Main dealer bodge job

[T7G]

My car's timing chain had become loose which lead to OBD codes and misfiring etc, so I booked my car in to have a new timing kit fitted at a Vauxhall main dealer because the price was very reasonable.

I collect the car this morning, all is well. "We've added antifreeze, so no need to top up for winter". Great, I think. Saves me time as well as a few quid. In the afternoon I drove to Manchester where, suddenly, clouds of white smoke start leaving the bonnet as I'm sat waiting at traffic lights, along with belt slipping noises. I park up when I can and check the engine bay, (nearly suffocating from the intense heat and smell) only to find one of the coolant hoses is not connected properly, and the coolant tank is empty. The spring clamp had obviously not been fitted correctly around the lip (it was half on half off), and as a result had leaked coolant everywhere, including the serpentine belt. I filled the coolant tank with water before driving to the nearest garage, who kindly fitted it correctly and topped up the antifreeze for a fiver

I'm more relieved than anything that I was in start-stop traffic so the smoke was visible, but I think a strongly worded email/complaint is in order

[LuS1fer]

Another reason why "full service history" is never on my list of requirements when buying a car.

[Golgarth]

I hope you took a photo to emphasise their incompetence......

[T7G]

No photo, but I do have the empty antifreeze bottle/5L water bottle which I'll show them whilst ranting and raving for added effect

[DickHerpes]

Funny you mention it, this happened to a friend except with an Insignia.

[P I Staker]

It is unfortunate but mistakes get made, doesn't sound like a bodge to me just someone being human.