Meet the Most Interesting People: Part 4

I was on my way to a customer when suddenly I heard what can only be described as a coughing sound coming from my car. A few sputters and the engine died. Fortunately, there was no traffic behind me and I was able to coast the car onto the shoulder. I popped the hood and got out of my car to inspect the engine. As I was thoughtfully looking at the different parts the only thought that came to my mind was, “I have no idea what I’m looking at and what I’m looking for!”

As I was thinking what to do next, a guy on a bicycle comes up to me and asks what the problem was. I described what happened and his next question surprised me, “May I look at the engine?” I was not sure what he would be able to do, but I was curious so I said sure. He poked around for about a minute and said that a part of the car needed replacement, if I was Ok with it he could replace it for me.

At this point I was more surprised and asked him what he meant? To answer my question, he pulled out a pair of pliers and a couple of wrenched from his pocket and said he was a mechanic and roamed the streets looking for work. I was amazed to have found a savior and asked whether he knew where to get the part the car needed. As a further surprise he pulled out the part from another pocket and said he could have it replaced in 10-15 minutes. I merrily gave my permission and he went on to change the part.

After a few minutes he asked me to start the car and lo and behold the engine sprang to life at the first turn of the key. I was now afraid of what price he might ask since we had not negotiated parts and labor before consenting to the repairs. My fears were misplaced as he only asked for about one dollar for the part and labor.

I remember selling the car a few months later with the same part installed. That part never gave me problems as long as I had it.