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

[Bruce Mendel]

Richard,

It needs to be torn down all the way to check for any possible damage, per
Charlie's post. If you said they screwed up and never started it, that's one
thing. Once they turned the motor over in that condition, all bets are off
and it needs to be thoroughly examined. Who on earth would take their word
that it'll "all be OK" after what's happened so far??

Ideally, if you can get them to pay a retail price for the car and walk away
happy to buy another one, that's the way I would go. But then you need to
buy another used one, and who knows what's happened to that car? The devil
you know (and one that's been repaired properly) is sometimes better than
the one you don't.

You need to escalate past the dealer level, and get the zone rep involved.
For example, once they repair the motor to your satisfaction, it should have
a warranty that is good at any Audi dealer, or they can give you one of
their extended warranties for used cars that is good anywhere. Valid at
their dealer only is pretty scary.....they are the ones that put you in this
situation in the first place!

If you do not trust them to inspect/repair it properly, that's all the more
reason to get the zone rep involved and get it brought to a different dealer
with Audi and/or the original "servicing" dealer covering the bill. I'd do
that.

As far as future resale goes, it's a crapshoot...with a rebuilt head and
warranty, it might be worth more. To a "I want a perfect car with no
stories" buyer, it might be worth less. The key is to get it repaired
thoroughly and properly, and get a warranty to cover it. Then you're good to
go.

Good luck!

Bruce
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Molk" <rmolk at cox.net>
To: <S-CAR-List at audifans.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2002 3:09 PM
Subject: [s-cars] My pistons met my valves at the dealers


> 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
>
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