Important! : Please help, feel sorry 4 my gf, shes loosing patience.

  1. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #1
    Hi all, Im sorry this isnt saxo related but i would appreciate your help on this as im at the end of my teather.

    In a nutshell, My gf buys a corsa b from a sales guy (ecotec engine V reg 2000), runs fine for 6 months, then starts to have problems. Basically the head gasket Blew on all 4 cylinders overheated and the car was mashed.

    We had it repaired by the same car sellers mechanic friend, New gasket, Head Skimmed, New water pump aswell. for 300 quid, and he seemed fairly decent bloke. That was about the best price we could find.

    We went to pick it up and All was well and good, he said it wasnt overheating now and its all fixed but added that the car has a slight misfire, It holds back in the revs and takes a few seconds to fire up, " you may need a coil pack, ".
    So I got a new one a few weeks after, Fitted that with some new Spark plugs, Not much difference. Still took a while to fire up.

    Anyway, to cut a long story short, The current situation is ive had another mechanic look at it, he rekons the job was shit, theres oil pissing from various locations on the engine, He rekons timing chains possible out, Its still not firing up when turning key. We have also had a new crank sensor fitted today ( hopeing it would solve it) but it still Takes a few seconds to start, and also its very hesitant to rev, You have to bury your foot and wait a second or two before it will rev up, and also when it does eventually rev its STILL holding back, Like no power. My gf has spent money to fix this car and its just not happening, anyone had similar issues or have any idea.

    First things first im phoneing the mechanic up that done the HG job. To give him the chance to put the job right or check the timing. Or offer a very vey good explanation.
  2. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Jonathan Tonk's yard. Posts: 4232 '85 Opel Manta '88 Manta GT/E '87 Rayleigh Roadi
    #2
    Sounds bad mate.

    If it's gunna cost a bomb to fix (like more than the car is worth) either engine swap or scrap it.

    As a very last resort you could take some advice from Jock from "the garage" he would say "Have you got insurance on the car? Burn it!"

    Tbh sounds like a huge job, but good luck matey
  3. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #3
    have you got a separate receipt from him skimming the head?
    Are you sure 100% it got skimmed from a proper place to a real high standard? Could have not been skimmed at all and the gasket isnt seated properly causing poor running or also could have been pikey'd and had too much taken off it causing the compression ratios to be well out and also the timing to be miles out causing really shit running.. just a thought!
  4. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Jonathan Tonk's yard. Posts: 4232 '85 Opel Manta '88 Manta GT/E '87 Rayleigh Roadi
    #4
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    have you got a separate receipt from him skimming the head?
    Are you sure 100% it got skimmed from a proper place to a real high standard? Could have not been skimmed at all and the gasket isnt seated properly causing poor running or also could have had too much taken off it causing the compression ratios to be well out and also the timing to be miles out causing really shit running.. just a thought!
    In other words, a fuck loada money.

    I'd say cut your losses and scrap it, unless the guy will pay to have the work done as he fucked it in the 1st place.

    All depends on how much the car is worth and is it going to be financially clever to fix it or scrap and start again.

    Up to you at the end of the day, I'd just work some figures out if I were you.
  5. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #5
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by robertlittler123 View Post
    In other words, a fuck loada money.

    I'd say cut your losses and scrap it, unless the guy will pay to have the work done as he fucked it in the 1st place.

    All depends on how much the car is worth and is it going to be financially clever to fix it or scrap and start again.

    Up to you at the end of the day, I'd just work some figures out if I were you.
    meh if its a proper garage they should at least have a look/admit they done wrong.. make him do it again if he did.. at the end of the day you paid for his services, if you are not happy and can prove it isnt right then he's sure obliged to do it again?
  6. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Jonathan Tonk's yard. Posts: 4232 '85 Opel Manta '88 Manta GT/E '87 Rayleigh Roadi
    #6
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    meh if its a proper garage they should at least have a look/admit they done wrong.. make him do it again if he did.. at the end of the day you paid for his services, if you are not happy and can prove it isnt right then he's sure obliged to do it again?
    Bang on! But if it's a dodgy garage which I think he may have mentioned then I'm not so sure they will feel the same way holmes!
  7. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #7
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by robertlittler123 View Post
    In other words, a fuck loada money.

    I'd say cut your losses and scrap it, unless the guy will pay to have the work done as he fucked it in the 1st place.

    All depends on how much the car is worth and is it going to be financially clever to fix it or scrap and start again.

    Up to you at the end of the day, I'd just work some figures out if I were you.
    this is the point. My gf isnt spending another penny on it. shes had enough.

    Ive just phoned the mechanic that done the HG and he says to bring it to him and he will have a look at it. Which shouldnt cost nothing, If he trys to charge he can swivel... He was the one that recomended a coil pack and plugs to fix a missfire .... that didnt work, and now its pissing oil, Running poorly, No power and sounds like a tractor !....
  8. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 stoke on trent Posts: 8875 now own a possi blue mk2 vts mk1 went to heaven
    #8
    mention to the mechanic who did the work that you might involve trading standards if its not put right
  9. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #9
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    this is the point. My gf isnt spending another penny on it. shes had enough.

    Ive just phoned the mechanic that done the HG and he says to bring it to him and he will have a look at it. Which shouldnt cost nothing, If he trys to charge he can swivel... He was the one that recomended a coil pack and plugs to fix a missfire .... that didnt work, and now its pissing oil, Running poorly, No power and sounds like a tractor !....
    Defo sounds like a timing issue! Unfortunately they are a chain engine right? (££££££££££'s) lol

    The reason it's mis-firing I sort of explained in the long post above
  10. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #10
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by saxovtsmad View Post
    mention to the mechanic who did the work that you might involve trading standards if its not put right
    Great suggestion! Any mention of trading standards will cause mechanics arses to be twitching.. especially if you've got proof of botching
  11. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Jonathan Tonk's yard. Posts: 4232 '85 Opel Manta '88 Manta GT/E '87 Rayleigh Roadi
    #11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    this is the point. My gf isnt spending another penny on it. shes had enough.

    Ive just phoned the mechanic that done the HG and he says to bring it to him and he will have a look at it. Which shouldnt cost nothing, If he trys to charge he can swivel... He was the one that recomended a coil pack and plugs to fix a missfire .... that didnt work, and now its pissing oil, Running poorly, No power and sounds like a tractor !....
    Okay

    So do you have proof that garage carried out the work (receipt etc)

    If you do photocopy it pop down get him to have a look at it. If he's like "its fucked gunna have to charge you a load to fix it" just say "no you broke it you fix it"

    If he's having none of it report him to trading standards or phone the police they will put you in touch with the people who sort this stuff out.
  12. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #12
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    have you got a separate receipt from him skimming the head?
    Are you sure 100% it got skimmed from a proper place to a real high standard? Could have not been skimmed at all and the gasket isnt seated properly causing poor running or also could have been pikey'd and had too much taken off it causing the compression ratios to be well out and also the timing to be miles out causing really shit running.. just a thought!
    and you make a valid point mate, But not being a mechanic i cant actually go there an proove this. If i was a mechanic 1. id have done it myself and/or 2. i could go there and say this isnt right... i know about this shit... fix it.

    But when i have some people saying hmm it could be the timing, It coud be the head. It could be this and that.... then i start to lose myself and i dont know what questions to to approach the mechanic with.
  13. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jun 2009 Jonathan Tonk's yard. Posts: 4232 '85 Opel Manta '88 Manta GT/E '87 Rayleigh Roadi
    #13
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    and you make a valid point mate, But not being a mechanic i cant actually go there an proove this. If i was a mechanic 1. id have done it myself and/or 2. i could go there and say this isnt right... i know about this shit... fix it.

    But when i have some people saying hmm it could be the timing, It coud be the head. It could be this and that.... then i start to lose myself and i dont know what questions to to approach the mechanic with.
    phone trading standards, explain your situation they will be more than helpful.
  14. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #14
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    and you make a valid point mate, But not being a mechanic i cant actually go there an proove this. If i was a mechanic 1. id have done it myself and/or 2. i could go there and say this isnt right... i know about this shit... fix it.

    But when i have some people saying hmm it could be the timing, It coud be the head. It could be this and that.... then i start to lose myself and i dont know what questions to to approach the mechanic with.
    even if you know SFA about cars, go there saying it's been done poorly, anyone could tell you that by oil spilling down the front of an engine lol..

    Don't let him make out it isn't his fault.. A car will never run the same after a hefty head skim, will be a shit starter and pull terribly. I'd be in mind to take him out in it with you so you can show him how shitty it is driving which it WASN'T like that before he worked on the car
  15. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #15
    But yeah Lew, TBH i didnt get a receipt but the guy isnt denying looking at it, I really dont think hed try n skank it because he is associated with the guy who actually sold me the car. and he is apprently well known round my area, Ill soon pull the plug on that.. ILl get in touch with him and say 1.. the cars a nail and 2 your mechanic has charged me for a HG job that wasnt done properly...

    As i say its actually kept water since, hasnt over heated or anything, the problems are just comgin from differnt angles now, as if things havent been done quite right. As you say, Timing etc etc...
  16. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2008 stoke on trent Posts: 8875 now own a possi blue mk2 vts mk1 went to heaven
    #16
    just go to the garage and mention trading standards like i posted earlier to both the mechanic and sales person and see what there reaction is
  17. Established Member Joined: Feb 2010 Witham, Essex Posts: 2070 Baby blue Hyundai coupe siii
    #17
    I love corsa b's but they are a pain in the arse I had a sport version a while back had the thing a week and the cam belt snapped took out the whole f-in engine £800 later a gsi lump was fitted and I was well away

    Shame about yours tho mate I hate it when bloody mechanics take advantage trying to pray on your neivity hope you get it sorted mate
  18. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #18
    ill take what you've all said on board, Its been a big help thanks people... Ill give the guy the cahnce to check it over and put it right... Thats the best idea at the min.... If he starts to say this is wrong, thats wrong and charge more then im going to say ... "No way nar blud" ! lol Ill just tell him, the cars pissing of oil, Runs like shit and missfires, sort it .... TBF the guy said to me before doing the job that his work is guarenteed, But i really think i fucked up on not getting a receipt... I just got to hope to god that he dont be a twat and deny ever working on it.
  19. Regular Poster Joined: May 2010 Ba3 Posts: 246 VtFurio ;)
    #19
    i had a corsa and it was like a tank. 1994 one tho guess they are built stronger lol if you ring up trading standards they will prob say they will write you a letter to give to the garage. sounds like you spent alot on it. i wouldnt of paid it in the first place. give it straight back to them
  20. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #20
    this is like really rackety at the minute, The guys looking at it again next week, My gf dont even want to keep the car, Shes had enough and plans to sell asap. But no ones going to want to buy it like it is now. Even if he can sort the missfire. Oil leak... and its running ok.. Ill jet the engine bay clean it up a bit and sell it.
    Even if she gets 600 quid for it shel be happy at the min. she isnt even expecting that. I feel really sorry for her. She now HATES corsas....... and plans to get a 206, People say ooooh no not a french car, but im sorry, Ive had two, both brilliant. My mates got a 206, Brilliant. Other mates got a clio, Nothing wrong with it.

    Dads had a vauxhall - broke, Mates gf had a corsa C - Head gasket went, My Gf's cousin had a corsa C....Head gasket went..... and of course my gf charlottes blew.... pattern emerging ? ......... Although people keep telling me these echotech engines are very good. However they just dont seem very lucky lol.

    Oh and just to clear it up.... It isnt actually a garage i took it to... Basically i phoned the guy up who sold the car... and he was pretty Ok about it to be fair and said i have a guy who does my work on cars, Give him a call and he will do it for you.... and 300 was a reasonable price considering it blew on all 4 cylinders, Water pump was melted to fuck, Other people were quoting 500 etc..... It had hit the red zone Once (maybe twice).... When we took it to the mechanic at his house, He said im surprised its still running to be honest. But leave me with the keys, and i will take it to the garage myself in the morning. So thats what we did.
    Nothing seemed too out of the ordinary to be fair.

    When he gave it me back he said it wasnt over heating now, and i dont think it was leaking oil then TBF ( or not as much, maybe i just didnt notice ) But he did mention the shit startup and missfire... which he said it could be the coil pack. ( He already tryed some new plugs apparently)

    But basically my mate told me about her BF is a mercedez benz technician etc, and ive since became really good friends with him hes a sound lad. Hes done a few bits n bobs on my saxo. Anyway when we took the car to him Hes just looking at it like .... Shit job man... saying that he could have done a better job, He also mentioned that they guys took things off that he need'nt have done and that the seal isnt probly good thats why its leaking etc. As for the long startup, He suggested that corsas crank sensors usually go. So he fits my GF a new one yesterday... stil the same. So thats what lead him to believe that its a more underlying problem.
    He also did a diagnostics on it and he said a fault came up saying something about a circuit in the engine... ( Something like that). So hes basicaly saying, Its either the timing, or just a generally crap job thats caused more problems than its fixed..... apart from the fact it HASNT overheated or lost water since......... Anybody want to buy a corsa ?.
  21. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #21
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    this is like really rackety at the minute, They guys looking at it again next week, My gf dont even want to keep the car, Shes had enough and plans to sell asap. But no ones going to want to buy it like it is now. Even if he can sort the missfire. Oil leak... and its running ok.. Ill jet the engine bay clean it up a bit and sell it.
    Even if she gets 600 quid for it shel be happy at the min. she isnt even expecting that. I feel really sorry for her. She now HATES corsas....... and plans to get a 206, People say ooooh no not a french car, but im sorry, Ive had two, both brilliant. My mates got a 206, Brilliant. Other mates got a clio, Nothing wrong with it.

    Dads had a vauxhall - broke, Mates gf had a corsa C - Head gasket went, My Gf's cousin had a corsa C....Head gasket went..... and of course my gf charlottes blew.... pattern emerging ? ......... Although people keep telling me these echotech engines are very good. However they just dont seem very lucky lol.
    Why would people on here be saying oooh no not a french car... Look where saxo's are from?!

    I love 206's handle funny though lol
  22. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #22
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    Why would people on here be saying oooh no not a french car... Look where saxo's are from?!

    I love 206's handle funny though lol
    Some people do say it though lol... i may continue my trend and get another one after the VTR... Clio or 206 RC... cause i cant fault the frenchies IMO... my first was a 106 1,1 XN Time and i loved it... 127 k on it and it was still going strong. Guy who i sold it to ( a distant family link) only scrapped it cause his ex misses came around an boshed his windows in for cheating on her lol ... But he said it was still going strong.
  23. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #23
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    Some people do say it though lol... i may continue my trend and get another one after the VTR... Clio or 206 RC... cause i cant fault the frenchies IMO... my first was a 106 1,1 XN Time and i loved it... 127 k on it and it was still going strong. Guy who i sold it to ( a distant family link) only scrapped it cause his ex misses came around an boshed his windows in for cheating on her lol ... But he said it was still going strong.
    He made a massive mistake! He was stupid enough to get caught lol
  24. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #24
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    He made a massive mistake! He was stupid enough to get caught lol
    haha i know. What a way to go tho.... could of at least give it me back to nail it to the ground like she deserved, Not just crush her while there was still life lol.
  25. Frequent Poster Joined: Jun 2010 mansfield Posts: 774 vt replica (sold) furio sold Banana vtr!
    #25
    sounds like you have a proper shit situation with ya corsa mate,

    tell ya GF that she should get a saxo
  26. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #26
    pics of said gf btw
  27. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #27
    that said GF is my Gf and she is pretty darn hot if i say it myself i consider myself a lucky one lol.

    Lew your car looks a lot like my mate Gazer's car off here, Looks nice with black wheels.

    Anyway, about the mechanic situation.... I might just drop the car through his front window, walk in his house, slap his misses, Shag his daughter, Kick his dog.. wave the V's, Wipe my arse on his tea towell, then leave.
  28. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #28
    Peeps, Update on the old corsa thing... Case was that the timing was out .. Mates sorted it and its running bang on now... Pulling better aswell ! Just thought id let you all know ... Also if you live in the Birmingham area DO NOT buy a car from Chris Main Motors
  29. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #29
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    Peeps, Update on the old corsa thing... Case was that the timing was out .. Mates sorted it and its running bang on now... Pulling better aswell ! Just thought id let you all know ... Also if you live in the Birmingham area DO NOT buy a car from Chris Main Motors
    Brilliant news!
    Though it was a timing issue.

    All the best
  30. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #30
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    Brilliant news!
    Though it was a timing issue.

    All the best
    yeah, Mates text was as follow :
    " The timings Miles out Carl 90 Degress, Both cam shafts " Sorted it, Pulling way better and its starting way better.
  31. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #31
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    yeah, Mates text was as follow :
    " The timings Miles out Carl 90 Degress, Both cam shafts " Sorted it, Pulling way better and its starting way better.
    90 degrees out :|
    surprised it bloody started lol
  32. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #32
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    90 degrees out :|
    surprised it bloody started lol
    He rekons the mark for Top dead centre wasnt right, So he did the screwdriver method or somet... cant remember whatr he said but he said its bang on now.
  33. Established Member Joined: Jun 2009 Coventry CV6 Posts: 2477 Slowda Octavia vRS SOLD - Cam'd Chip'd VTR
    #33
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Carlvtr88 View Post
    that said GF is my Gf and she is pretty darn hot if i say it myself i consider myself a lucky one lol.

    Lew your car looks a lot like my mate Gazer's car off here, Looks nice with black wheels.

    Anyway, about the mechanic situation.... I might just drop the car through his front window, walk in his house, slap his misses, Shag his daughter, Kick his dog.. wave the V's, Wipe my arse on his tea towell, then leave.
    never noticed this bit last time
    thanks mate , Yeah i spoke to that Gazer before, basically the same car haha

    and good idea, did you shag his daughter?
  34. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #34
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lew_C View Post
    never noticed this bit last time
    thanks mate , Yeah i spoke to that Gazer before, basically the same car haha

    and good idea, did you shag his daughter?
    yeah blew her back doors off, Kicked his dog, Slapped his misses n proceeded to wipe my ass on his kitchen tea towell then i left... went well
  35. Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 Birmingham Posts: 2073 Current - 56 1.9 astra Sri Owned - 54 C2 GT. Ow
    #35
    lol glad it all sorted now i wanna see whats its like now compared to how it was before
  36. Saxperience Post Whore Joined: May 2009 Birmingham Posts: 5801 1.1 106 XN Time, MK2 VTR 01. Ford Focus ST3 CP320
    #36
    gaz u wont believe it lol. Its starts as a normal car shud. Runs - as a normal car should... and the accelerator is way more responsive now. Its 100 % better than it was.