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They fixed the CEL codes that they caused but on my way home I got a p1145 which is what I brought it in for to begin with. They insist that my bank 1 cam actuator gear was failing and point to a groove that was worn into it (see photo). This seems like a normal wear groove but maybe someone who has seen these parts and knows what they should look.
The lifters look perfect so now I have new ones that I didn't need.
The cross pin in the intake lifter is what fails. It walks out and in beds itself into the cam tower. Also the lifter can try and twist and the little locating tab will dig in to its alignment groove, not common on a 7k rpm red line.
After just over 100 miles, I started the car and the mad a terrible loud rattling sound. It sounded like the timing chain rubbing on something. I had it towed to the shop again. They claimed that it made the same sound from the first cam adjuster (bank 1) before they changed it. I left it there so they could figure out where the noise came from and today they just called to tell me the cam actuator on bank 2 has now failed!!!
First of all, I don't believe the part on bank 1 failed...it looks fine to me, and second...they are claiming that the fine metal particles in my oil are the cause of the cam actuator failures.
When I left the shop, there was no metal in the oil...in 100 miles I couldn't have accumulated any oil and It certainly would not have caused this sort of noise. Even if the actuator failed it would only screw up the timing, not make this noise.
I am beyond angry now. They are sending the oil out for evaluation but don't even trust them to do that anymore.
I asked the shop foreman about the rings and at first he was dumbfounded. I could have been speaking Portuguese judging by his reaction. After explaining exactly where they are located he said "oh I didn't notice anything wrong with them." For all I know one of them could be completely missing.
The answers I'm getting just don't make sense and I know I am being lied to which is the worst part.
I don't know what to do next.
The answers I'm getting just don't make sense and I know I am being lied to which is the worst part.
I don't know what to do next.
Oh man, sad story. I am sorry for you. If I were in your position, I wouldn't let them touch the car another time and bill you for the next problem they create or overlook. At the end one can expect professional work for that amount of money.
I would see if I can get hold of a guy who really knows his job and then let him take the engine out again, check what's wrong and fix it.
It will cost you money again. You can choose who you want to give it.
Real sorry for your bad luck, hope you get it sorted. I'd take elsewhere, they sound incompetent.
I think you really need to get tough with them and threaten to sue them, you have to take it elsewhere get it fixed and then send them the bill with a legal letter. You will sort it out but you now have to stand your ground.
i have had success with bringing in the bureau of automotive repairs to resolve issues with a shop. happened once to me, and i was compensated very quickly after the bar rep "spoke" with the shop.
just keep that in mind if this isn't getting resolved to your satisfaction amicably.
Im also sorry! To hear all this crap you have to go through. I also agree. Do not talk to them over the phone. Just go there. I dont think they know wtf is going on. If they opened the engine and re assambled it should work right ? They maybe forgot something. Nothing is adding up. I would warn them and tell them to put everything the way it was and get that poor car out of there and tow it to another shop. And i would pay them only for labor for taking the motor apart. Im not sure how well or good the shop is you went with maybe mechanic changed and main guy who runs the shop dosnt know!jack about p engines.
The white paint reference marks on the actuator are a dead give away that the tech knows not what he is doing. There is no need or any notes to do so in any manual to do such when timing the cams.
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that this is still not yet resolved. I'd have to agree with the "take a step back. decide what to pay them that actually added any kind of value to solving your problem. ask them to put the car back together again. take the time to talk to the 'other reputable' shops and decide who is the person you feel you can trust with solving this problem. and then grin and bear it and take it over there.". As to whether or not they have done further damage or took a bad situation and made it worse, that will be a tougher case to put together. The benefit would be financial if you think you can win. Otherwise, the grief may outweigh the financial benefit. You've got a new baby on the way (or maybe here already), you're going to have your hands full. Life is short.
