My TVR dream is turning into a nightmare...
Discussion
My first TVR, my favourite car marque when I was a boy, was purchased 28th Feb. A dream fulfilled.
However when the garage that I got to do a do 12,000 mile service checked it over they told me the cam was knackered. Bugger, unexpected cash to pay.
Now the cam is out, the cam bearings are shot. Engine now needs to come out and be rebuilt..... Mega Bugger and LOTS more cash to pay. (Not sure exactly how much yet but I'll find out tomorrow...)
Please tell me the drain on the wallet ends soon.....
However when the garage that I got to do a do 12,000 mile service checked it over they told me the cam was knackered. Bugger, unexpected cash to pay.
Now the cam is out, the cam bearings are shot. Engine now needs to come out and be rebuilt..... Mega Bugger and LOTS more cash to pay. (Not sure exactly how much yet but I'll find out tomorrow...)
Please tell me the drain on the wallet ends soon.....
Edited by A900ss on Tuesday 2nd April 16:31
Sorry to hear that. It seems to me I need to ensure I never put mine in for a service as Karl had similar issues when his went in for a service... I think I'll just keep changing the oil, plugs & filters myself and live in blissful ignorance of any impending doom.
I've put a little over 5000 miles on mine since the end of October and it's been flawless (I know that's taking a big risk saying that) but hopefully when the cam (etc) is done you'll feel an improvement in performance and the pain will be forgotten (like childbirth)
I've put a little over 5000 miles on mine since the end of October and it's been flawless (I know that's taking a big risk saying that) but hopefully when the cam (etc) is done you'll feel an improvement in performance and the pain will be forgotten (like childbirth)
A900ss said:
Now the cam is out, the cam bearings are shot. Engine now needs to come out and be rebuilt..... Mega Bugger and LOTS more cash to pay. (Not sure exactly how much yet but I'll find out tomorrow...)
When you say engine needs to be rebuilt it sounds a bit extreme, unles the cam bearings have broken up and deposited matrial throughout the engine... Not wishing to teach anyone to suck eggs, but personally I'd get a bit more clarification and a look see before gave the go-ahead for a full engine rebuild (if it is a full engine rebuild)..And if it's any consolation, my mint 500 developed a porous block about five months into ownership... which became very expensive... fortunately, I was able to bite the bullet, view it as an opportunity to start a (seemingly never ending) series of 'upgrades', and kept smiling. It all worked out well in the end.... moral: You are not alone
Feel for you.
Don't know where it is being serviced but I have heard a similar story of a well known indie advising stuff that doesn't need doing, same story too- first cam, then needs LOADS more.
Clearly not going to say who here but drop me a PM if interested in knowing who.
But they are quite along way from Tetbury so might not be them.
Don't know where it is being serviced but I have heard a similar story of a well known indie advising stuff that doesn't need doing, same story too- first cam, then needs LOADS more.
Clearly not going to say who here but drop me a PM if interested in knowing who.
But they are quite along way from Tetbury so might not be them.
Chilliman said:
A900ss said:
Now the cam is out, the cam bearings are shot. Engine now needs to come out and be rebuilt..... Mega Bugger and LOTS more cash to pay. (Not sure exactly how much yet but I'll find out tomorrow...)
When you say engine needs to be rebuilt it sounds a bit extreme, unles the cam bearings have broken up and deposited matrial throughout the engine... Not wishing to teach anyone to suck eggs, but personally I'd get a bit more clarification and a look see before gave the go-ahead for a full engine rebuild (if it is a full engine rebuild)..And if it's any consolation, my mint 500 developed a porous block about five months into ownership... which became very expensive... fortunately, I was able to bite the bullet, view it as an opportunity to start a (seemingly never ending) series of 'upgrades', and kept smiling. It all worked out well in the end.... moral: You are not alone
Not full rebuild - a bit pissed off and just striking at keys at moment.
Basically to get the bearings out the engine needs to come out, drop the bottom off for the new bearings to be pressed in. Therefore new crank bearings, new piston rings, etc. Recommended to get valves done at same time as they are probably pitted as well.
Have got rough costs but still waiting for more news. This is on top of the 12k service, odds and sods, cam and radiator. Gonna be expensive.... Still, I'd rather it be done well than not and I do have faith in the garage.
No ISA for me this year...
Edited by A900ss on Tuesday 2nd April 17:28
Mark. said:
Feel for you.
Don't know where it is being serviced but I have heard a similar story of a well known indie advising stuff that doesn't need doing, same story too- first cam, then needs LOADS more.
Clearly not going to say who here but drop me a PM if interested in knowing who.
But they are quite along way from Tetbury so might not be them.
Thanks Mark but I don't suspect that at all. The garage is being very open with me and I have been to see the car as it is.Don't know where it is being serviced but I have heard a similar story of a well known indie advising stuff that doesn't need doing, same story too- first cam, then needs LOADS more.
Clearly not going to say who here but drop me a PM if interested in knowing who.
But they are quite along way from Tetbury so might not be them.
Julesprivate said:
Sorry to hear that. It seems to me I need to ensure I never put mine in for a service as Karl had similar issues when his went in for a service... I think I'll just keep changing the oil, plugs & filters myself and live in blissful ignorance of any impending doom.
I've put a little over 5000 miles on mine since the end of October and it's been flawless (I know that's taking a big risk saying that) but hopefully when the cam (etc) is done you'll feel an improvement in performance and the pain will be forgotten (like childbirth)
Cheers Jules, It will be worth it in the end when the sun is shining down and the V8 is howling. I've put a little over 5000 miles on mine since the end of October and it's been flawless (I know that's taking a big risk saying that) but hopefully when the cam (etc) is done you'll feel an improvement in performance and the pain will be forgotten (like childbirth)
Just feels a bit sore at the moment.
PS - This is Karl....
That's really bad news, I find its a gamble buying any older car not just TVR. Luck also plays a part.
I am also claiming blissful ignorance, as long as its running fine then it must be OK. I did get caught with a rotten radiator which I replaced. So one less thing to worry about when we finally get some warm weather.
Just think when it's fixed, roof down on a summers day that lovely V8 sound, all will be forgotten.
I am also claiming blissful ignorance, as long as its running fine then it must be OK. I did get caught with a rotten radiator which I replaced. So one less thing to worry about when we finally get some warm weather.
Just think when it's fixed, roof down on a summers day that lovely V8 sound, all will be forgotten.
Dave 500 said:
How was it running before it went in for the service?
Difficult to say as I only had the car for 200 miles and 120 of those were on the motorway!It seemed fine to me but I've seen the cam that came out of it and its lobes did not look too healthy.
Anyway, I have now had the big argument with the mrs, restructured the boy/girl house funds and am now looking forward to getting it back in 2 or 3 weeks.
If I do go with any upgrades, I need to decide fairly soon but I'm also thinking a 450 with new rings, stealth cam, new crank bearings should be fairly healthy when it comes back.
What will porting the valves do as that has been recommended by the garage? It's running standard ignition, inlet and exhaust at the moment.
Edited by A900ss on Tuesday 2nd April 19:06
Sorry to hear about your woes so early into ownership, but hey, most of us spread the pain over a number of years, you will have all your engine issues/concerns behind you in one go once it's finished.
Will the garage give some kind of warranty on the engine for further peace of mind?
Will the garage give some kind of warranty on the engine for further peace of mind?
Podie said:
Seem to recall it was purchased from a dealers...
Well....It was bought from a bloke that sells cars from his house. (I think he bought my car from a Lexus dealer who took it in p/x)
He obviously makes a living from it as he had about 10 cars there.
However the car is 16 years old, done 77k miles and was sold at a good price (for me, not him)
I don't think I've really got much come back and am really treating it as a private sale. I'd be delighted if proved otherwise but not expecting anything.
Quick chat with a friendly solicitor might not be a bad idea - if he is acting as a dealer then he may be bound by the Sale of Goods Act, and this car clearly isn't fit for purpose, so you possibly could ask him for your money back or a contrablution to the repair costs.
A call to Rob at V8 Developments, phone number and not a lot else on their website, could give you a list of possibilities for buying a complete new unit ready to rock. His come fully ported.
A call to Rob at V8 Developments, phone number and not a lot else on their website, could give you a list of possibilities for buying a complete new unit ready to rock. His come fully ported.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff