AA recovery conundrum.
Discussion
Folks,
Took my car apart to solve a rough idle/stalling issue. I've identified and sorted the actual problem. However, dismantling and getting the manifold out was far fiddlier than anticipated and I ended up breaking a couple of air intake pipes.
Basically, car is now in pieces and needs to get to a garage. It's in my underground space which has slightly restricted headroom.
Garage is 4.5 miles away.
Would AA tow on a rigid bar or flatbed it? How do I broach the subject of the car's problem/fault?
Took my car apart to solve a rough idle/stalling issue. I've identified and sorted the actual problem. However, dismantling and getting the manifold out was far fiddlier than anticipated and I ended up breaking a couple of air intake pipes.
Basically, car is now in pieces and needs to get to a garage. It's in my underground space which has slightly restricted headroom.
Garage is 4.5 miles away.
Would AA tow on a rigid bar or flatbed it? How do I broach the subject of the car's problem/fault?
Can you fix the air pipes by wrappying them with tape? Should last long enough to drive to the garage...
ETA: I had someone burst the radiator on my MX5 at a track thing. I removed the radiator, made up a bypass pipe and drove five miles until it overheated, then called the AA who were happy to help.
ETA: I had someone burst the radiator on my MX5 at a track thing. I removed the radiator, made up a bypass pipe and drove five miles until it overheated, then called the AA who were happy to help.
Ä°n terms and conditions it states that if some before AA patrol arrived have alkready started to work on vehicle we will not provide any further service. Ä° do work for the AA to me that usually means if the member has the rifht atatuate Ä° will carry on and give the required help as long as members streight up that is. Hopefully you can get it resolved.
I get the point about "self inflicted" and will check tonight- Although I didn't see anything about this on first scan.
I'm prepared to be honest about it- The car was stalling when "coasting" so did need fixing. I could fudge the fact that further work is required.
It's the whole manifold/airbox that needs to go back on. I am picking up replacement pipes today but don't trust myself to get it back in successfully. There is no "bodge" way of making it run before then short of running without airbox/throttle!
Mate with a tow rope is a last resort really, it's a bit far to be safe without servo assistance.
I'm prepared to be honest about it- The car was stalling when "coasting" so did need fixing. I could fudge the fact that further work is required.
It's the whole manifold/airbox that needs to go back on. I am picking up replacement pipes today but don't trust myself to get it back in successfully. There is no "bodge" way of making it run before then short of running without airbox/throttle!
Mate with a tow rope is a last resort really, it's a bit far to be safe without servo assistance.
Hmm,
It's a little confusing really.
It doesn't state anything in the "general" terms and conditions however does state this in the more specific terms:
It's a little confusing really.
It doesn't state anything in the "general" terms and conditions however does state this in the more specific terms:
AA website said:
AA Membership does not provide for:
a. Any Vehicle servicing or re-assembly
For example, where this is required as a result of neglect or unsuccessful work on the vehicle (including, but not limited to, DIY vehicle maintenance), other than that on the part of the AA or its agents;
So it's not clear whether that means they won't work on it, or they won't recover it... Anyone been in a similar situation?a. Any Vehicle servicing or re-assembly
For example, where this is required as a result of neglect or unsuccessful work on the vehicle (including, but not limited to, DIY vehicle maintenance), other than that on the part of the AA or its agents;
carreauchompeur said:
Nope, it's booked into my local specialist on Sat, it's a bit more involved than the average job...
I might just ring up anyway and outline the circumstances, the car wasn't running particularly well before!
Failing that ring your specialist. He's bound to know a way to get the car to him, although I suppose it's going to cost.I might just ring up anyway and outline the circumstances, the car wasn't running particularly well before!
Biggest issue is restricted headroom.
If you cant get a Transit down there they wont be able to move the car.
Bolt it back together best you can, have a mate drag you on the public road then ring them up and say it conked out. They will come out, claim ignorance, and if they can fix it then quids in. If not they will recover it. job jobbed.
If you cant get a Transit down there they wont be able to move the car.
Bolt it back together best you can, have a mate drag you on the public road then ring them up and say it conked out. They will come out, claim ignorance, and if they can fix it then quids in. If not they will recover it. job jobbed.
_Neal_ said:
I say call the specialist ahead of the AA - he's nearby, so should be able to pop over and get it sorted well enough to get to him so he can work on it. Classic M3 Evo issue eh - that airbox/intake is a tight fit.
I've already spoken to James and did raise the possibility of him coming out but he wasn't keen... I think I'll try the AA early Sat morning and if no joy grab my mate with the tow rope. There's no point trying to bodge it back together and do the AA over since I'll probably break another trumpet and be back to square one.It is indeed a tight fit. Job went absolutely fine until I got to the point when you have to remove 2 small hoses blind from the bottom of the airbox and also a stupidly attached radiator hose... Trumpets came out of the throttle bodies fine but then got caught on the studs as they came out. Really, really frustrating.
H_Kan said:
Just ring up and say it's not starting, they send somebody out, let the guy have a look and explain why it's not starting.... they then hopefully tow/ recover you to garage.
Thanks, I might do this. I strongly suspect the recovery guy would be amenable particularly if presented with a crisp tenner 
Better than bodging it together. The worst that can happen is that they won't tow it.
Getting through to a car guy, or someone without much between the ears helps.
I work in Breakdown Recovery (more ant based, then yellow and orange) and if I speak to an obvious pistonhead, who satisfies me by saying "I've had a look, and in a specialists opinion and it needs a straight recovery to a garage" I won't question it, you've not lied, I've just decided not to probe further.
Just saying...
I work in Breakdown Recovery (more ant based, then yellow and orange) and if I speak to an obvious pistonhead, who satisfies me by saying "I've had a look, and in a specialists opinion and it needs a straight recovery to a garage" I won't question it, you've not lied, I've just decided not to probe further.
Just saying...
I wouldn't worry about it,
Recovery drivers aren't often technician trained. No point companies wasting money equipping him with anything other than basic tools if all he's gonna be doing is roll on, roll off recoveries.
So chances are the bonnet won't even get touched.
Just make sure you know where your tow eye is!
[edit]
Just to add, might be worthwhile getting your mate to pull you out of the basement and requesting a demountable flatbed. As I wouldn't want to see if getting rear towed or scraping up a regular flatbed.
Recovery drivers aren't often technician trained. No point companies wasting money equipping him with anything other than basic tools if all he's gonna be doing is roll on, roll off recoveries.
So chances are the bonnet won't even get touched.
Just make sure you know where your tow eye is!
[edit]
Just to add, might be worthwhile getting your mate to pull you out of the basement and requesting a demountable flatbed. As I wouldn't want to see if getting rear towed or scraping up a regular flatbed.
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