Newbie to Clio Forum Any help appreciated

[Jancata]

Hi - long story and long shot for help - but driving Son's 2004 Clio Sport 2.0 16V to keep going as he is abroad.
Engine lights came on and AA diagnosed faulty alternator. Drove absolutely fine to garage on residue in battery (not far away) left at garage for Alternator and belt to be changed. Went to collect car from garage and would not start! Garage now telling me no pressure in Cylinder 1 and quoted £1500 repair bill and have left the car engine stripped and have basically said I cannot prove it was them that caused the issue and accept no responsibility. I believe they may have run the car for a long period whereby the Oil / Water pump wasn't working and "cooked" the cylinder as engine got too hot, but obviously wasn't there so can't prove. Have had car flat-bedded to another garage and they confirm cylinder problem and fixable but would be expensive because of time that would be involved..
1) any ideas how the damage may have occurred apart from above?
2) anybody had a similar experience and what was outcome?
3) looking now to sell but breaks my heart to sell for £300 scrap
Cheers guys

 

[JamesBryan]

Only thing i can think of is the belt has been fitted wrong or not tensioned correctly and has slipped off into the cambelt (this is common).

That causes the timing belt to slip and valves get bent.

Get the timing checked with the correct tools if possible, if it's massively out then there's your proof.

Edit: I see you mentioned the engine is stripped? Did you agree to them doing that and are there any bent valves?

 

[Jancata]

Only thing i can think of is the belt has been fitted wrong or not tensioned correctly and has slipped off into the cambelt (this is common).

That causes the timing belt to slip and valves get bent.

Get the timing checked with the correct tools if possible, if it's massively out then there's your proof.

Edit: I see you mentioned the engine is stripped? Did you agree to them doing that and are there any bent valves?

Hi thank you for your help. It was supposed to be only the alternator belt that was changed and they were not to touch the timing belt as I was aware that this needs careful and specific setting up. I would have to try to get a mobile engineer to check the timing, as car currently stuck in my garage and I am not that mechanically able LOL! Garage actually left it stripped as they said "it would assist repair and save time"!!! they actually pushed the car out of their garage and all the way into mine, to free up the space in their workshop. TBH I think they wanted it as far away ASAP. I don't know if any valves are bent - this wasn't on the report from the alternative garage, so I am hoping not. Thank you for your time.

 

[Mark-182-Trophy]

I would have expected them to call me and ask before carrying out any work other than replacing the alternator belt. If you can prove you drove to the garage I would ask when they became aware of the issue? How did they get it into their workshop?

 

[davo172]

Only thing i can think of is the belt has been fitted wrong or not tensioned correctly and has slipped off into the cambelt (this is common).

That causes the timing belt to slip and valves get bent.

Get the timing checked with the correct tools if possible, if it's massively out then there's your proof.

Edit: I see you mentioned the engine is stripped? Did you agree to them doing that and are there any bent valves?

I would also say this is what has happened they have stripped it to look and thought oh f**k!

 

[G. Brzęczyszczykiewicz]

I can't believe the garage are claiming it's not their responsibility when you dropped off a functioning car and they've handed you back a dead one!

 

[SharpyClio]

Citizens advice is your friend here, I would get in touch with them. The garage seem like a right bunch of cowboys.

 

[JamesBryan]

Hi thank you for your help. It was supposed to be only the alternator belt that was changed and they were not to touch the timing belt as I was aware that this needs careful and specific setting up. I would have to try to get a mobile engineer to check the timing, as car currently stuck in my garage and I am not that mechanically able LOL! Garage actually left it stripped as they said "it would assist repair and save time"!!! they actually pushed the car out of their garage and all the way into mine, to free up the space in their workshop. TBH I think they wanted it as far away ASAP. I don't know if any valves are bent - this wasn't on the report from the alternative garage, so I am hoping not. Thank you for your time.

I didn't mean they touched the timing belt.

I'm thinking the aux belt has jumped off the pulley and into the timing belt, causing the timing to slip.

 

[Mark-182-Trophy]

Whilst it can be a bit of a hassle, I would consider taking them to small claims court. I did this a few years back and also had an engineer inspect my car and write a report. It cost about £300 I think, but was awarded in costs when I won my case. That said, with the joys of online reviews, most garages know that a well worded Trust Pilot review can cause them problems when they try and have someone over. Have you looked to see if the garage has any other poor reviews?

 

[Darren S]

Customer - car is broken

Garage - HULK SMASH!

Customer - but my car is still broken. And is now in pieces.

Garage - meh.


Don't scrap it - but as others, external support like citizens advice or trading standards should be involved here. The garage's actions have proven to be ridiculous.

 

[Jancata]

I didn't mean they touched the timing belt.

I'm thinking the aux belt has jumped off the pulley and into the timing belt, causing the timing to slip.

Thanks that's brilliant - Yes, possibility! I am ringing round trying to see if somebody could check the timing in the state that the car is in at present. If this is the problem, then the garage have clearly caused the issue themselves whilst working on changing the alternator. The belts are close(ish) together, so may have slipped. Everything crossed I can find a reliable mobile engineer. Cheers again.

 

[JamesBryan]

Thanks that's brilliant - Yes, possibility! I am ringing round trying to see if somebody could check the timing in the state that the car is in at present. If this is the problem, then the garage have clearly caused the issue themselves whilst working on changing the alternator. The belts are close(ish) together, so may have slipped. Everything crossed I can find a reliable mobile engineer. Cheers again.

What state of disassembly is the engine currently in?

 

[Jancata]

I would have expected them to call me and ask before carrying out any work other than replacing the alternator belt. If you can prove you drove to the garage I would ask when they became aware of the issue? How did they get it into their workshop?

They carried out the Alternator change and alternator belt change as per my ask, but never called for permission to do anything else. As it didn't start once they had done the alternator, I think they tried to fix and found problem larger than they anticipated and that is what I walked into when I went to pick up the car. In bits and broken. I drive it the the garage OK and left on their forecourt, so I presume they drove it into their workshop (can't prove as I was not there when they moved it)

 

[Jancata]

Customer - car is broken

Garage - HULK SMASH!

Customer - but my car is still broken. And is now in pieces.

Garage - meh.


Don't scrap it - but as others, external support like citizens advice or trading standards should be involved here. The garage's actions have proven to be ridiculous.

I def think I will have to go down CA route or small claims if I can't get a mobile engineer to get timing checked. Can't bear to have it scrapped because of the garage's (bleep) up.

 

[Jancata]

Whilst it can be a bit of a hassle, I would consider taking them to small claims court. I did this a few years back and also had an engineer inspect my car and write a report. It cost about £300 I think, but was awarded in costs when I won my case. That said, with the joys of online reviews, most garages know that a well worded Trust Pilot review can cause them problems when they try and have someone over. Have you looked to see if the garage has any other poor reviews?

Absolutely an option and will check out CA too for advice - Have called Legal at AA and they say garage "has a duty of care" whilst in their possession and to start a claim. Real hassle but, if it saves the Clio all worth it. I have asked about and word of mouth is not always good! wish I had known before!!

 

[Jancata]

What state of disassembly is the engine currently in?

I will get a pic soon and upload, easier than describing as I don't know what all the bits are called

 

[R3k1355]

They've fucked it up and ruined the engine.

The chances that a perfectly running car drives into the garage for an alternator fault and magically eats Cylinder number 1 on it's own accord are super small.

 

[Jancata]

I can't believe the garage are claiming it's not their responsibility when you dropped off a functioning car and they've handed you back a dead one!

I know, nor can I, but they said I can't prove they damaged it!!!!! I think the phrase they used was "These things happen and this is a coincidence" !

 

[R3k1355]

Where are you located?

There's a few good specialists around, it might be worth having it trailered to them for an inspection and report.

 

[Jancata]

They've fucked it up and ruined the engine.

The chances that a perfectly running car drives into the garage for an alternator fault and magically eats Cylinder number 1 on it's own accord are super small.

Absolutely my gut feeling too! No indication of anything wrong with engine when running on the drive to the garage. Must try and get sorted for Son's sake - he is gutted with being away and unable to deal.

 

[R3k1355]

the phrase they used was "These things happen and this is a coincidence" !

Small things can break, snap or just disintegrate when doing a job. Things like electrical connectors, clips, bits of trim and such.
Those things can happen.

Not losing an entire cylinder, especially when the job they were doing has nothing to do with that part of the engine.

 

[Jancata]

Where are you located?

There's a few good specialists around, it might be worth having it trailered to them for an inspection and report.

I am ringing around to try to get timing checked if poss - based 20 mins or so out of Cambridge.

 

[R3k1355]

Two techs down in Dartford are pretty good.

Renault Specialist | Car Garage Dartford, Kent | TwoTechs

Renault car specialist offer all-model services. Contact us for top-notch workmanship and customer service in Dartford, Kent.

twotechs.co.uk

Also Mick @ Diamond is excellent

Diamond Motors - Renault, Renaultsport, Dacia, Nissan and Infiniti

Your Nottingham-based independent specialist provides dealer-level fixed-price servicing and maintenance for all your Renault, Renaultsport, Dacia, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicle requirements.

diamondmotors.co.uk

 

[Darren S]

They've fucked it up and ruined the engine.

The chances that a perfectly running car drives into the garage for an alternator fault and magically eats Cylinder number 1 on it's own accord are super small.

That said - the Renault dealership that I took mine too for its alternator replacement - took three attempts to get it right.

 

[R3k1355]

That said - the Renault dealership that I took mine too for its alternator replacement - took three attempts to get it right.

Did it leave on a flatbed tho?

That's the difference you pay for when you go to a main dealer.

 

[Jancata]

Two techs down in Dartford are pretty good.

Renault Specialist | Car Garage Dartford, Kent | TwoTechs

Renault car specialist offer all-model services. Contact us for top-notch workmanship and customer service in Dartford, Kent.

twotechs.co.uk

Also Mick @ Diamond is excellent

Diamond Motors - Renault, Renaultsport, Dacia, Nissan and Infiniti

Your Nottingham-based independent specialist provides dealer-level fixed-price servicing and maintenance for all your Renault, Renaultsport, Dacia, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicle requirements.

diamondmotors.co.uk

Appreciate the suggestions but bit too far away unfortunately. Will persevere and try my (non-luck) nearer to home. Thanks

 

[Jancata]

What state of disassembly is the engine currently in?

Pics - sad eh!

 

[JamesBryan]

View attachment 1639707View attachment 1639706
Pics - sad eh!

Not as bad as I thought, that's only the inlet plenum that has been removed.

See if you can find someone to put it all back together.

 

[Jancata]

Not as bad as I thought, that's only the inlet plenum that has been removed.

See if you can find someone to put it all back together.

Oh, that's encouraging! Search has begun. Thank you.

 

[JamesBryan]

Oh, that's encouraging! Search has begun. Thank you.

Speak to Chris at Beaniesport over in Bedford, he's not too far from you. Maybe he can help.

07834 692507

 

[Jancata]

Speak to Chris at Beaniesport over in Bedford, he's not too far from you. Maybe he can help.

07834 692507

Thank you so much. Will contact him tomorrow - much appreciated.

 

[Jancata]

Thank you so much. Will contact him tomorrow - much appreciated.

Hi
Just want to thank all in this thread for their suggestions and help. Special shout out to James Bryan - the recommendation to get in touch with Chris at Beaniesport in Bedford 07834 692507 was a godsend. Thank you. Chris went overboard to help and even came to see the car in situ, with his toolbox, in the rain and confirmed your earlier suggestion that the garage had not checked the timing as this was way out! and also found that the new aux belt was not properly seated and rubbing on the tension spring too. Chris went over and above explaining and offering assistance with this problem - only wish I had heard of him before!!! Looks like it is the original garages fault and I now have evidence to prove it. Car is fixable at a cost and will try to get that cost covered from them (a fight I expect, but worth the effort to be sure).
You guys are Stars and thanks for the info. Fingers crossed for a happy result.

 

[imprezaworks]

Superb help from the above members.

 

[Mark-182-Trophy]

Really pleased for you. It's never nice having to confront issues like this, where fault lies with supposed professionals. Especially where potential County Court action is called for. Hopefully though, once the issue is pointed out and the evidence shown, they'll realise their mistake and help remedy the situation. Best of luck with getting things sorted. Mark

 

[davo172]

Some proper useless garages around.

 

[imprezaworks]

Yeah I wouldn't be taking it back there. I would get it fixed electric and claim costs back

 

[JamesBryan]

Hi
Just want to thank all in this thread for their suggestions and help. Special shout out to James Bryan - the recommendation to get in touch with Chris at Beaniesport in Bedford 07834 692507 was a godsend. Thank you. Chris went overboard to help and even came to see the car in situ, with his toolbox, in the rain and confirmed your earlier suggestion that the garage had not checked the timing as this was way out! and also found that the new aux belt was not properly seated and rubbing on the tension spring too. Chris went over and above explaining and offering assistance with this problem - only wish I had heard of him before!!! Looks like it is the original garages fault and I now have evidence to prove it. Car is fixable at a cost and will try to get that cost covered from them (a fight I expect, but worth the effort to be sure).
You guys are Stars and thanks for the info. Fingers crossed for a happy result.

No problem, glad to hear he was able to help.

I'm guessing you'll be getting Chris to repair it for you if you can recover the costs from the previous garage?

 

[davo172]

Don't let the original garage do it they will do super cheap a bodge job

 

[Clio_fool]

Make sure you do things properly from here on. I doubt the garage will be helpful when they see the cost of repair from elsewhere.

Problem with a car repair

Your rights and options if you're not happy with a car repair, what to say to the garage, how to take further action.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

 

[R3k1355]

That's excellent service from Beaniesport. They sound like your go-to company.

100% the original garage will stonewall you, they won't want to admit their mistakes and won't want to pay for someone to make it right.
Be prepared for the legal route, you'll win but not quickly.