changing head gasket problem
Discussion
a friend of mine has a 1.6 audi A3 around 1997 IIRC, mayo (not literally 
) found in the oil filler cap, engine overheating a little, using plenty of coolant, heater doesn't work, all the usual signs. they seem to think just in parts alone it's £3-400,but i think otherwise. it's not drastically overheated so i think the engine bolts should be fine. they also seem to think that you need to replace the cam belt and tensioner etc? is that true?
thanks
) found in the oil filler cap, engine overheating a little, using plenty of coolant, heater doesn't work, all the usual signs. they seem to think just in parts alone it's £3-400,but i think otherwise. it's not drastically overheated so i think the engine bolts should be fine. they also seem to think that you need to replace the cam belt and tensioner etc? is that true?thanks
If they are stretch bolts they are intended for single use only & will not perform correctly if reused.
Don't re-use a cam belt, it isn't good practice, they are cheap enough & the consequences of failure can be expensive.
If you do the work yourself on your own car then you can do as you please, but if a garage is doing it I would expect the job to be done properly & I have no doubt if reputable they would be keen to avoid any subsequent warranty issues from misuse of old parts.
Don't re-use a cam belt, it isn't good practice, they are cheap enough & the consequences of failure can be expensive.
If you do the work yourself on your own car then you can do as you please, but if a garage is doing it I would expect the job to be done properly & I have no doubt if reputable they would be keen to avoid any subsequent warranty issues from misuse of old parts.
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 27th January 23:03
paintman said:
If they are stretch bolts they are intended for single use only & will not perform correctly if reused.
Don't re-use a cam belt, it isn't good practice, they are cheap enough & the consequences of failure can be expensive.
If you do the work yourself on your own car then you can do as you please, but if a garage is doing it I would expect the job to be done properly & I have no doubt if reputable they would be keen to avoid any subsequent warranty issues from misuse of old parts.
ok thanks for the info mate. it's just they said parts (not inc. labour!!) for cambelt and tensioner kit alone was £150. i said that quote is ridiculous and shouldn't cost much more (if any) to pay for it and have it fitted!Don't re-use a cam belt, it isn't good practice, they are cheap enough & the consequences of failure can be expensive.
If you do the work yourself on your own car then you can do as you please, but if a garage is doing it I would expect the job to be done properly & I have no doubt if reputable they would be keen to avoid any subsequent warranty issues from misuse of old parts.
Edited by paintman on Wednesday 27th January 23:03
thanks again guys
Ross.
If you have a look on ebay you will see that even on there some of the Gates kits for the A3 are £130 plus.
Might be an idea to try ringing the dealer parts dept & asking what they charge for parts only & then doing the same with local motor factors.
As with all quotes, if you aren't happy take the vehicle elsewhere.
What hourly rate are the garage charging & do you know what the Audi time allowance is for a belt change on the car? (Before you ask, I don't!)
Don't expect the garage to do the job for nothing!
Might be an idea to try ringing the dealer parts dept & asking what they charge for parts only & then doing the same with local motor factors.
As with all quotes, if you aren't happy take the vehicle elsewhere.
What hourly rate are the garage charging & do you know what the Audi time allowance is for a belt change on the car? (Before you ask, I don't!)
Don't expect the garage to do the job for nothing!
Edited by paintman on Sunday 31st January 20:39
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