[s-cars] My pistons met my valves at the dealers

[Richard Molk]

Hello:

As some of you know already, my wife's S6 went to an audi dealer in
east hartford for routine maintenance, including a timing belt at their
suggestion (87000 miles, one would think it is a good idea).
Unfortunately, the mechanic took a short cut and removed the timing
belt before loosening up the crank pulley, so when he exerted mega
strength on the pulley bolt, the crank turned when the camshaft did
not. While this probably bent some valves a bit, reassembling the motor
and starting it up certainly completed the job.

With the head off, there are two obviously demolished valves, bent open
and curved to touch the dome inside the head. There are scratches on
the piston at the point of impact. While no other head damage is
obvious, it has not been disassembled and may certainly be toast.

The dealer's smiler says they want to make me happy, so they will fix
the two valves for free, with a warrantee valid at their dealership.
The dealer's technician, a different one from the five fingers of death
mechanic, says he can easily replace the two valves and the seats if
necessary, and he is absolutely confident it will run as new, trust him
(he says). I am holding out for a factory rebuilt head, or tow the car
to another place for evaluation and repair at the dealer's expense, or
they can own the car at retail price and do what they will. The smiler
says he has the power to do that, but that would not be the best
solution for me or the dealer. So far the owner has refused to speak
with me though I have asked more than five times.

My question is: "If you were looking at this S6 with no prior repair
problems and were told of this situation (as my honesty demands when I
sell the car) would you pay top dollar for it? Even with a
non-transferrable warrantee at the dealer in East Hartford, after he
replaces the two valves? The dealer thinks you would. Let me know,
please.

My wife loves her car and is angry mourning.

Richard Molk