Farley

Not sure, I will ask the wife to check the service paperwork.

Sorry for delay, the blanking plug and o-ring were replaced and the leak is no more! Total bill from independent garage = £56, just a small saving on the £1005 quoted by the dealer for a head gasket replacement (and we may still have had the leak). Hopefully it really was this simple to fix. But nit a huge bill if we discover further leaks in a short while. I'm not clued up enough to follow some of the conversation above, but will try to learn. Very happy with the independent garage who have been very helpful.

Thanks - you can tell my engine knowledge is limited!

Yep, agree there may be more questions than answers at moment. "IF" it is the blanking plug/o-ring - is there a good reason for oil to be in this area? Or is there something inside wrong/broken? If it's one of the other suggestions, the oil filter/housing/oil cooler, cam cover, timing chain covers in that area, what could be the cause. Agree 2nd garage seem more careful to diagnose, but still worried there could be something more sinister to the cause?

Yep, I hope so. Yes that is what was described. Seems a wipe down and light/mirror showed the leak was not from the gasket seal! Maybe not the easiest part to reach/replace though?

so the 2nd garage think the problem is a blanking plug in the casing, above the head gasket seal, on the exhaust side. Perhaps a sensor is fitted here on other models? Ordered and will replace tomorrow - the concern is if there is excess oil in this location due to another reason? Any thoughts anyone?

yes the oil leak was present before the service

Never previously had any issues with this dealer servicing, but then no major faults either... Definitely think it was a poor/negligent service. Car did have leak before the service, but disappointed not spotted/looked at in service. Car' done 38k, owned from new. Going to get a 2nd (& maybe 3rd) opinion tomorrow, though both of these independent mechanics have fixed similar faults in the past they said. However, neither have seen it yet.

So just had the call from dealer... Head Gasket, £1,005 quoted, Apparently the leaking gasket is due/from the "oil gallery" feed to the cylinder head. Does this seem feasible? I thought the head gasket was coolant/water - but definitely oil also according to dealers? They are certain this is the source of leak. Could there be anything wrong under/inside more sinister?

Thanks, car is at dealer, wife was worried about driving if "head gasket gone" and making anything worse... Seems less likely and could maybe drive it home and monitor oil - though I would like to view an inspection myself at dealer - just with the advice from here seems a logical place to start. Still waiting for their repair quote and therefore the written diagnosis Owned from new - no records of timing chain replacement in wife's records - will ask again though when they eventually call me (or i call them again!)

how would i know if the sump was badly sealed? I've never had an independent inspection before - how common are these?

Thanks for replies, I did think the gasket sounded unlikely. Going to call them myself shortly. Going to ask for all service history records to see what has been done, is/was the chain/belt a recall issue or on a failure only basis?

Hoping you can all help with a problem to OH's car - I have no engine knowledge. Bought new in 2011 and full dealer service history So car was dealer serviced & MOT 2 weeks ago - went in with a small oil leak reported by wife. Oil spotted on ground under car. No mention of oil leak on service report! Oil leak recorded on MOT. Both reports by same engineer! Nothing highlighted to wife during service/on collection of car. Oil leak continued/worsened last week, so phoned and took car back. Apparently the "head gasket has gone" - cue much shouting and frustration. Dealer customer service non existent - surprising as they have serviced both our cars for 6years. So no courtesy car, awaiting quote for repair this week. Apparently car was ok for wife to drive home carefully for local use until fixed? Wife said no - doesn't head gasket fail = cracked engine block if used? Any suggestions/advice please. Any known issues in this engine> Thanks in advance.

intrigued... I was about to order a new superb, with columbus unit and MDI input for an ipod... I'd really like any others feedback on ipod issues through MDI, so that I don't order if a problem?

Do they compete well against Admiral multicar type insurance? Wife has a fabia DSG and I am ordering a Superb estate, but renewal dates will be staggered... Admiral will bring into line, but ultimately want a good price with a small excess!