My engine blew while mechanic was test driving!
11-05-03, 10:18 AM
#26
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Re: My engine blew while mechanic was test driving!
Originally posted by novadan67
Ok, tell me what you think about this...
I noticed that my FD was not boosting to the full 10psi. After an inspection, I found a small split in the y-pipe coupler and replaced it with the Efini y-pipe (also put on a DP because it was easy to get to with the y-pipe out). I took it out for a drive, and it was still leaking somewhere. I looked at all the other intercooler couplings - nothing looked bad. I checked the BOV and CRV - they seemed fine, and I couldn't find any vacuum lines that looked like they were leaking.
So I got so frustrated that I took it to a mechanic (who has a good reputation from the rotary crowd) who I will not name at this time. They called me up and said that they found a leak in one of the intercooler couplers and I authorized them to fix it.
I got a call about an hour or so later and they said that I had full boost restored, but the engined popped as they were idling in the turn lane to return to the shop. When they checked the compression, the rear rotor had "none". They said that there appeared to be nothing wrong until the pop. My car has 50K on it and has run perfectly until now, so this sounded a little fishy.
After a discussion with the shop manager this is what they offered. If I supply them with a motor, they will install it free of labor charge. They said that it was unfortunate for both of us and wanted to work with me to fix it. Should I take this deal and consider myself lucky that it blew while they had it or are they legally responsible for the total repair? Anyone with a similar experience? I don't believe in frivolous lawsuits and that BS. If it was not their fault, then their offer is more than fair. If they screwed something up or were joyriding (which I doubt) they deserve to pay for it.
I think I'll just cut my losses, spend the 3k for a street ported pineapple racing motor with the oil mods, and have them install it. At least I'll be starting fresh with a good quality engine (plus 5-yr warranty). If I fight them, they will almost certainly withdraw the offer for a free install and I could be left with nothing as I have no proof that it was their fault (if it even was).
I welcome any suggestions...
Thanks,
Dan
Ok, tell me what you think about this...
I noticed that my FD was not boosting to the full 10psi. After an inspection, I found a small split in the y-pipe coupler and replaced it with the Efini y-pipe (also put on a DP because it was easy to get to with the y-pipe out). I took it out for a drive, and it was still leaking somewhere. I looked at all the other intercooler couplings - nothing looked bad. I checked the BOV and CRV - they seemed fine, and I couldn't find any vacuum lines that looked like they were leaking.
So I got so frustrated that I took it to a mechanic (who has a good reputation from the rotary crowd) who I will not name at this time. They called me up and said that they found a leak in one of the intercooler couplers and I authorized them to fix it.
I got a call about an hour or so later and they said that I had full boost restored, but the engined popped as they were idling in the turn lane to return to the shop. When they checked the compression, the rear rotor had "none". They said that there appeared to be nothing wrong until the pop. My car has 50K on it and has run perfectly until now, so this sounded a little fishy.
After a discussion with the shop manager this is what they offered. If I supply them with a motor, they will install it free of labor charge. They said that it was unfortunate for both of us and wanted to work with me to fix it. Should I take this deal and consider myself lucky that it blew while they had it or are they legally responsible for the total repair? Anyone with a similar experience? I don't believe in frivolous lawsuits and that BS. If it was not their fault, then their offer is more than fair. If they screwed something up or were joyriding (which I doubt) they deserve to pay for it.
I think I'll just cut my losses, spend the 3k for a street ported pineapple racing motor with the oil mods, and have them install it. At least I'll be starting fresh with a good quality engine (plus 5-yr warranty). If I fight them, they will almost certainly withdraw the offer for a free install and I could be left with nothing as I have no proof that it was their fault (if it even was).
I welcome any suggestions...
Thanks,
Dan
Hope everything works out for the best.
11-05-03, 10:31 AM
#28
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Re: My engine blew while mechanic was test driving!
Originally posted by novadan67
Ok, tell me what you think about this...
I think I'll just cut my losses, spend the 3k for a street ported pineapple racing motor with the oil mods, and have them install it. At least I'll be starting fresh with a good quality engine (plus 5-yr warranty). If I fight them, they will almost certainly withdraw the offer for a free install and I could be left with nothing as I have no proof that it was their fault (if it even was).
I welcome any suggestions...
Thanks,
Dan
Ok, tell me what you think about this...
I think I'll just cut my losses, spend the 3k for a street ported pineapple racing motor with the oil mods, and have them install it. At least I'll be starting fresh with a good quality engine (plus 5-yr warranty). If I fight them, they will almost certainly withdraw the offer for a free install and I could be left with nothing as I have no proof that it was their fault (if it even was).
I welcome any suggestions...
Thanks,
Dan
11-05-03, 10:50 AM
#29
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Ok, thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll get everything in writing and check out evrything (fuel, cooling, ...) before I have them install the new engine. As for me being level headed, well I just don't think it's worth the fight. And I honestly think it probably was not their fault, so their offer is fair. Life is full of these situations and getting mad is usually not the answer. Wow, sounds like I must be getting old... 26 is not that old is it? 
I knew the DP / y-pipe combo had potential for overboost, and I was going to keep my eye on the boost guage very closely to be sure I didn't exceed 10psi. It never even got above 8 with my leak.
Nobody has answered my question about street port with stock ECU. Will this be a problem with boost limited to 10psi?
I knew the DP / y-pipe combo had potential for overboost, and I was going to keep my eye on the boost guage very closely to be sure I didn't exceed 10psi. It never even got above 8 with my leak.
Nobody has answered my question about street port with stock ECU. Will this be a problem with boost limited to 10psi?
11-05-03, 10:59 AM
#30
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Its your call and I would say that the shop is trying hard to make you happy.
However, in Illinois, if a shop creates a condition requiring repair (including breaking a motor or any other part), the shop would be in violation and liable for (at least) the full cost of the repair. Maybe its unfair to the shop owner and maybe not, but that's the way it is in Illinois.
(815 ILCS 306/80)
Sec. 80. Unlawful acts or practices. Each of the following acts or practices is unlawful when committed by a motor vehicle repair facility: . . .
(8) Altering a motor vehicle to create a condition requiring repair.
Before I see a whole lot of responses about intent, etc. Please note the Act says nothing about the Facility altering the vehicle on purpose. BTW that's why reputable shops carry O&E insurance.
However, in Illinois, if a shop creates a condition requiring repair (including breaking a motor or any other part), the shop would be in violation and liable for (at least) the full cost of the repair. Maybe its unfair to the shop owner and maybe not, but that's the way it is in Illinois.
(815 ILCS 306/80)
Sec. 80. Unlawful acts or practices. Each of the following acts or practices is unlawful when committed by a motor vehicle repair facility: . . .
(8) Altering a motor vehicle to create a condition requiring repair.
Before I see a whole lot of responses about intent, etc. Please note the Act says nothing about the Facility altering the vehicle on purpose. BTW that's why reputable shops carry O&E insurance.
Last edited by jeff48; 11-05-03 at 11:02 AM.
11-05-03, 11:37 AM
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Originally posted by Mahjik
It won't be a problem, however, it won't run great.
It won't be a problem, however, it won't run great.
11-05-03, 11:40 AM
#34
Originally posted by novadan67
Thanks Mahjik. What exactly do you mean by, "it wont run great"? Will it run worse than unported, or are you just saying that I will not be taking full advantage of the port job until I get an ECU? I don't want an engine that will run poorly, but since I am spending the cash for the new engine, I figure it would be worth the extra expense for a mild street port. Am I wrong here?
Thanks Mahjik. What exactly do you mean by, "it wont run great"? Will it run worse than unported, or are you just saying that I will not be taking full advantage of the port job until I get an ECU? I don't want an engine that will run poorly, but since I am spending the cash for the new engine, I figure it would be worth the extra expense for a mild street port. Am I wrong here?
Depending on the size of the port, the idle will be lumpy, the car might hesitate a little more, etc.. Unless you plan on getting a mid to large sized port (and using some sort of aftermarket ECU, even the Pettit chip will work fine), I wouldn't bother porting at all.
11-05-03, 12:25 PM
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do second compresson check
Personally I'd do the compression test myself. While I do believe the shop did a compression test, there is the possibility that they did it incorrectly.
With additional boost and probably a nice boost spike that your car hasn't had in the past it's likely that you blew a vacuum line or two. Check your vacuum lines. I'd imagine the shop looked at the pressure sensor first, but you never know. This hose pops off on many FDs. The car will run as if it's dead if not connected.
With additional boost and probably a nice boost spike that your car hasn't had in the past it's likely that you blew a vacuum line or two. Check your vacuum lines. I'd imagine the shop looked at the pressure sensor first, but you never know. This hose pops off on many FDs. The car will run as if it's dead if not connected.
WTF was that? That is by far the worst post I have EVER tried to read. If he was being serious, I want to cry....badly.
11-05-03, 03:11 PM
#37
don't race, don't need to
Hey Dan, would you post the name of the shop if they get everything done right? Need more shop props for our area, considering some of the bad...
If they were testing during the last couple days, they probably overboosted given the temps we've been having. Hope all goes well for you in this...
If they were testing during the last couple days, they probably overboosted given the temps we've been having. Hope all goes well for you in this...
11-05-03, 03:38 PM
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Originally posted by spurvo
Hey Dan, would you post the name of the shop if they get everything done right? Need more shop props for our area, considering some of the bad...
If they were testing during the last couple days, they probably overboosted given the temps we've been having. Hope all goes well for you in this...
Hey Dan, would you post the name of the shop if they get everything done right? Need more shop props for our area, considering some of the bad...
If they were testing during the last couple days, they probably overboosted given the temps we've been having. Hope all goes well for you in this...
On another topic, I just called pineapple racing and they quoted me 3-5 weeks for rebuild once they receive my engine. That seems like a long time. Anybody else have recommendations about engine builders? I don't want to sacrifice quality, but I would prefer to get this resolved sooner than later. I would really appreciate the help. Thanks.
11-05-03, 04:04 PM
#39
Originally posted by novadan67
Yeah, I'll post it. What is up with this freezing weather? This all happened yesterday, so it would have been pretty cold outside.
On another topic, I just called pineapple racing and they quoted me 3-5 weeks for rebuild once they receive my engine. That seems like a long time. Anybody else have recommendations about engine builders? I don't want to sacrifice quality, but I would prefer to get this resolved sooner than later. I would really appreciate the help. Thanks.
Yeah, I'll post it. What is up with this freezing weather? This all happened yesterday, so it would have been pretty cold outside.
On another topic, I just called pineapple racing and they quoted me 3-5 weeks for rebuild once they receive my engine. That seems like a long time. Anybody else have recommendations about engine builders? I don't want to sacrifice quality, but I would prefer to get this resolved sooner than later. I would really appreciate the help. Thanks.
Malloy Mazda
1-888-533-3400
Talk to Ray Crowe
That's your best bet. Any rebuilder is going to take time (and more money). If I were to get a rebuild, it would be from Pettit Racing.
11-05-03, 04:43 PM
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Originally posted by illezz-X7
its all G double O, D good den. get da infos n go wit ur instinct.....o yea once u get da **** fix......check out
IMPORTFAN.COM for dat tite as wide body kit for ur FD
i especially like da BN SPORTS wide body kit...i think its da most affordable wide body kit out there rite now
$2,000
its all G double O, D good den. get da infos n go wit ur instinct.....o yea once u get da **** fix......check out
IMPORTFAN.COM for dat tite as wide body kit for ur FD
i especially like da BN SPORTS wide body kit...i think its da most affordable wide body kit out there rite now
$2,000
11-05-03, 05:16 PM
#41
4 rotor 964 lol
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Originally posted by illezz-X7
its all G double O, D good den. get da infos n go wit ur instinct.....o yea once u get da **** fix......check out
IMPORTFAN.COM for dat tite as wide body kit for ur FD
i especially like da BN SPORTS wide body kit...i think its da most affordable wide body kit out there rite now
$2,000
its all G double O, D good den. get da infos n go wit ur instinct.....o yea once u get da **** fix......check out
IMPORTFAN.COM for dat tite as wide body kit for ur FD
i especially like da BN SPORTS wide body kit...i think its da most affordable wide body kit out there rite now
$2,000
pretty good advertising scheme tho, props to BN sports for sending their village idiot to show off their products.
11-05-03, 06:18 PM
#44
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i find it a little hard to believe they blew it at idle. I would suspect it blew at full bost as well, but be grateful they arent shafting you like a lot of places would have tried to do.
-Zach
-Zach
11-05-03, 06:42 PM
#45
don't race, don't need to
Well, if it's the shop I think it is (Dan you got a silver FD with an R1 wing?), they are exceedingly cool people. Anyway, post *****, post *****, and um... ***** some more!
If it don't warm up soon, I'm gonna have to sleep in the FD's engine bay! Never been able to rest my hand on the upper intake manifold after a hard drive before...
If it don't warm up soon, I'm gonna have to sleep in the FD's engine bay! Never been able to rest my hand on the upper intake manifold after a hard drive before...
11-05-03, 07:04 PM
#46
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Originally posted by spurvo
Anyway, post *****, post *****, and um... ***** some more!
Anyway, post *****, post *****, and um... ***** some more!
I do have a silver 94 touring model, so you are probably right about the shop. They have been good to me in the past, and it seems they are doing the right thing this time as well.
11-05-03, 07:18 PM
#47
don't race, don't need to
Oh, I'm just trying to raise my post count to get respect around here!! hee hee 
Yeah, I think I came up behind your car as it was pulling into X shop a couple days ago in the morning. Wanted to honk (I have a 93 silver Touring, no wing), but just enjoyed seeing it. Unless it's a different car at a different shop. Then I'd be all owned and stuff, huh?
Yeah, I think I came up behind your car as it was pulling into X shop a couple days ago in the morning. Wanted to honk (I have a 93 silver Touring, no wing), but just enjoyed seeing it. Unless it's a different car at a different shop. Then I'd be all owned and stuff, huh?
11-05-03, 08:23 PM
#48
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Originally posted by spurvo
Oh, I'm just trying to raise my post count to get respect around here!! hee hee
Yeah, I think I came up behind your car as it was pulling into X shop a couple days ago in the morning. Wanted to honk (I have a 93 silver Touring, no wing), but just enjoyed seeing it. Unless it's a different car at a different shop. Then I'd be all owned and stuff, huh?
Oh, I'm just trying to raise my post count to get respect around here!! hee hee
Yeah, I think I came up behind your car as it was pulling into X shop a couple days ago in the morning. Wanted to honk (I have a 93 silver Touring, no wing), but just enjoyed seeing it. Unless it's a different car at a different shop. Then I'd be all owned and stuff, huh?
I have read just about every thread on this site though!I don't think you'd be owned right now since mine is now a 1 rotor. Maybe after I get it back though...
Anyway +1 post for me!
11-05-03, 10:20 PM
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You guys have got to be kidding me. Your car is in the hands of a repair shop, your motor blows, and you are just willing to buy a new motor???!!! Free labor to installing the motor you bought, after they blew your last one, that is not a good deal. If anyone at the shop I work at was driving a customers car and the engine blew, we would damn well be paying for it.
It's a good deal for a shop to just pay for labor when installing the new motor, instead of also buying the new motor. And WHO REALLY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED? Maybe they overboosted testing it, maybe they screwed something up while trying to repair it, hell maybe he just missed a shift and it was the motor's time, regardless When you took it to them it did not have a blown motor, when you went to pick it up it was dead.
It's a good deal for a shop to just pay for labor when installing the new motor, instead of also buying the new motor. And WHO REALLY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED? Maybe they overboosted testing it, maybe they screwed something up while trying to repair it, hell maybe he just missed a shift and it was the motor's time, regardless When you took it to them it did not have a blown motor, when you went to pick it up it was dead.
11-05-03, 10:25 PM
#50
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Dude, are you friggen kidding me??
Unless Im misunderstanding something, this shop is not warrantying jack **** on the guy's car. They're not responsible for anything other than the repair they were commissioned to make (and did so properly from what we understand).
According to you if I take my truck to jiffy lube and get an oilchange, and my power steering hose busts while it is up on the rack, it is their fault and they should repalce it. No, in fact, it is just bad luck that it happened right then, and unless one of them has a knife in his hand, I cannot be made to believe that it has anything to do with what they did.
Bottom line, everyone knows rotaries are damned sensitive and temperamental. You'd have a hard time making me believe, much less proving to anyone else, that making a vacuum hose repair was directly related to rotary engine failure, on a car known for unpredictable engine failure in the mileage range it currently resides.
Unless Im misunderstanding something, this shop is not warrantying jack **** on the guy's car. They're not responsible for anything other than the repair they were commissioned to make (and did so properly from what we understand).
According to you if I take my truck to jiffy lube and get an oilchange, and my power steering hose busts while it is up on the rack, it is their fault and they should repalce it. No, in fact, it is just bad luck that it happened right then, and unless one of them has a knife in his hand, I cannot be made to believe that it has anything to do with what they did.
Bottom line, everyone knows rotaries are damned sensitive and temperamental. You'd have a hard time making me believe, much less proving to anyone else, that making a vacuum hose repair was directly related to rotary engine failure, on a car known for unpredictable engine failure in the mileage range it currently resides.