First away trip of 2024 – North East – Day 3 – Acomb, Ovington & Gosforth…
A short commute along the A69 to our first call in Acomb, near Hexham this morning. We had an enquiry from Colin only a couple of weeks ago asking for our help with his ‘02 TF 1.8 mpi in paint code IAR. As we were already in the area we were able to fit him in.
He had had the head gasket replaced by a garage only to fail again only two days after he picked it up, and unfortunately they wouldn’t warranty their work. So he cut his losses and asked if we could sort it.
We were all set to do this for him this morning and get him back up and running again, very sadly, this wasn’t to be the case with what transpired.
The head that he had been told had been skimmed certainly hadn’t, the fire ring indentations were way too deep, and there was no evidence whatsoever that it had been near a skimming machine. The inner timing cover was hanging on by a wing and a prayer, multiple bolts were missing and when in place were incorrect. The head bolts had been torqued down way too tight. The inlet manifold was damaged and had been replaced previously with incorrect wiring. The cam-rack had been silicone sealed on, the cam-shaft oil seals hadn’t been seated correctly, 90% of the engine sensors either didn’t have a clip holding them on or had been silicone sealed in place. We could go on. Needless to say that we didn’t get him up and running today.
So we’ve taken the head away with us for skimming and a date made to return next month, we have given up a planned day off as we just felt so bad for Colin having so much disappointment, in the space of a couple of weeks. He’s owned the car for 10 years and it’s never put a foot wrong, enjoying trips down to the Mediterranean etc. over the years.
We look forward to returning and getting everything put back to rights for him. Plus he makes a cracking brew!
So our next call should have been to Ovington, but unfortunately this was cancelled at last minute… again!
With an earlier than expected finish we headed over to Gosforth, where it was lovely as always to see Jane and Graham for the minor service on Jane’s TF 160 in paint code MNX. Good to have a catch-up with them. Since we saved this fab car for Jane, a few years ago now, they have enjoyed some great trips abroad in her and have plans to go further afield this year.
Not as Baltic cold today, with only the odd shower and it looks set to get a bit warmer as the week goes on. – https://ift.tt/tPEzgA5
