Latest diagnosis is that the oil is leaking from a core plug (I am not 100% sure this what they said, as I it sounded like cool plug, but core plug is more likely).

Two things: One is that in my limited understanding of engines, isn't it usually only coolant that leaks from a core plug?

Second: how does this leak start pretty much immediately after the head has been removed and repaired?

Maybe it wasn't core plug I heard, or perhaps someone can expain either or both of my queries. I'll clarify exactly what was done when I pick the car up. Apparently should be ready by Monday morning.

Bugger, sorry to hear of the issues. Hope it get resolved fully.

Not long had my 1.9tdi octy and it's in for it's first cam belt change with my local skoda dealer today. Fingers crossed it's a very rare occurance, your scenario.

Latest diagnosis is that the oil is leaking from a core plug (I am not 100% sure this what they said, as I it sounded like cool plug, but core plug is more likely).

Two things: One is that in my limited understanding of engines, isn't it usually only coolant that leaks from a core plug?

Second: how does this leak start pretty much immediately after the head has been removed and repaired?

Maybe it wasn't core plug I heard, or perhaps someone can expain either or both of my queries. I'll clarify exactly what was done when I pick the car up. Apparently should be ready by Monday morning.

1. Anything can leak from a core plug - normally it's coolant, but if the casting happens to have a core into an oilway, then it'd be oil behind it. Unusual though.

2. Coincidence, possibly. Either that or if the head's been machined and rebuilt, it may have had the core plugs replaced for some reason, and one's not been fitted properly.

Had an update phone call from them. It is a core plug in a cylinder head that is leaking. However, they say it has nothing to do with the work they did, nor was damage caused by the cambelt failure. They say it is a coincidence. Could the cold weather be a factor?

To their credit, they are repairing it free of charge anyway, since I had suffered a fair amount of inconvenience from the cambelt failure. They are also replacing 3 glow plugs that have burnt out.

Maybe I was a little quick to suspect their workmanship - they seem to be bending over backwards to keep this customer happy!

Seems like a decent bit of customer service right there!

G