Hi guys,

 

I've got a problem that the RAC couldn't get to the bottom of at the roadside.

 

I am sure you can though.

 

So here's what I already know.

 

The car will run if sure start is sprayed straight into air flow.

 

All fuses appear to be intact.

 

There was no voltage at the glow plugs but light show ok.

 

Only one code showed up and that was for a bad earth on thermostat which I have had for about 3 yrs.

 

Car ran fine most 5 miles home after RAC started me apart from a little hesitance under throttle and would with some reluctance restart once hot.

 

Starter is working well and battery is fully charged and pushing out plenty of juice.

 

Fuel is flowing freely.

 

Oh and no engine management lights obviously.

 

I hope you can help.

 

Thanks

 

Ady

Edited 22 October, 201312 yr by bigladwigan

Scrap it mate, its had a good life.

Never my Agnes is a loyal and until yesterday trusted friend. She has given me almost 150k trouble free miles and 9 years.

If it will start on easy start then i'd say the problem is fueling.

 

Is there fuel at the injectors?

I'm not sure he checked that.

 

Would it still run for 5/6 miles if not?

So does it start at all now?

Only with sure start or similar.

 

It turns over fine spews out unburnt diesel but wont fire.

Do a compression test next

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Anyone know a good inexpensive specialist around the Warrington area?

 

I don't have the skills or tools to compression test.

I know this may sound like a daft question but you state:

 

"All fuses appear to be intact."

and

"There was no voltage at the glow plugs but light show ok."

 

Did the RAC chap check the main glow plug fuse (50A ?)

I assume the Octavia has one for the glow plugs, please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Our L reg Toledo 1.9TDi would not start because this fuse had split (it was located behind the engine on the bulkhead and a pig to change late at night in the snow - that was the second time it failed and just so awkward to replace).

Edited 22 October, 201312 yr by vwroadster

Glow plugs don't do anything unless you the temp is below 7 degrees. Not surprising there is no voltage.

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Anyone know a good inexpensive specialist around the Warrington area?

 

I don't have the skills or tools to compression test.

 

 Get it over to Simon at Central VW in Ellesmere Port, he will diagnose and sort it for you.

Thanks for the tip.

 

She's booked in for Friday.

 

I hope it's good news.

Well,

 

the news is mixed.

 

The cambelt was shafted although only 34000 miles since fitting. I got an estimate from the garage for the cambelt, water pump and auxiliary pulley of £320 plus vat.

 

Just called the car is fixed and my bill nearly stopped my ticker at £569.31 which is to say the least more than a bit higher. Apparently a new crank pulley has been fitted too, but I haven't been called about the increase and nor was it mentioned on Friday when my wife called for an update.

 

I'm off now to try and find another £170.

Edited 28 October, 201312 yr by bigladwigan

So what was the cause of the issue?

Apparently the cambelt was the problem. So knackered it was slack.

 

I haven't picked the car up yet so haven't had the full run down.

£569, you was robbed mate.

If you didn't authorise the additional work don't pay for it.

If you didn't authorise the additional work don't pay for it.

Wot he said ^

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I need the motor so will have to pay the piper, but do I have a legal right to claim my car and pay only the original figure?

 

Surely the garage isn't going to hand the car back without payment.

 

I won't be recommending them on here or returning with my VW.

 

I just don't seem to be able to find a reliable reasonable mechanic.

Edited 30 October, 201312 yr by bigladwigan

If they have replaced a part without permission then you are not oblidged to pay for that part. Ask them what was wrong with the original and why it required replacing. I have replaced one crankshaft pulley in all my years and that because some dullard dropped it on the floor and chipped a lump of it. If thats the case then they should pay (not saying it is however). Ask to see the original part and inspect it. if they say it has been disposed of tell them to find it and refit it.

Ok thought I better update as I've now got the car back and have spoken with Simon at CentralVW about the issues and work carried out.

The cambelt was really badly cracked and had punctures in it.

The pretensioner had been fitted incorrectly and was set at full tension permanently. A piece of this unit had sheared off and was floating around in there.

The mechanic was unable to remove the crank shaft pulley without damaging it, hence the replacement.

The water pump also only 34 k old was cheap tat (with a metal component where VW parts are fitted with a plastic part to avoid the need for balancing) was already starting to fail.

 

Having discussed this with Simon and gone through the bill thoroughly and having seen the defective parts, I have to say the bill is fair and covers the work need to repair the car properly.

 

My only remaining criticism was the lack of contact concerning such a substantial increase in the bill.

 

Thanks very much to you all for your help.

Edited 2 November, 201312 yr by bigladwigan