Atlantic Motorcar Center - Maine - Caring For Cars and People

06/17/2026

AMC Tech Tip - Testing, Trust, But Verify

Verify - Not only the equipment, but also the process. I’ve taught my team on any measurement to always first verify your readings. Then repeat.

Subject - This was a BMW motorcycle engine that had sat for six years in an unheated shed. And although it was running well, I was testing to establish a baseline for future service.

Test - The engine compression test is a time-honored technique for verifying the internal condition of an internal combustion engine. It’s often used to establish a baseline for diagnosing a low-power, misfire, or oil consumption concern.

Tool - First, verify your tool.
Know what you should expect before you begin your test. Then you can confirm your results with another gauge or verify them on another known-good engine. And use only good-quality, professional tools; much time is wasted with off-brands.

Process - Then, verify your Process.
In this case, the difference between a closed and open throttle during the testing process. Understanding how the system is supposed to work is instrumental in making a proper diagnosis.

Confirmation - Test again to confirm.
If test results significantly deviate from expectations or specifications, I always rerun the test at least a second time, if not a third, to confirm. If the results are inconsistent, I think of an additional way to run the same test.

Cheers,
Bruce

06/16/2026

🚐 Six-Figure Mercedes Sprinter Technician Opportunity in Coastal Maine

Atlantic Motorcar is growing, and we're looking for the right technician to join our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter team.

💰 Six-Figure Earning Potential
💰 $2,500 Signing Bonus
💰 $500 Referral Bonus if you send us someone we hire

What makes us different?

✅ No evenings
✅ No weekends
✅ No warranty work
✅ Performance-based pay plan
✅ Full benefits
✅ Retirement plan
✅ Paid training
✅ Air-conditioned, newly renovated facility

You'll have access to factory Mercedes-Benz XENTRY diagnostics, ongoing professional training, dedicated service advisor support, and a veteran shop foreman with 30+ years of experience to help whenever needed.

Mercedes experience is great, but we're hiring for character, professionalism, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. We gladly consider technicians from automotive, diesel, fleet, heavy equipment, aviation, marine, and related technical backgrounds.

🇺🇸 Former military technicians are especially encouraged to apply.

All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Call me directly:
📞 (207) 882-9969
Press Extension 1 and ask for Bruce.

Resumes are welcome, but a phone call is perfectly fine.

With Gratitude,
Bruce
Atlantic Motorcar
10 Oxhorn Road
Wiscasset, Maine

We Solve People’s Transportation Needs And Authentically Deliver Happiness.

06/16/2026

Back In The Saddle Again
I took yesterday off to recover from the BMW rally, training, and 700-mile ride—and I’m grateful that I did.

This morning I arrived early for the AMC All-Hands Tuesday Team Meeting. A hot cup of coffee was waiting on my desk, along with an amazing stat report.

While I was away, our team pushed it over the top. KPIs exceeded our goals, client satisfaction was off the charts, and there were so many new Google 5-Star Reviews they practically scrolled off the page.

Perhaps I need to stay away more often. 😉

Thank you to the entire AMC Team and to our wonderful AMC clients. You’re all like family, and I feel incredibly blessed.

This is my 41st year in the automotive service profession, and I’ve never worked with a more dedicated, client-focused, and professional team.

With deep gratitude and respect,
Bruce
Atlantic Motorcar Center

06/15/2026

🚐 Six-Figure Mercedes Sprinter Technician Opportunity in Coastal Maine

Atlantic Motorcar is growing, and we're looking for the right technician to join our Mercedes-Benz Sprinter team.

💰 Six-Figure Earning Potential
💰 $2,500 Signing Bonus
💰 $500 Referral Bonus if you send us someone we hire

What makes us different?

✅ No evenings
✅ No weekends
✅ No warranty work
✅ Performance-based pay plan
✅ Full benefits
✅ Retirement plan
✅ Paid training
✅ Air-conditioned, newly renovated facility

You'll have access to factory Mercedes-Benz XENTRY diagnostics, ongoing professional training, dedicated service advisor support, and a veteran shop foreman with 30+ years of experience to help whenever needed.

Mercedes experience is great, but we're hiring for character, professionalism, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. We gladly consider technicians from automotive, diesel, fleet, heavy equipment, aviation, marine, and related technical backgrounds.

🇺🇸 Former military technicians are especially encouraged to apply.

All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Call me directly:
📞 (207) 882-9969
Press Extension 1 and ask for Bruce.

Resumes are welcome, but a phone call is perfectly fine.

With Gratitude,
Bruce
Atlantic Motorcar
10 Oxhorn Road
Wiscasset, Maine

06/15/2026

Flashback - 3 Years Ago Today
That feeling when a happy new Porsche client brings you great German (Bavarian) beer.
Thanks Mark!
And less calories than donuts!

- Bruce

06/09/2026

Bruce's Bench - One Last Fix

Before I depart for the MOA Rally and three days of training.

1990 BMW K1, Laguna Blue, about 13K miles with a crank-no-start issue. Key giveaway was not hearing the fuel pump run the prime cycle when the ignition was first turned on.

Occam's Razor - “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras.”

Or, if you prefer the fancy way - Occam's razor is the logical problem-solving principle stating that when presented with competing explanations for the same phenomenon, you should prefer the one that makes the fewest assumptions and introduces the fewest unproven entities. It acts as a mental "razor" by shaving away unnecessary complexity.

Occam’s is your best friend when you’re doing diagnostic work.

Diagnostics Format - Concern -> Cause -> Correction -> Confirmation

Diagnostic process here very straightforward.

Verify primary ignition is working by noting movement of the tach while cranking engine.

Verify fuel level, level good.

Verify the integrity of the side stand switch.
Confirmed.

Remove seat, then remove the black trim around the tank. Access the fuse panel, check for voltage on each fuse. Each fuse has voltage.

Then go right to the four pin connector located under the fuel tank. That is the connection for the electric fuel pump and the fuel sending unit. Set up for voltage and continuity testing.

Cause - Disconnect electrical connector to test for voltage and ground at the fuel pump into it, the connector seemed loose, applied DeOxIt electrical contact cleaner, plugged in, tested for prime cycle, prime cycle has heard.

Verify start and run operation, bike starts up and runs very nicely.

Correction - Verify integrity, of the connector and contact pins. First move connector around with engine running, no problems noted. Reassemble tank cover and seat. Retest operation, operation normal.

Confirmation - Problem corrected. Note how sweet the K1 sounds at idle. I didn’t need a reminder, but I did come back an hour later just to hear her start and run again. 😉

There’s just something about a vintage K bike.

Cheers, Bruce

06/08/2026

Gardens
With all the rain here in Midcoast Maine, the gardens are doing very well this year, though with the cold spring, think we're a few weeks behind. Maine Lupine and the iris are coming in nicely, though the alliums planted by my dad about 15 years ago seem to be almost nonresistant this year. I'm hoping for a comeback.

Bruce

06/05/2026

Friday AMC Office View - Team Strong

The newly renovated workshops are just a buzzing and looking great; the guys love them and are keeping them super clean. A/C keeps us all chill, while the cars and coffee are hot!

At AMC, nothing makes us happier than seeing our team members grow, succeed, and smile along the way. Our people are the heart of everything we do — the driving force behind the exceptional care we provide to every client who walks through our doors.

That’s why we believe in more than just jobs — we believe in helping our team members build meaningful, successful careers and lives they’re proud of.

Join us! If you think you deserve better, here's your chance. Reach out to Bruce or Ken; we'll make it happen.

Cheers,
Bruce

06/04/2026

🌟 AMC Team – Investing in Our People! 🌟
At AMC, nothing makes us happier than seeing our team members grow, succeed, and smile along the way. Our people are the heart of everything we do — the driving force behind the exceptional care we provide to every client who walks through our doors.

That’s why we believe in more than just jobs — we believe in helping our team members build meaningful, successful careers and lives they’re proud of.

Our Team Coaching Program ✨
Last year, we launched the AMC Team Coaching Program, and the results have been amazing!

Every month, Kathi, our Team Coach, and Ken, our Shop Foreman, meet with our workshop service team to celebrate wins, discuss goals, explore training opportunities, and help each team member create their own path for personal and professional growth. We believe success happens when people feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to thrive.

🔧 Meet Our Success Team
Ken brings over 30 years of experience as an ASE Master Technician — and just as importantly, a passion for helping others succeed. From mentoring technicians and assisting with diagnostics to leading hands-on training, Ken works side-by-side with our team every day to help everyone become their very best.

Kathi helps support the whole person — not just the employee. Whether it’s career development, wellness resources, retirement planning, insurance guidance, or employee support programs, she’s there to help our team feel cared for and confident about the future.

🚗 Why We Invest in Our People
When our team thrives, everyone wins — our employees, our clients, and our community. We’re incredibly proud of the amazing people who make AMC such a special place every single day.

👍Join Us!
If this sounds like the kind of workplace where you could thrive, and you're a professional automotive technician, I’d love to meet you personally. Reach out to me, Bruce, and let’s sit down and talk about how we can make a positive difference in your life — and for your family.

Cordially,
Bruce

06/04/2026

Sometimes, often in fact, high-quality work is indistinguishable from art.