PLEASE HELP - GREENBELT VW IS SCREWING ME OVER!!!

[stevenrossi]

Just an update:

Still trying to find out exactly what’s wrong w/ the engine. Could be turbo, could be engine...could be.... ... both. I'm having the car looked at right now and ill have another opinion by a native German fellow tomorrow (VW / AUDI EXPERT) - either way, i've just got to get the proper info from credible sources and then the legal action (if necessary) will follow. I just can't take this one sitting down.

[stevenrossi]

P.S ---> I need suggestions... If I were to have to go to court with this, how would I go about proving that the engine did in fact overheat. It's basically my word against theirs. The truth, as you may already know, is that I took my car in to the service shop @ greenbelt...and it left with some problem that had it overheating...I brought it back (that’s my 1st mistake) and they covered up whatever mistakes they may have made on the car ---- essentially, I should have had it towed to another service shop (NON-VW) and had them look at it.

Essentially, all I need is your opinion...how can I prove that my car even overheated let alone proving that the engine overheat has hence damaged my turbocharger and/or engine. I mean the cost of going to court (for VW) will be more than the cost of repairs...but I need to be able to nail them in court...is there any way? I do have records of towing and records (from VW) stating:

"Check Engine Overheat...
---No overheat detected
---Low Speed Thermoswitch not working - replace $45"

...and that’s basically their way of saying that it didn't overheat...I don’t know...any legal advice?

SR

[srivett]

I would look for melted coolant flanges on the engine.  An overly warped or cracked head would be more proof.  

You should also dig up a mechanic who will say it is impossible to overheat a VW diesel in the winter if it has coolant in the system.  My thermostat NEVER opens below let's say +10C.  I don't have a turbo though, so my engine will run cooler.  

Sometimes you can get away with a written document from the mechanic but you need some advice.  Your local universities will have free legal advice from students and supervisors.  It's part of their Law Degree program.  It's not quite OJ Simpson quality but it's free...I don't know what the track record is for these groups though.  hehe

Steve

[stevenrossi]

I would look for melted coolant flanges on the engine.  An overly warped or cracked head would be more proof.  

You should also dig up a mechanic who will say it is impossible to overheat a VW diesel in the winter if it has coolant in the system.  My thermostat NEVER opens below let's say +10C.  I don't have a turbo though, so my engine will run cooler.  

Sometimes you can get away with a written document from the mechanic but you need some advice.  Your local universities will have free legal advice from students and supervisors.  It's part of their Law Degree program.  It's not quite OJ Simpson quality but it's free...I don't know what the track record is for these groups though.  hehe

Steve

I appreciate your help, good 'ol sudburian guy...place I used to call home..good old "wembly" drive.
Thx

SR

[stevenrossi]

Hey guys, news in...its the Turbo --- not working...completley siezed. What could cause a turbo to get cooked like that? Could it have been the overheat?
SR

[chrissev]

Hey guys, news in...its the Turbo --- not working...completley siezed. What could cause a turbo to get cooked like that? Could it have been the overheat?
SR

probably when you were low on oil the turbo didn't get any.

[stevenrossi]

I've never been low enough on oil to restrict its flow to the turbo...at least I dont think I have been. Either way, I just dont want to cut a loss here - i'm certain that its the dealerships fault and I just need to know if theres any chance that an overheat could damage a turbo...or if its just from wear and tear.

SR

[chrissev]

I've never been low enough on oil to restrict its flow to the turbo...at least I dont think I have been. Either way, I just dont want to cut a loss here - i'm certain that its the dealerships fault and I just need to know if theres any chance that an overheat could damage a turbo...or if its just from wear and tear.

SR

the turbo's oil supply is cooled in an oil cooler on the front of the engine.  It operates by using coolant I think.  Not sure if the oil cooler is necessary for the turbo or if it is just a precaution.

[ricosuave]

but if the engine is heating and cooking the oil, thereby seizing the engine, and restricting the oil flow to the turbo...

rico

[jtanguay]

less oil.. means less oil pres right?

did you take it easy drivin around or did u have to step on it a few times (darn that city driving).  If you did, that would explain it...   there is no cure for low oil... its like cancer for engines

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

I always thought that if the turbo died then a TD just becomes a 'robust' NA...  
Maybe the engineers took it out for a little 'spin' and hammered it with no oil, limped back and put the forgotten oil in. (I always check the odometer when I leave my car)
Mark(The Miser)UK :twisted:

[stevenrossi]

I always thought that if the turbo died then a TD just becomes a 'robust' NA...  
Maybe the engineers took it out for a little 'spin' and hammered it with no oil, limped back and put the forgotten oil in. (I always check the odometer when I leave my car)
Mark(The Miser)UK :twisted:

One thing I know it does not have is a rod knock or anything, so I’m sure the engine was always well lubricated. It's currently getting fixed, this will cost me another $1300 (new turbo) and hopefully I'll leave this situation behind me having learned to be super precautious with my vehicle.

[stevenrossi]

Double Post

[chrissev]

It's currently getting fixed, this will cost me another $1300 (new turbo)

it doesn't have to cost you that much.  Used turbos can be had for under $100 and they are pretty reliable.  Easy to install too.  You can swap turbos around on those things.  Ask on this board and people will tell you the different units they have on their cars.  I believe yours would have a KKK on it.  You can use other kinds as well.  If you are intent on buying a new one, why not get it from a discount parts place instead of the heavily marked up dealer turbo?  For an example of dealer markups, consider my recent experience with rebuilt turbo diesel fuel injectors.  Bosch price $101, dealer markup $179, got them from Jack at VW parts.com in the states for $44.  Why give your money to other people when you can keep it?

[stevenrossi]

You know, at the start of this thread, I was set on making sure that my car was fixed and that the repairs were taken care of by those who were responsible. It's been THE biggest pain in the ARSE I’ve ever had to deal with in my life and I'm fed up. Used (working) ones are not as easily attainable as one would think and I just can't go on a chaise to save a few bucks. I'm getting a whole slew of work done to my car (new turbo, all oil leaks fixed, rear wiper motor...etc) and hopefully I can just put this whole fiasco behind me. I love the idea of getting something that should normally cost $1300 done for $200, but right now...I’m missing work and really can’t afford to waist anymore time. The new mechanic I’m using seems to really know what he's doing and hopefully, after spending nearly $3500 on a $5000 car...I can finally drive a reliable car. I’ve learned to be very careful with who does work on your car, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, do not buy a used car from a small used car dealership.