General Arnold Clark - What Should I do? Damage after work

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General Arnold Clark - What Should I do? Damage after work

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Dealer did the timing belt and water pump, 4 weeks later the side engine mount colapsed, turns out they stripped the engine block bolts. They fixed , replaced timing belt (so they say), cover, mount and bolts, three helicoils fitted. Two weeks later took it back to check all bolts were tight, two weeks on lower timing belt cover, mount covered in oil. Looking at the bolts the top one that enters the cylnder head and lower at front have been sealed in. I suspect they have over drilled for the coils and went into the head and possibly the block. When i took it back for bolt check i suspect that 'broke' the seal and oil now leaking.

So , where do i stand with dealer? am i within my rights to have another garage repair the damage as i have no confidence in future repairs. I am also not sure how they will repair it , don't really want the bolt holes sealed as they will give way in future.

They have said they want it for a week to diagnose leak, seems a long time to me, are they gonna try another botched repair?
 
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First, do not take the vehicle elsewhere. This just complicates the issue, leads to silly squabbles with both pointing the finger at each other, and you lose both ways. As soon as any other repairer looks at it, Arnold Clark will say they can't be certain no-one else touched it, so the damage might not be their fault.

They broke it, they must fix it.

As you guessed, they have probably drilled through to the oil gallery. This is now a scrap cylinder head. They need to replace it.

They probably want it for a week to clean the area, and run the engine to see exactly where the leak is. If it is from an oil gallery due to their repair, they must make good, which is not another repair.

They must lend you reasonable alternative transport. This could be a used car, so don't demand a new one.

Now the negotiating starts.

If vehicle is old enough to need timing belt, it is obviously not 'new'. So whilst a new head, enormously expensive, is desirable, they can argue that it is not necessary.

Options:
They source a replacement head, from an engine of the same spec, with equal or lower miles. Preferably significantly lower miles to reduce the risk of any oil consumption from worn valve stem seals.
If this option is taken, it is reasonable to ask that the valves be checked and ground in if necessary and new stem seals fitted. And the clearances checked and set.
New cambelt!

Alternatively, a complete engine, of same spec as yours, again similar or lower miles.
If this option is taken, it should have the cambelt and water pump replaced, and fully serviced, including valve clearances checked and set, new oil, filter and coolant.

Either option must come with a warranty against any failure of the replaced parts, and against any oil consumption, regardless of whether the existing engine uses oil.

Just because one 'mechanic' has been ham-fisted, does not mean they are all like it. They are a large company with a reputation to protect, and will be insured for such workmanship failures. Be firm, not rude, but don't back down. Whilst trading standards are an option, this should be seen as a last resort, and should not be threatened, or the negotiations may turn sour.

Make an appointment to discuss this with the Service Manager, not the receptionist. Take along a friend or relative if necessary to take notes.

If they offer a replacement car, you should end up with better. They will try to make it right in the most economical way for them. A similar model off the forecourt, or sourced for you, might be cheaper for them than the repair. If a whole car is supplied, ensure it is same or better spec, so don't lose anything you have now, such as aircon, rear headrests, etc. Ensure it is serviced before you take it.

They should make this right, and it is always easier to supply better, rather than finding identical, so you should come out of this OK. Next time you visit, they'll treat you well too. Be prepared to negotiate but don't be unreasonable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PAND...pe:1.2&hash=item2eecb296a7:g:SNMAAOSwh-1W4tLF
 
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Dealer did the timing belt and water pump, 4 weeks later the side engine mount colapsed, turns out they stripped the engine block bolts. They fixed , replaced timing belt (so they say), cover, mount and bolts, three helicoils fitted. Two weeks later took it back to check all bolts were tight, two weeks on lower timing belt cover, mount covered in oil. Looking at the bolts the top one that enters the cylnder head and lower at front have been sealed in. I suspect they have over drilled for the coils and went into the head and possibly the block. When i took it back for bolt check i suspect that 'broke' the seal and oil now leaking.

So , where do i stand with dealer? am i within my rights to have another garage repair the damage as i have no confidence in future repairs. I am also not sure how they will repair it , don't really want the bolt holes sealed as they will give way in future.

They have said they want it for a week to diagnose leak, seems a long time to me, are they gonna try another botched repair?

That stupid engine mount bolt threads on the head are made from butter...

I have two of them helicoiled after two belt changes... and believe me I'm very careful with torque specs etc. anyway...

The ''seal'' you see may be loctite for the helicoils and the oil leak could be from an o-ring under one plate around there. It's a classic fail on the 1.4 16v engine...check that ;)
 
Dealer did the timing belt and water pump, 4 weeks later the side engine mount colapsed, turns out they stripped the engine block bolts. They fixed , replaced timing belt (so they say), cover, mount and bolts, three helicoils fitted. Two weeks later took it back to check all bolts were tight, two weeks on lower timing belt cover, mount covered in oil. Looking at the bolts the top one that enters the cylnder head and lower at front have been sealed in. I suspect they have over drilled for the coils and went into the head and possibly the block. When i took it back for bolt check i suspect that 'broke' the seal and oil now leaking.

So , where do i stand with dealer? am i within my rights to have another garage repair the damage as i have no confidence in future repairs. I am also not sure how they will repair it , don't really want the bolt holes sealed as they will give way in future.

They have said they want it for a week to diagnose leak, seems a long time to me, are they gonna try another botched repair?

Hey mate, just wondering how you go on with this issue in the end?
 
I'd also be very interested to know how things panned out if you can spare the time? Also sound advice from PB. Don't go elsewhere until all avenues are explored, it never ends well. Thinking about it, I'm always very reluctant to part with something that's working well - so, If (and it's an important "if") your existing engine is in good nick and working well I would be tempted to investigate whether an engineering company could install a plug to the bottom of this over deeply drilled hole? It wouldn't need to be a very thick (deep) plug and could be reliably sealed as it's never going to be disturbed? Anyway, just a thought?
 
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