Head Gasket Headache

[Mark 4.3]

OK, here goes the history:- Bought pre-cat Griff from a very reputable main agent in May and have since covered 1500 miles. Returned to dealer to have a head gasket replaced under WHA warranty. Dealer breaks a stud inside the block, which needs drilling and helicoiling. Helicoil engineer requests that engine needs to be removed in order to gain access. Dealer advises that I am liable for the labour to do this, as WHA won't cover it, and the broken stud is not their responsibility (i.e. they were only loosening a bolt as instructed, and they often cease on older cars. They do not accept any suggestion of engineering negligence). Thus shortly after buying the car with a full warranty and the security of main dealer backing, I am faced with a bill for approx £400.
Has anyone had similar experiences, do I have any rights here, or is this an unjustified rant? Please advise .....

[angusfaldo]

Although the dealer was acting under instruction from you/WHA I believe they have a duty to deliver a repaired engine to you. Your instruction was to repair the fualt, not extract a head bolt without shearing it. Therefore if WHA has agreed to foot the bill for the fix, then the cost of the fix (this time) includes drilling out the sheared bolt. If this involves engine removal then so be it.

I think this is another case if insurers trying all they can not to payout and it seems all too usual a tactic that they just say no, regardless of the situation, in the hope that you will bow to the pressure and pay yourself.

I think you should go into writing on this one. A strongly worded letter.

AF

[angusfaldo]

And another thing... (sorry!)

If the dealer is so aware that head bolts often cease on older engines, why did he not warn you of this when you booked it in and explain to you that you might have to pay for it to be drilled out.

I feel a PH march coming on, down to your dealer!

[dern]

I would expect that if I asked for a job to be done where the bolts may sheer (such as removing manifolds) I would be given 2 quotes for the worst and best case scenarios. If the garage only gave you the best case quote as they didn't expect it to sheer I would still expect them to charge you to remedy it unless they gave you a written and fixed quote for the job regardless of what was involved.

Personally I would prefer that garages didn't give me a fixed quote as if they did they would always have to charge me for the worst possible scenario. Having said that I would always want to be made aware of the worst case.

Mark