Big Blue update - it's terminal

[Hightower]

Well, after a week of normal use (if you don't include the off road course at the EAOR show) since getting her back with a new turbo on, Big Blue has given up the ghost again.  What started as a quiet tapping from the engine ended up as loud slapping noises as we pulled to a stop at a petrol station on the A45 at midnight last night.
It would seem that our optimistic view on the oil pump bolt problem was wrong  :(bigcry):
Watch this space as they say . . . . . . .

[Frankie-Boy]

Sorry to hear that Simon, I had hoped that there wasn't any further damage after that bolt came adrift.

What's the next step then, have you got it to your repair man ok?

Let me know if you need some help. 07973 815579.

Frank

[turtle]

Keep us posted Simon, hope it not too bad.

[datalas]

if there's anything you need, just yell

[Paul]

Sorry to hear it Simon,

If I can help in any way just ask.

[muddyweb]

My guess is that the mains / big ends have probably been damaged when the oil stopped coming.

Time for a new engine from LR ;-)

[Spooky]

That's a shame - I hope it's not too expensive to put right (again) ... :(

[Colin 009]

Total bummer, sorry to hear of your troubles Simon.

[Jimbo]

Simon,

What a bumma - I think I know of a good Td5 Disco lump, if you want I'll find out a price for you.

Jim

[Hightower]

All,

Thanks for the sentiments.  Penned a strong letter to LR yesterday, so will await their reply with anticipation.

Jim, if you wouldn't mind finding out for me that would be great.  If LR tell me to get stuffed then the least I could do is to have a backup plan in place.

Cheers

Simon
(currently walking to and from work until Piglet comes back from the garage)

[davidlandy]

good luck with the letter Simon but dont hold your breath

best thing is that we all search for a nice shiny new td5 lump for ya, then Ill get my engine lift round, few friends, few beers...  then before you know it Vroom Vroom again.

You could always do a v8 conversion!    joke btw.

[thermidorthelobster]

After the Watchdog investigation into the TD5 oil pump problem, the general concensus was that even though LR claimed that they had no liability outside (I think) 6 years, consumer laws could be interpreted to say that they'd sold you a duffer from the outset, hence the goods were not "fit for purpose" as sold, which means there is no time limit on LR's liability.

LR would probably argue that it's natural wear and tear, but on the whole I think Watchdog concluded that the customer has a stronger case in this instance.

I'd expect LR to try to put you off, but if you are persistent you may win out.  If it helps, I know a very good consumer lawyer, who could give you decent legal advice and pen the odd letter or two, unfortunately not for free but probably for less than the cost of a new engine!

Good luck,
David

[thermidorthelobster]

Oh, one other option -

You could get a new engine fitted by a main dealer (to get you back on the road) and pursue Land Rover for the cost.  Some people, I believe, have been successful in this approach.  The down side is that if you don't win, you're landed with the main dealer charges yourself.

If you get an independent to fit a new engine, you may well have problems recovering the costs from LR at a later date if it comes to it...  Stuck between a rock and a hard place then.

[Hightower]

David,

I expect LR to put up a bit of a fight over this, but having worked for GM for a few years I know how the system works.  It sounds kind of sad, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of getting summat out of them.

Have picked up the following phrase from the Watchdog letter template and added it into my letter:

the bolt and/or fitting of the bolt (and therefore the engine and the Vehicle) was not of satisfactory quality, and in breach of the implied or express terms of contract of sale

It works as a warning shot to LR.  After that we can get legal if they want, but I really don't think that it will go that far (says he hopefully  :roll: ).  Will keep your lawyer in mind if it does though.

Unfortunately I can't afford to get a dealer, or independent for that matter, to just fit a new engine at my expense.  I am going to have to get LR to do something, even if it is just to supply a new lump.  I can then just pay to have it fitted etc.

Cheers

Simon
(currently walking to and from work until Piglet comes back from the garage)

[iianorthants]

hope it goes well, as i didn't have much fun with our troubles with landrover. just be willing to put in a lot of time without a car as when i talked to some of the members of the freelander club they had gone without cars for over 6months fighting with landrover to foot the bill :(. I gave in after getting free parts and over half the labour paid for (had to weigh up the cost of being without and getting fixed).
 one thing is, if the do offer to pay for it don't use northampton .... as they don't know how to put engines back together :(

[Jimbo]

Simon,

PM for you.

Jim

[Big Rich]

Fingers crossed for you. If you need any help you have my number.

(Lorna comming too on Sat to do your posts. Hope thats okay)

Rich

[DIE BOK]

Sorry to hear Simon :( , Same here if you need any help I can phone a friend or two who may be able to help............  

[Hightower]

*** Update ***

Just phoned LR Customer Relationship Centre to ask why they had not replied and acknowledged the deadline stated in my letters, i.e. today.

Spoke to a very polite man who informed me that a letter was penned and sent out to me on Saturday, so I should receive it today (postman's been and it's not there) or tomorrow.  When I asked as to the contents he wouldn't elaborate, but when pressed did say it was positive . . . . .

Roll on tomorrow morning.  Will wait with anticipation . . . .

[Digsit]

Looking for the 'fingers crossed' smiley

[Manicminer]

He's fobbing you off

[Hightower]

Got the letter today - better late than never I suppose.

Basically it states that LR are gonna cover the entire cost of getting the car back on the road  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/

Only downside is that if I don't want to pay any labour charges I have to take it to a dealer . . . . .

[Wanderer]

That's brilliant Simon.

It just goes to show that a correctly worded, forceful letter is worth its weight in gold.

Well done mate.

Ed

[Digsit]

Excellent news Simon :D  Well done!!!

[Paul]

Great news Simon  :D

[DIE BOK]

=D>

[hrh_dave]

Well done Simon great to hear!!!


Dave

[davidlandy]

Got the letter today - better late than never I suppose.

Basically it states that LR are gonna cover the entire cost of getting the car back on the road  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/  \:D/

Only downside is that if I don't want to pay any labour charges I have to take it to a dealer . . . . .

fantastic news m8,   would love to see the letter that did the trick - must be a masterpiece!

well done

 

[Hightower]

The AA are booked for tomorrow morning, to go to MK for a refit.
As she is still running, just, I thought I'd capture the noise for posterity.  It's not a nice sound (and before any V8 owners say it, no it doesn't sound like a normal diesel   )

http://barney.muddyweb.com/public/bb.wav

[Manicminer]

http://barney.muddyweb.com/public/bb.wav

 :shock: