Mississippi Man Buys Engine but Can't Find Mechanic to Install It—Viral Plea Sparks Online Frenzy

Jeffrey Gray, a man from Mississippi, posted a video on TikTok complaining that despite purchasing a new engine for his Toyota Tundra at his own expense, he couldn’t find a mechanic willing to install it. Although he had delivered both the vehicle and the engine to a repair shop he’d previously worked with, the shop delayed starting the job and eventually went unresponsive. Gray emphasized that he “has money to pay” and simply wants someone to complete the installation. The video sparked widespread discussion online. Commenters pointed out that mechanics are often reluctant to install customer-supplied parts because if something goes wrong, they could be held liable and have no warranty coverage. Additionally, the auto repair industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled technicians—fewer young people are entering the trade, vehicles are becoming increasingly complex with advanced electronics, and the work is physically demanding yet offers limited pay, making reliable mechanics hard to find. Many commenters also noted that repair shops are especially busy during the year-end holiday season and tend to prioritize quick, small jobs over more complicated installations.