So they did the Head not the cylinders. 

Looks like a fair price.

 

Have fun with it.

So valves (not cylinders) and a timing chain set (not timing belt).

Seems pretty legit and given the work not a bad price. Glad you are back motoring

Another chain tensioner failure?

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Another chain tensioner failure?

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Possible. Could have been low on oil too.

Wow, what can I say (I know, I shouldn't...but here goes)

Let's see...must have been the lowly base 60bhp BBM variant with only 6 valves.

They only changed one coilpak, which "may" hint a sparkplug tip did come away, damaging an exhaust valve/seat and blew the coil?? Once the head was off, they thought in their wisdom they might as well refurbish the lot and throw in a new chain and tensioner kit because "servicing (i.e. oil changes) had been neglected".

Interestingly they didn't change the valve stems or any tappets by the look of the bill. Strange....

If the chain had jumped, surely all the valves would have been equally damaged but also the tappets and pistons would have been too. And in that case why did they change one coilpak?

In any case, I find it a little hard to believe they could have done all that work for £300 i.e 4 - 6 hours labour.

Who could strip a head fully off (with all the manifolds and gubbins needing to come off), drain down the coolant remove the camshaft, tappets, strip out all the valves, replace and reseat them all, then rebuild the lot back uu, Refill the coolant, THEN changing the timing chain and tensioner. Belts, pulleys, front of engine has to come off, not sure if you also have to drop the sump but it is time consuming and complex task. THEN flush the engine and service it/ check the timing/diagnostics.

Must be supermen!

Maybe I'm just being cynical, at least the customer is happy.

(But still think it was just a coilpak/sparkplug gone).

Edited 19 June, 201610 yr by xman

In previous post should have said valve guides not valve stems!

Oh... they also seem to have forgotten to charge for replacement coolant and various gaskets/sealant (rocker cover / camchain cover / sump) and a boat load of new stretch bolts too (camshaft carriers, cylinder head)

So a real bargain....

Edited 19 June, 201610 yr by xman

^^^ Nail on head,

& At least they were not a VAT Registered garage so no 20% on the labour costs...

The garage came highly recommended by a host of family and friends and is part of the vetted and checked scheme. All's well that ends well. I'm just happy to have me car fixed and running.

Hi bigad, the bill and the price you paid (total £872) looks fine. The garage you used isn't VAT registered. The price therefore is 20% cheaper than it would be from a bigger VAT reg'd garage. I've dealt with such issues for customers many times in my career as a tech. The engine coolant may have been re-used which is fine if it's in good condition and the valve stem seals are peanuts and don't look like they have been charged for. According to the symptoms you mentioned, the mechanic and the AA were spot on with their diagnosis. They must have noticed a wear issue with the camchain and tensioner for it to need replacing. It's not big bucks and is worth doing. Have a great time in your car. It's good for many more miles now.