Hi all,
Had a cambelt change performed on my clio sport, 3 days after which the engine seized with no noise or warning lights or smoke etc.
The mechanic is claiming failure of big end bearings due to insufficient lubrication, as the engine had an oil leak (which was diagnosed and repaired by them a few days prior to the cambelt change) although I watched the level religiously and ensured it was topped up.
He claims he has taken the sump off and swarf is visible etc.
However experts have told me the bottom pulley may have spun up from not being torqued correctly, along with the risks of incorrect timing / wrong locking tools.
So after spending £1000 repairing my newly bought clio, I am faced with this.
New engine for £650 delivered + £500 fitting, or repair to pretty much equal cost.
I understand the complicated nature of mechanical work but I cant help feeling entirely ripped off after I put my trust in the mechanics knowledge and experience, to be prudent and recommend that i not drive the car if there was risk to the engine.
I suspect the mechanic may be at fault when fitting the cam belt, however how do i go about getting it inspected and confirmed that this is the case?
I asked the mechanic a few days prior to the repairs if he thought the engine sounded healthy, if i should drive it etc and he did not relay any concerns.
Also, if i go down the route of a new engine, £500 seems rather extaustionate considering the circumstances?
Please advise, sick of this. Ive got this gut feeling that they are at fault, the cam belt work just prior is too coincidental and their diagnosis too convenient.
Had a cambelt change performed on my clio sport, 3 days after which the engine seized with no noise or warning lights or smoke etc.
The mechanic is claiming failure of big end bearings due to insufficient lubrication, as the engine had an oil leak (which was diagnosed and repaired by them a few days prior to the cambelt change) although I watched the level religiously and ensured it was topped up.
He claims he has taken the sump off and swarf is visible etc.
However experts have told me the bottom pulley may have spun up from not being torqued correctly, along with the risks of incorrect timing / wrong locking tools.
So after spending £1000 repairing my newly bought clio, I am faced with this.
New engine for £650 delivered + £500 fitting, or repair to pretty much equal cost.
I understand the complicated nature of mechanical work but I cant help feeling entirely ripped off after I put my trust in the mechanics knowledge and experience, to be prudent and recommend that i not drive the car if there was risk to the engine.
I suspect the mechanic may be at fault when fitting the cam belt, however how do i go about getting it inspected and confirmed that this is the case?
I asked the mechanic a few days prior to the repairs if he thought the engine sounded healthy, if i should drive it etc and he did not relay any concerns.
Also, if i go down the route of a new engine, £500 seems rather extaustionate considering the circumstances?
Please advise, sick of this. Ive got this gut feeling that they are at fault, the cam belt work just prior is too coincidental and their diagnosis too convenient.
(in a non homosexual way!)
