the pistons was cracked and the reinforcing plates were all quite rusty. See the attached picture showing the crack:

http://calvaryaog.net/fte/20s.jpg

I'm quite disappointed in Badger's quality at this point. Has anyone else experienced problems with the Badger pistons, or am I just having a string of bad luck? Any feedback would be appreciated.

I would like to end this by saying that the service from Tim in dealing with this has been terrific. I am hopeful that we can resolve this and finally get my engine back together.

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure that second pic isn't the fault of the engine builder . It looks like the wrist pin might have cracked that one,if they aren't put in correctly ,thats what happens.From what I've heard on here Badger has a good product cause a lot of people on here use them.I used Speed-Pro myself...

 

The second picture is straight out of the box. No one has touched it.

 

Oh,my mistake ,I thought that was a wrist pin installed in the piston.If so ,maybe the factory didn't have it in straight.Could be that one was made on Friday or Monday!!!

 

Let's hope you just hit a string of bad luck. I have only bought one set of them and they were fine.

 

I just received a call from Tim at T-Meyer informing me of this post
and suggesting that I respond. Naturally, I was concerned because our
goal at Badger Pistons is to produce quality pistons that are
affordable to the average customer.

The first set of pistons mentioned in this post were an older design
and was manufactured while Badger was still owned by Dynagear. It
appears that one of these did have a manufacturing defect but these
were not produced by our present company.

The first replacement piston and subsequent replacement set were our
new improved design and manufactured here. However, these could not be
used because the customer ordered standard size before he actually knew
what size he needed. When the engine was bored, the machine shop had
to go 020 over. We generally recommend that the engine be bored before
ordering and then finish honed when pistons are in hand.

The .020 oversize were again the older design and were manufactured by
Dynagear. I have not seen the pistons so I can't be sure but it
appears that the one in the second picture may have been dropped. When
this may have happened is anybodies guess.

Neither of the two (2) pistons pictured were manufactured by the
present Badger company. I'm not saying that we don't make mistakes
because we do but, I'm proud to say, this is not often. I assure you,
when we do make a mistake, we do everything in our power to make it
right.

Gary Sneed
Engineering Manager
Badger Pistons, LLC
(866) 534-7601

 

I think that speaks well of them to be concerned enough to reply like that.

 

Gary,

Thank you for taking time out of your day to respond to this issue. I agree with the previous poster that it speaks very well of you and your company that you would do this. I have no doubt that you will be able to handle Frank's concerns. I wish all companies took the kind of pride in their business that you do.

Thanks again.

On edit:

Tim I'd also like to tell you how much I appreciate your stepping in and letting Gary know there was an issue. I hope that everyone is aware of the fact that Tim takes a lot of time out of his days to help folks out on this board and this is just another example of him going the extra mile for us.

 

I have been using Badger pistons for several years . The quality has been great and the customer service is TOP NOTCH . How many other companies will give you the personal service like the above? NONE. Being that concerned about the customer speaks volumes about the company. They value their customers

 

Gary Sneed...OUTSTANDING .....Please do not make this the only post from Badger Pistons..

 

Gary, I would also like to thank you again for your post.

I have always tried to tell my employees and customers that we are human, and we will make a mistake, but the difference in a good company and a great company is how you handle your problems. Anybody can look good when the "going is good", but when problems arise, this is what seperates the men from the boys.

 

I wanted to post a follow up and say that I'm glad to hear that my experience with the Badger pistons is not typical. I've been impressed with Tim's service since the beginning, and I'm glad to see that Badger would take the time to post on this forum.

I never meant to imply that was Badger was anything but responsive in working with me. My only concern was with the QA. Knowing that the original set and current set of 20s were made by the previous manufacturer explains a lot. With years of handling anything could have happened.

Since all of the 20-over pistons were made by Dynagear, Tim and I have decided to just proceed with a set of 30s - the newer design and made by Badger themselves.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

I've had similar service from Tim, a very reputable businessman. Also, I purchased the new stock set of Badger pistons, .040 overbore, all were perfectly packaged and arrived without defect.

 

Ditto on everything Matt said...I'm in the same boat.