RRC garage drama still on-going

**snowbound** · 29th November 2014, 03:53 PM

I bought a RRC Vogue privately. The log book says it's a 1984 but it is EFI so not sure of the true history. Regardless it had a random problem of the expansion tank boiling over but the temp gauge was reading normal. So I took it to ***** which is literally 5 minutes walk from home, so 2 minutes drive. VERY convenient, but not my regular mechanic. Being a V8, I was concerned that if there was a history of overheating there could be serious underlying damage, so the instructions were (and I put it in writing) A: fix the cooling problem, B: check that the motor was still sound and if not, do nothing more, if it was OK fix a few other problems none of which are major. But change thermostat anyway, just so I know it's good.
They claimed to have found a definite leak on a heater hose connection (really? How comes I didn't see the water leaking away) and changed the thermostat. All good, they said come collect it. I drove it home and immediately limped it back as it was running like a dog. They promised to fix it. At this point the mechanic was fighting (verbally) with the Sydney owner of the business and that was the last I saw of him. The owner again promised to fix it. He hired a new mechanic Michael who was to start the following Tuesday (this was on a Friday) Michael called me on Tuesday stating there was a problem, the owners kids had got hold of my keys and lost them, did I have spares. Yes a spare ignition key, no spare door or tail gate. So they have removed the door lock for re-keying by a locksmith, when exactly I don't know, it's been a fortnight! In the mean time they have been unable to fix the engine issues, though Michael did ascertain that the expansion tank was leaking badly which was probably the cause of the boiling, and a promise of fixing it. The engine issue is still dragging on and on and on. The car has been off the road now for about a month. I am sick of waiting, I missed a good trip, I have more trips on the horizon and I want my truck back! I think I want it towed to a LR specialist and fixed at their expense (******) can I insist on this???? What are my options?????

**101RRS** · 29th November 2014, 05:00 PM

Take it over to RoverWorks in Mitchell and get it fixed and sort the rest afterwards - at least you will have a vehicle.

The staff there seem to be keen to do a good job and move on from previous organisation.

Garry

**snowbound** · 29th November 2014, 05:12 PM

that is my intention, however the car has to be working to accomplish this. I think the local garage should facilitate this. easier said than done! BTW they charge $150 /hr labour in Mitchell, pretty steep! My regular mechanic is Paul Whyte, cant fault him, should of just gone there and not the convenient mob!

**bee utey** · 29th November 2014, 05:29 PM

Just get a tow truck to pick it up and swap workshops, a better idea than waiting for the first mechanic to get a clue. To me it sounds like it could do with two new head gaskets, a common problem on older 3.5 engines. The shim steel head gaskets in those often just leak combustion pressure into the cooling system rather than completely fail. If the mechanic had any clue he would be able to diagnose coolant into cylinder issues and fix them. It's not a very hard engine to work on.

**snowbound** · 29th November 2014, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by bee utey

Just get a tow truck to pick it up and swap workshops, a better idea than waiting for the first mechanic to get a clue. To me it sounds like it could do with two new head gaskets, a common problem on older 3.5 engines. The shim steel head gaskets in those often just leak combustion pressure into the cooling system rather than completely fail. If the mechanic had any clue he would be able to diagnose coolant into cylinder issues and fix them. It's not a very hard engine to work on.

The thing is Bee utey is that it was running like a dream other than the random boil problem, which is the puzzling thing. However, I certainly respect your opinion and unless they come up with the goods this week then I shall do as you suggest. Thank you.

**bee utey** · 29th November 2014, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by snowbound

The thing is Bee utey is that it was running like a dream other than the random boil problem, which is the puzzling thing. However, I certainly respect your opinion and unless they come up with the goods this week then I shall do as you suggest. Thank you.

Yes and the random boil problem could load sufficient water into the sump for water vapour to pass up the shaft of the distributor causing some of the further running problems, especially if the engine has only been run for short bursts. Before you get the vehicle picked up, ask the mechanic to lift the dissy cap and check it inside for moisture. It could just need a simple wipe dry with a cotton cloth. Then lift the oil filler cap and look for creamy gunge meaning there's water in the sump. It will still need towing as the water will re-enter the works anyway.

**snowbound** · 29th November 2014, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by bee utey

Yes and the random boil problem could load sufficient water into the sump for water vapour to pass up the shaft of the distributor causing some of the further running problems, especially if the engine has only been run for short bursts. Before you get the vehicle picked up, ask the mechanic to lift the dissy cap and check it inside for moisture. It could just need a simple wipe dry with a cotton cloth. Then lift the oil filler cap and look for creamy gunge meaning there's water in the sump. It will still need towing as the water will re-enter the works anyway.

I did an oil change plus filter previous to this to zero that counter, no sign of water in oil, however there was a very small trace of gunge under oil filler cap, but that could just be condensation. Bottom line though and I know you will agree is that the internal combustion engine is essentially a simple beast, its the fancy stuff that causes the problems. I was worried about the head gaskets from the time I bought it, hence my instructions to investigate and report before doing anything else. I will let you know how it pans out.

Cheers

Jez

**snowbound** · 1st December 2014, 07:53 PM

Today I cracked the proverbials, I told them that they have had enough time and I want the truck towed to Canberra Motor works who are LR specialists. I had a row on the phone with the garage owner (in Sydney) Screaming at me like only the Indians can! (great customer service) Will be interesting to see where it all ends up and what is actually wrong! I believe that they should pay for at least the tow, and compo for my truck being immobilized and damaged by the key loss. Thoughts on this anyone rather than diagnostic theories??

**Meccles** · 3rd December 2014, 06:06 PM

You need to speak to a solicitor or go to small claims. They are only ones who can assist with this. From experiance

**snowbound** · 3rd December 2014, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by snowbound

I bought a RRC Vogue privately. The log book says it's a 1984 but it is EFI so not sure of the true history. Regardless it had a random problem of the expansion tank boiling over but the temp gauge was reading normal. So I took it to ***** which is literally 5 minutes walk from home, so 2 minutes drive. VERY convenient, but not my regular mechanic. Being a V8, I was concerned that if there was a history of overheating there could be serious underlying damage, so the instructions were (and I put it in writing) A: fix the cooling problem, B: check that the motor was still sound and if not, do nothing more, if it was OK fix a few other problems none of which are major. But change thermostat anyway, just so I know it's good.
They claimed to have found a definite leak on a heater hose connection (really? How comes I didn't see the water leaking away) and changed the thermostat. All good, they said come collect it. I drove it home and immediately limped it back as it was running like a dog. They promised to fix it. At this point the mechanic was fighting (verbally) with the Sydney owner of the business and that was the last I saw of him. The owner again promised to fix it. He hired a new mechanic Michael who was to start the following Tuesday (this was on a Friday) Michael called me on Tuesday stating there was a problem, the owners kids had got hold of my keys and lost them, did I have spares. Yes a spare ignition key, no spare door or tail gate. So they have removed the door lock for re-keying by a locksmith, when exactly I don't know, it's been a fortnight! In the mean time they have been unable to fix the engine issues, though Michael did ascertain that the expansion tank was leaking badly which was probably the cause of the boiling, and a promise of fixing it. The engine issue is still dragging on and on and on. The car has been off the road now for about a month. I am sick of waiting, I missed a good trip, I have more trips on the horizon and I want my truck back! I think I want it towed to a LR specialist and fixed at their expense (******) can I insist on this???? What are my options?????

So! an update on this as promised. On Monday I told them that I wanted the car towed to a LR specialist, organized for them to receive it etc etc. Today I went to the dodgy garage and said I wanted to arrange for the towie to come by and collect the truck and was told that it is fixed! So! What was the problem?? The original "mechanic" managed to damage the wiring that goes from the dizzy to the power module (Darlington pair) AND severed a sensor wire. Not a bad effort to change a thermostat. This new mechanic seems OK, but I have told him that they won't see my business again as the Sydney based owner was screaming down the phone at me yesterday (like it was my fault) because I wanted it towed. Hopefully I can now soon enjoy my RRC! He also did a compression test and it all came in normal. i asked why the expansion tank had split and was told that it was not due to over pressurization, just age. 30 year old metal tank? fair enough I guess.

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