Engine mount problem (missing and sheared)93 Chim.

[chris547]

Bought a second hand 1993 Chim 3 months ago. It had only done 30,000 miles in total and I have added 3000 miles. It came with a new MOT, was serviced by the MOT station and the dealer gave me 12 months warranty. Like an idiot I thought I was secure.

Put it into Tower View because the suspension had suddenly gone and the steering became wooly and stiff.

Tower View found a catalogue of problems but most concerning was there were no engine mount bolts on the n/s. One has vibrated loose and then the othe has sheared. Unless Mark can do a miracle this sounds like engine out so the broken bolt can be extraced. £1000 bill coming for this alone.

Any advice on claiming from the dealer who took out a Warranty to protect himself from having to pay out on faults? Broken bolt seems rusted so I am sure it was like this at MOT and service.

[ian8542]

£1000 seems steep for this to be rectified.
There are 2 engine mounts which are easily sourced and relatively easy to replace without taking the engine out.

[chris547]

It is steep but 14 hours labour at £55 plus VAT is over £900, to pull out the engine and then replace the engine . I have allowed a contingency of £100 to drill the sheared bolt which is still in the tapped hole in the cylinder block, easy out the bolt, and replace the bolts could be about right.

I don't think there is enough room to do these operations insitu. If the threaded hole gets damaged then it will cost more for a helicoil.

Any advice, perhaps from a TVR specialist (the Gamekeeper)on how to retrieve some money back from the car dealer as he sold the car with a service and an MOT and a Warranty?

[ian8542]

I think your first port of call should be the dealer who sold you the car.
Get a list of the defects and put it to them and see what response you get.
Do this before sanctioning any work to Tower View or they may refuse to do anything.
You will be lucky to get the full cost of the works needed, as much of it can be put down to wear and tear.
Expect a contribution at most, as you have obviously discounted being able to claim on your warranty.

[chris547]

Thanks Ian and I will take it gently with my first letter. There are however some public safety issues. The front near side wheel is so mobile it has burned though the battery box and is now attacking the front of the wheel arch as well. It got an MOT 3000 miles ago. Fit for purpose?

I will ask them to sanction work before I begin, thanks.

I have photographed all the defects. It took me 70 goes to get a shot of the missing bolts. Well hidden!

I have reported the issues to Trading Standards but obviously the dealer needs to have an opportunity to make an offer before I get difficult.

I don't expect to receive full reimbursement. I think I should be well reimbursed for the missing bolts as it came with a warranty, MOT and a service. If I got 10 to 20% of the suspension/bush costs I would be chuffed.

When you are in disaster mode it is so comforting to feel some support from another person. Thanks mate.