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Ben Dowdell
Tinkerer
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 97
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 01:22 am, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Guys,

Perhaps some of you can give me some of your thoughts as to the cause of the following problem.

Driving home after a nice dinner out and I get the dreaded beep sound and red text appear on my dash.

Being as I have not brushed up on my Japanese recently I did not know what it said but I knew there was an issue straight away as I had no power steering and my touch screen started to freak out with Jap text and then shut down.

Since I have the arms of Arnold Schwarzenegger I decided to drive another 1km home and around only 3 more turns. (Heavy buggers with no P/S).

I got home and popped the bonnet to find the serpentine belt had come off and thankfully was just sitting in the engine bay. My 1st thought was that something had seized but all wheels and bearings spun freely. This is good news as I just had all the bearings replaced @ 1 month ago.

Mr RAA came to assist me and located the problem, or at least the start of the problem, the A/C compressor. I watched as he moved the whole unit in his hand. Mr RAA and I think the bolt(s) have either sheered off or were not replaced resulting in the unit just sitting there moving around and the serpentine belt having no tension.

In talking with Mr RAA I stated that since the timing belt, water pump and all bearings had been replaced (at the same time @ 1 month ago) there seemed to be a slight vibration coming from the front of the old girl. I can only think this was the A/C unit flapping about upsetting the free and balanced flow of the SB.

Now in my way of thinking perhaps the mechanic has not lined up the A/C unit properly or not even done it up after it was removed for the TB replacement and hence my resulting problems.

Note: the A/C was working with no problems. I had only just turned it off a few minutes before as the girlfriend was getting too cold.

I guess my next issue will be who will pay for the repair etc? I would think this is a problem brought about due to lack of care by the mechanic and should be worn by him?

If you guys can please give me your thoughts and suggestions I am open to your input.
Darryn Dewar
DieHard
Gisborne
UZZ30 Soarer

Posts: 912
Reg: 09-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 06:52 am, by:  Darryn Dewar (Mrphreak) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don't know why he would've removed the AC compressor to do the Timing Belt......

Pretty sure you don't have to
Rich O'neil
TryHard
Queensland
90 Celsior

Posts: 237
Reg: 05-2006

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 07:00 am, by:  Rich O'neil (Kiwiinaus) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Darryn he's talking about the serpentine belt !!
Ben you'll just have to go back and talk to the mechanic , initially don't be aggressive , be nice and see what he'll do for you .
Lay it at his feet and judge what you do next by his reaction .
Darryn Dewar
DieHard
Gisborne
UZZ30 Soarer

Posts: 913
Reg: 09-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 07:13 am, by:  Darryn Dewar (Mrphreak) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I was talking about this bit....


Ben Dowdell wrote on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 01:22 am:

In talking with Mr RAA I stated that since the timing belt, water pump and all bearings had been replaced (at the same time @ 1 month ago) there seemed to be a slight vibration coming from the front of the old girl. I can only think this was the A/C unit flapping about upsetting the free and balanced flow of the SB.

Now in my way of thinking perhaps the mechanic has not lined up the A/C unit properly or not even done it up after it was removed for the TB replacement and hence my resulting problems


Miles Baker
Goo Roo
Vic
66 Mustang GT Convertible, 55 Chevy Bel Air, 69 Firebird 455, 73 Corvette 4sp T-Tops

Posts: 1103
Reg: 08-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 10:14 am, by:  Miles Baker (Milesb) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When I did the timing belt on my V8, it was necessary to remove a couple of bolts from the compressor and shift it out of the way an inch or two.
Tim Appleton
DieHard
QLD
UZZ31

Posts: 669
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 11:04 am, by:  Tim Appleton (Timbo) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yep, I also found that I couldn't get the hydraulic pump unit for the fan off without freeing up the a/c compressor.

I like Rich's advice.
Ben Dowdell
Tinkerer
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 98
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 11:17 am, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi guys,

Thanks for your input. the mechanic said this morning that the compressor does not come off during the TB replacement. It is with him now so i will wait on the verdict later.
Ben Dowdell
Tinkerer
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 99
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 04:14 pm, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

ok guys my mechanic said the bolts have just sheered off and the left overs were stuck in the block. They have removed and repaired.... $110 for my trouble. He could give me no explaination as why or how.....

has anyone else had this issue?
Miles Baker
Goo Roo
Vic
66 Mustang GT Convertible, 55 Chevy Bel Air, 69 Firebird 455, 73 Corvette 4sp T-Tops

Posts: 1104
Reg: 08-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 04:15 pm, by:  Miles Baker (Milesb) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Ben Dowdell
Tinkerer
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 100
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 04:41 pm, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yes Miles that is what i am thinking
Rich O'neil
TryHard
Queensland
90 Celsior

Posts: 238
Reg: 05-2006

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 04:48 pm, by:  Rich O'neil (Kiwiinaus) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Personally I'd just let it go , yes I would be pissed at having to spend $110 , however it's not a huge amount of money and the problem is now fixed , it could have been a whole lot worse .
Just vote with your feet , find a mechanic that you can trust .
Man it just makes me so glad I can do all my own work !!
Neil Griffiths
Goo Roo
NSW
I have a Cadillac and a Supercharged Manual V8

Posts: 4435
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 05:30 pm, by:  Neil Griffiths (Aussiesc) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

AC Compressor MUST be undone to remove the Hydro Fan Assembly.
There is no way in hell you can replace a CAM Belt / Water Pump etc with it insitu.
Ben Dowdell
TryHard
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 101
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 06:44 pm, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Neil.

I was sure the A/C had to come off or as you say undone at the least. My mechanic is prepared to lie and deny. End of 6 year business relationship.

I have paid the fee and will never go to this mechanic again.

I took it to him as i felt he had an obligation to repair the fault & would recognise his error.

I dont think i am being unreasonable with my resolve. This is only 1 of 3 recent issues i have had with him.... 3 strikes and your out as far as i am concerned.

Rich: thanks for your input too, i am quite capable of doing the work myself but as i stated above i felt he mechanic had an obligation to admit he had made an error.

Next thing is: Who would you guys recommend for general mechanical repairs and servicing in Adelaide? I do have mechanical work done for me as it serves as a taxable deduction for me and i am a lazy pr*ck when it comes to the mundane jobs of looking after the old girl.
Neil Griffiths
Goo Roo
NSW
I have a Cadillac and a Supercharged Manual V8

Posts: 4436
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 06:56 pm, by:  Neil Griffiths (Aussiesc) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ben,
I would polity inform the mechanic that you are aware that the AC must be undone, and this is the last he will see of you.
Keep the manners up, no arguing.

He may take account of this with other customers.

At $110 thats a small price for a workshop to absorb and take heed.
Miles Baker
Goo Roo
Vic
66 Mustang GT Convertible, 55 Chevy Bel Air, 69 Firebird 455, 73 Corvette 4sp T-Tops

Posts: 1105
Reg: 08-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 07:24 pm, by:  Miles Baker (Milesb) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hmmmmm. Were the bolts really broken? Or did they just forget to put them back in and it took them 2 hours to find them and get them in?

I would really really really really really really really really really think it would take more than 2 hours to fix if they were broken. Very awkward place in the engine bay and the compressor can't be removed to get access to busted bolts.
Ben Dowdell
TryHard
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 102
Reg: 07-2005

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Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 07:59 pm, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yeah you are right Miles, it took them 4 hours to do the job.

Thinking about what you have said there Miles i would think they just did not tighten the bolts up which was the cause of the vibration which in turn caused the bolts to snap under the tension of the belt rotating.

Whilst he has not admitted liability to the 1st problem he had reduced the full time charge of labour to fix it.

either way it is an average experience of which i will not subject myself to again.

Neil, i was prepared to do that when i picked up the car. Unfortunately he was not there and i was unable to express my feelings on the matter to him, however, i made it known to one of his mechanics i was aggrieved at this situation. I paid the $110 and have put this down to an experience i did not need.

Penny pinching is p*ss weak in my book and i will vote with my feet. His loss will be someone else's gain.

It is disappointing as i have done nothing but help this guy over the last 6 years with advice on these cars (he used to call me when he was stuck and with knowledge i have gained from my own experience and from here i would help him).

Soon enough he will wonder why i don't answer my phone or call him anymore.

guys thanks for you advice
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8

Posts: 8729
Reg: 11-2004

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Friday, January 25, 2008 - 12:28 am, by:  Peter Nitschke (Pen) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ben - Manta Racing at Richmond. Steve is very good and straight, looks after a few of our Soarers now.
Ben Dowdell
TryHard
SA
GT Limited V8

Posts: 104
Reg: 07-2005

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Friday, January 25, 2008 - 01:47 am, by:  Ben Dowdell (Ben) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

thanks Pen i will look him up next time i am in need.
Andrew Ferres
DieHard
WA
'90 C-F Celsior V8, '84 Soarer V8, '91 Supra V8

Posts: 757
Reg: 07-2005

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Friday, January 25, 2008 - 08:23 am, by:  Andrew Ferres (Peewee) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

There is no way in hell those bolts would sheer under any normal operation.
It would take the force of a front end smash to do that.

My guess is they either didn't do them up (unlikely this to cause the sheer), or more likely they only put 1 of the 3 bolts in (one of the 2 near the front). This bolt slowly loosened off and the force of the belt tensioner pulled the front of the AC unit towards the crank, and with no bolt in the rear of the unit to stop this happening the front one just sheered.


A new belt is a good $50, so $110 for the fix is worth taking the hit. That said he shouldn't have charged a thing, a lot more damage could have been done. You were lucky.

If you've got the balls and confidence to say to him that you believe its his fault as Neil suggests, then do it.
Personally when it comes to crunch time I'm not sure if its something I could do.
Christian Molenda
DieHard
QLD
T

Posts: 556
Reg: 07-2005

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Friday, January 25, 2008 - 02:17 pm, by:  Christian Molenda (Christof) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mechanics mistake to start with, but you would think that they would realise and fix it for free with an apology.. Not deny and assume that you wont know and charge another $110 and blame it on something else.
Ashley Leach
DieHard
South Australia
GT Limited UZZ31 V8

Posts: 902
Reg: 02-2006

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 10:54 pm, by:  Ashley Leach (Ashlar) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You better let us know where it's at as well... he sounds a bit dodgy and I don't want to be taking my car there.

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