The problem with buying a used long block is you never know how it was handled. I would, at the very least pull the big end rod bearing and the main bearings and inspect/replace as required.

ATB
Larry

 

Great news. I was able to work out a deal with the dealer that sold me the car and have pulled the trigger on a brand new motor from Aston. They built the motor over the last couple weeks and shipped it out from the UK on Monday. If all goes well it should be here tomorrow which means I could be picking up the car next weekend!

Are there any specific ancillary items I should have the dealer address while the motor's out? (car has 39k miles and according to Carfax, all planned maintenance has been done by original selling dealer up through the 60k mile service).

 

That's a great step-up for everyone involved. As long as the clutch is good you shouldn't have an issue.

 

Great news! Make sure, even with the new engine, that the updated FEAD belt and hardware are present. And to the extent possible a properly fitted timing cover gasket. AOK if your engine is under warranty.

 

I had my engine replaced under Aston Martin extended warranty about two years ago.
As part of the replacement a new clutch was installed at no charge.
Out of necessity other things were also included...radiator flush, AC re-charge, front end alignment... etc..
I would also replace any of the older hoses.
Thanks,
JH

 

Thanks guys. The pulley is an updated unit and I'm having them replace all belts along with hoses. They will be checking the clutch for wear while it's out in case it needs replacing. If all goes according to plan I hope to bring her home this weekend!

 

my guess is that the dealer was never going to commit (not surprising really) to anything until they saw the filings in the oilpan. with such evidence they could appeal to the manufacturer for the majority, if not all, of the repair costs.

 

I'm interested to hear how this turned out financially since this doesn't happen often and many of us don't know how to set expectations if it were to happen to us. Sorry you went through all of this in the first place.

 

If anyone wants specifics feel free to PM... but essentially you're looking at $22-$30k out the door. Lots of variables here but figure a brand new motor from AM for the 4.7L N420 V8 Vantage will run you in the neighborhood of $15-20k shipped from the UK (you can go used but those are still $10-15k and you have no clue what kind of life they lived previously). Labor is somewhere around 35"ish" hours so depending on what rate you can get from your shop figure around $5-6k in labor. There's also some variables/add-ons in there depending on how much you want to do while the motor's out (clutch, hoses, belts, etc.) so you can rack up some additional costs there. Not sure this makes sense in most scenarios but for my particular circumstances and cost sharing situation it was palatable.

 

And my understanding is that there was no warranty provided by the dealer but they are going to still cover half the costs?

 

Technically state law says that a dealer is responsible for any powertrain issues that occur within 15 days or 500 miles. I could have gone after them for the full amount but that would have taken years... not to mention attorney's fees so I was happy to split it and be done.

 

If you say you would have had to "go after them", I'm assuming they felt that the issue was not covered by warranty? What was their reasoning?

 

The law may require the other party to do so but if they refuse your only mechanism to enforce your right is to file a lawsuit (or file arbitration if the contract included an arbitration agreement). Fortunately we came to an agreement that we could both live with.

 

Finally got the Vantage back last week, complete with a brand spanking new motor. Took it on a weekend away in Amelia Island over the weekend and it was fantastic! Just got her all cleaned back up and in her spot and couldn't be happier.

 

Fantastic! I would recommend an oil & oil filter change at no more than 1500 miles. That is the old school break in change period. No one does it anymore, because no one really cares about the cars they sell. They want you in the replacement as soon as they can make it happen.