Can This Be True

[sepulchrave]

I agree with you.

 

 

I just worry that this garage is SO bad that they've done worse damage, like continually cranking the engine with no gearbox oil in the cambox to keep the top end alive before engine oil finally arrives, thereby chewing up the cam and followers badly.

[seatkid]

I got the car back and after 3 hours the car cut out whilst driving and also when it started there was lots of white smoke and the car took ages to start when before it started first turn.

It looks as if the car was running normally and the problem occurred. i.e. it was a sudden event - something significant happened.

 

Returned the car to garage 2 weeks later and a lot of phone calls

 

1/ fault with cambelt sensor replaced

 

2/ fault between ecu and glowplugs not working causing starting problems and smoke.

They initially diagnosed correctly that the timing was out but wrongly assumed it was the camshaft sensor (if this was faulty the car wouldn't start)

 

They have since been chasing red herrings thinking the fault is electrical (glowplugs, ecu) culminating in them blowing fuses or possibly damaging wiring - they are obviously out of their depth in dealing with electrics.

 

I think the problem will be easy to fix, but needs to be done elsewhere, at a competent garage/dealer. It remains to be seen if the head rebuild is of adequate quality, but I don't see why a PD head refurb would be anymore difficult or involved than any other cylinder head refurb.

 

"continually cranking the engine with no gearbox oil in the cambox to keep the top end alive before engine oil finally arrives"

 

I don't understand this statement. The top end is not supplied by gearbox oil, it has a normal engine oil feed, which is available during cranking albeit a trickle. The cam/followers don't rely on oil pressure, just a minimal flow to maintain an oil film on the cam. Chances of damage due to sustained cranking is virtually nil.

[westie]

They initially diagnosed correctly that the timing was out but wrongly assumed it was the camshaft sensor (if this was faulty the car wouldn't start)

 

This is the problem i have.The car is now sat on the drive, trying to look pretty.

It started first turn this morning, but refuses to start again.

Can this sensor be checked at home or do I need to take it in to a garage?

 

Why would the timing go "out" after being correct for 1000's of miles?

 

Thanks

[sepulchrave]

.........It remains to be seen if the head rebuild is of adequate quality, but I don't see why a PD head refurb would be anymore difficult or involved than any other cylinder head refurb.

 

"continually cranking the engine with no gearbox oil in the cambox to keep the top end alive before engine oil finally arrives"

 

I don't understand this statement. The top end is not supplied by gearbox oil, it has a normal engine oil feed, which is available during cranking albeit a trickle. The cam/followers don't rely on oil pressure, just a minimal flow to maintain an oil film on the cam. Chances of damage due to sustained cranking is virtually nil.

 

This is actually very important if the cam and followers are renewed since the head comes back 'dry' from the engineers, most knowledgeable mechanics liberally squirt EP90 gearbox oil all over the cam and followers to provide protection during the initial engine startup especially since the followers will be empty, in PD engines these loadings are particularly high and damage can result very quickly.

It is likely that the unit injector stretch bolts have not been renewed and will have come undone. PD engines which snap cambelts generally smash followers and damage the cam as a result, which is why we supply completely reconditioned heads with all new components.

[seatkid]

OK I understand you now, Sep.

 

I find it hard to imagine that anyone would neglect to lubricate parts liberally during/after a rebuild and during initially starting the engine (but idiots do exist).

A competent mechanic will have to open up and examine the top end as part of the overall assessment.

 

RIPOFF did say that the engine ran for 3 hours before the problem occurred though....maybe I read that wrong?

 

Has RIPOFF paid them anything yet?

 

This is the problem i have.The car is now sat on the drive, trying to look pretty.

It started first turn this morning, but refuses to start again.

Can this sensor be checked at home or do I need to take it in to a garage?

 

Why would the timing go "out" after being correct for 1000's of miles?

I'm not sure what relationship Westie's problem has with this one, but I don't think Westie should come to the conclusion that because his car doesn't start that its down to timing or camshaft sensor. Lots of things can stop the engine from starting. Westie, you need to check with a diagnostic tool first ...... Edited August 1, 2008 by seatkid

[RIPOFF]

Thanks for the replys guys

No i have not paid them yet nor will i untill the car is sorted by another garage, and if i have my way compensation will be the order of the day.

 

regards

 

Ripoff.