[Engine] Replacement Engine failed due to silicone gasket?

[lumpypaul]

I purchased a replacement 1.6HDi Citroen engine after the previous had a cam chain failure causing catostrophic failure. A mobile mechanic transferred all the ancillary parts from the previous engine onto the replacement and fitted it to the vehicle. After less than 500 miles (having run it gently to 'run it in') the noise of big end/main bearings suddenly occured. The engine was extracted and sent back to Direct Engines UK Ltd (the supplier) with the turbo, cooling and fuel system in place at their request for their inspection. They are now claiming that the cause of this catostrophic failure is silicone gasket particles from the silicone gasket used by my mechanic, blocking the oilways that supply underside of the pistons and the crank bearings. They said silicone should never ever be used on these engines but my mechanic (who admits to having used some silicone on this engine) claims he has used silicone to bolster rubber gaskets etc for the last 30 years on all engines with no problem. Are the engine company simply trying to avoid blame for a poorly assembled engine.... or is this a genuine believeable case?
Anybody out there offer any words of wisdom on this matter?

[walnutfarmmick]

I purchased a replacement 1.6HDi Citroen engine after the previous had a cam chain failure causing catostrophic failure. A mobile mechanic transferred all the ancillary parts from the previous engine onto the replacement and fitted it to the vehicle. After less than 500 miles (having run it gently to 'run it in') the noise of big end/main bearings suddenly occured. The engine was extracted and sent back to Direct Engines UK Ltd (the supplier) with the turbo, cooling and fuel system in place at their request for their inspection. They are now claiming that the cause of this catostrophic failure is silicone gasket particles from the silicone gasket used by my mechanic, blocking the oilways that supply underside of the pistons and the crank bearings. They said silicone should never ever be used on these engines but my mechanic (who admits to having used some silicone on this engine) claims he has used silicone to bolster rubber gaskets etc for the last 30 years on all engines with no problem. Are the engine company simply trying to avoid blame for a poorly assembled engine.... or is this a genuine believeable case?
Anybody out there offer any words of wisdom on this matter?

No words of wisdom , just sympathy. I'd a C15 that I'd done 30,000 miles in which took progressively longer for the oil light to go out when started. The sump had never been off in that time and I doubt if it had been off in the 18,000 it had done before I bought it. The problem proved to be a slug of silicon right up in the oil pickup pipe. Once that was removed it was back to normal and is still running at 11 years old .
All the best, Mick

[lumpypaul]

Thanks Mick. I'm stuck at the moment as to what to do. I live in Birmingham and the engine with my ancillaries on is in Paisley, Scotland. They (direct engines UK) are accusing my mechanic of silicone contamination and my mechanic is accusing them of poor rebuild (swarf etc). Neither wants to accept liability. Meanwhile it's me that's sitting here with a car with no engine! I've got a terrible feeling that I'm going to be the one who has to pay the £500 they want for the new crank and bearings!!! Think I may need to seek legal assistance. Paul.

[tucker]

I would.

Both supplier and fitter are professionals and will or should have public liabilty cover and one of them is responsible.

I'd seek some advice because there's no reason why this should cost you any more than you have paid.

A friend of mine has had a similar experience with a 808. The timing belt snapped well before Peugeot recommend the replacement and main dealers had serviced it from new. He was on holiday at the time and the garage who took the recovery, claimed it was damaged beyond repair and required a re-con engine and fitted one at considerable expense.

He had no end of problems thereafter with the recon leaking oil and all sorts. He started a legal claim against Peugeot. Part of the process involved sending the original engine to an expert for analysis.

To his total shock, the detailed report concluded the belt actulaly caused no serous damage to the engine and the replacement of it was totally un-necessary. The engine was stripped piece by piece, documented and photographed at every stage. There was no internal damage at all it just needed a new belt fitting. That was the end of his claim against Peugeot, but he is now suing the garage that mis-diagnosed the repair and carried out work that wasn't required.

The claim is now well over £8K!

[lumpypaul]

Cheers Tucker.
I am considering using section 75 as I paid with a credit card. http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/s...edit-card/
The issue I have is they have my engine in a broken state. They had my original engine as an exchange some weeks back so I'm sat here with no engine. If I simply get my money back via the credit card company then they don't have to send back the engine as it's theirs again. However it has my ancillary components on. I dare say my original engine has by now been moved on... think I'll start with Citizens Advice.... and maybe a shot across their bows as to my possible intention!
Paul.

[Ol'Jeffers]

I've heard some horror stories about this company.
If you take a look at their premises on Google Maps Street view you can judge for yourself.
It's a big shed. The yard is filthy and unkempt. Would I use a company that doesn't do basic housekeeping?
I wonder what the inside of their workshop is like?
If they have re-built the engine how can they possibly blame your guy for anything?
It's their job to ensure that the re-build is carried out to professional standards and that includes cleaning and prepping it.
I hope your guy took some of the swarf and kept it for the record.

You will kindly note that everything written above is my opinion as an engineer and that I have written nothing defamatory.



15 Greenhill Rd, Paisley, PA3 1RN Feed that into Google Maps and it takes you just outside their gates.

[dpageok]

Garage raided by cops investigating the sale of stolen car parts

Feb 7 2013 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

A Paisley garage has been raided by cops investigating the sale of stolen car parts.

A team of officers swooped on Direct Engines, in the West End of town, and shut the business while a search took place.

A 38-year-old man was later charged in connection with the raid.

And the Paisley Daily Express can reveal the swoop on Direct Engines was backed up by a larger police operation which also saw cops paying visits to other garages and car wash businesses in Renfrewshire.










.


A number of illegal workers were found at businesses in Renfrew and Johnstone.

Yesterday, top cops said the raids were part of an ongoing crime crackdown dubbed Operation Myriad, which involves extra officers being drafted into the Paisley area.

Inspector Kenny Morrison, who is based at Paisley Police Office, said: “This is yet another example of how Operation Myriad is helping to tackle crime in local communities - this time by targeting business in Renfrewshire.

“Acting on information supplied to us by communities and in partnership with trading standards officers, the Department for Work and Pensions and Renfrewshire Council, we were able to pull our resources together to successfully stop the sale of stolen car parts.

“During one search, at least one stolen engine was identified, with others currently being processed.

“At other searches in Renfrew and Johnstone, a number of staff were found to be working illegally.

“As well as identifying stolen goods and undeclared members of staff, officers also discovered that car parts were being sold without a proper licence, which is also against the law.

“By staging this focused operation, we are getting the message through to business owners who flaunt the law that we will catch them and they will be arrested.”
:whistle: :brickwall:

---

a bit of good news

:whistle: Cops probe garage attack

Feb 13 2013 by Ron Moore, Paisley Daily Express

Cops are hunting a vicious yob who left a man in hospital yesterday following an early morning attack in Paisley’s West End.

The brutal assault took place at the Direct Engines garage, in Well Street, shortly before 10am.

Police were called to the scene and quickly blocked off the premises while an investigation got under way.

It’s understood the victim suffered injuries to his face and arm during the attack.

He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, for treatment and, last night, was said to be in a stable condition.

One source told the Paisley Daily Express: “There was a bit of a commotion at the garage and then there were quite a few cops on the scene.

“Some of the officers went inside the workshop and another one of them was standing guard at the entrance.

[ffrenchie]

I'd get back what you can then look round for a running engine with ancillaries from a scrap or salvage yard. It's a long way to go to get beaten up or arrested.

[Ol'Jeffers]

I'd get back what you can then look round for a running engine with ancillaries from a scrap or salvage yard. It's a long way to go to get beaten up or arrested.

Ummm Ffrenchie this thread is over a year old and I would think
that the OP has got a solution by now....

[ffrenchie]

OOps :whistle: It was back in the new list and I just jumped in without looking :wave: