AN expert mechanic has warned garages could refuse to fix a serious engine issue – and it cost thousands even if they have a go.
David Long, known as the Car Wizard, urged drivers to keep an eye on a vital car part to avoid being slapped with huge repair bills.
YouTubeCar Wizard David Long explained why garages may refuse to fix a serious engine issue[/caption]
YouTubeA timing chain failure could cause major damage[/caption]
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, David used a “beautiful” 1999 Jaguar XK8 to demonstrate just how damaging the problem can be.
He said: “Literally in the blink of an eye, we go from a £400 estimate to thousands.
“I hate this for the customer.”
The initial diagnosis was a failure of the fuel pump, which would only cost a few hundred pounds to fix, but it turned out to be something far more serious.
The issue arises due to the way the engine is laid out and problems with a very important component.
The 1999 XK8 features what is known as an interference engine, where the intake and exhaust valves open into the space usually occupied by the piston within the cylinder.
As the piston withdraws, the valves open and then close as it moves back up to fill the space.
All of this happens at extremely high speed and the motion is dictated by the timing chain.
Unfortunately, if it is not properly maintained, that chain can fail, putting the whole system out of rhythm.
This can cause the valves to open prematurely or close too late and collide with the piston at speed, resulting in significant damage.
Instead of a quick fuel pump switch, whole sections of the engine, or even the entire thing, could need replacing and re-timing.
David explained that many mechanics would simply refuse to do the work as it would exceed the value of the car itself.
For example, the same Jaguar model can be found second-hand for just under £7,000 while the repairs would set the owner back as much as £8,000.
He added: “The cost to get this thing back on the road again, you can go buy another XK8, probably with the updates already done.
“It’s very sad…when it was new, this was so expensive.
“But it does not have the value putting six, eight, ten grand into engine repairs.”
Worst of all, though, interference engines can be found in models from virtually every major manufacturer.
Brands including Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ford, Toyota and VW have all used them at one point or another.
They were mostly used in the late 1990s and early 200s so be sure to check your owner’s manual or have your car examined at a garage to see if it has an interference engine.
If it does, it is not the end of the world and many cars run well with such engines, but it makes timing chain maintenance extremely important.
The chain should be changed between every 80,000 and 120,000 miles, though model-specific ranges can be found in your owner’s manual.
Have it regularly examined at a service and watch for any signs of wear, slackening or overtension.
It comes after it was revealed that supermarket petrol stations are still charging drivers rip-off rates even though wholesale oil prices have fallen.
Meanwhile, the number of breakdowns after hitting potholes has soared to a new record high.