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replacing engine cylinder - how serious?

  • 23-07-2012 8:57pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭


    My car has been "diagnosed" with needing a new cylinder as one is not working at the right levels. I have been quoted E1500. I also need spark plugs replaced but told that no point unless the cylinder is changed. Looking like about E1700 worth of repairs needed.

    Thing is, I can't afford this right now. The problem emerged about 2 months ago when the emmisions symbol was constantly lit on my dashboard. By the time I got into garage, it did not light up again and has not done so since then.

    Now I'm due to take a holiday in 10days and will clock up a fair amount of milage - approx 500miles. Can I risk leaving this job til then. What difference will another ..say, 1000miles make? Could the car pack in?? I have already done about 2,000miles since the prob originally emerged but have had no problems since. I expect if I ask the garage, they will say get it done asap as they want my Euros!

    Basically, how serious is this problem that I have chosen to ignore and am I taking a risk for my hols but not getting it repaired OR is this a prob that slowly gets worse but ok for another couple of weeks/another 1,000miles approx???


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,244 ✭✭✭swarlb


    Without sounding like a smart alec, I'd go back and ask what exactly does a 'cylinder' look like, and how exactly is one replaced. Unless you car has cylinder liners (unusual but not uncommon), its a bit like being told by your doctor that your skleton needs replacing.
    What kind of car is it?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    I presume the problem is that one cylinder is down on compression?

    A loss of cylinder compression is a major engine issue. Even if the car is still driving reasonably ok, at best, you will be causing more internal damage and damage to other components and at worst could end up with a major engine failure.

    What car and what engine is it and what were the fault codes etc?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    one cylinder head needs replacing. An NCT issue apparently but I'd be more concerned about my car driving ok and not packing in while I'm on holiday. Replacment cylinder head E1475, replacing 4 coils E180 - but only when cylinder head replaced.

    it's a 2004 Golf petrol 112,000miles.

    Thanks!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,073 ✭✭✭Pottler


    paddles wrote: »
    one cylinder head needs replacing. An NCT issue apparently but I'd be more concerned about my car driving ok and not packing in while I'm on holiday. Replacment cylinder head E1475, replacing 4 coils E180 - but only when cylinder head replaced.

    it's a 2004 Golf petrol 112,000miles.

    Thanks!
    How many have they stuffed under there? You'd get another good used engine fitted for that €, surely??? To be frank, sounds a tad main dealerish to me..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,522 ✭✭✭martyc5674


    paddles wrote: »
    one cylinder head needs replacing. An NCT issue apparently but I'd be more concerned about my car driving ok and not packing in while I'm on holiday. Replacment cylinder head E1475, replacing 4 coils E180 - but only when cylinder head replaced.

    it's a 2004 Golf petrol 112,000miles.

    Thanks!

    I'd replace the engine with a doner from a scrappy.
    Cost a lot less...


    On your packing in question all depends what's actually failing.
    Marty.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    I presume the problem is that one cylinder is down on compression?

    A loss of cylinder compression is a major engine issue. Even if the car is still driving reasonably ok, at best, you will be causing more internal damage and damage to other components and at worst could end up with a major engine failure.

    What car and what engine is it and what were the fault codes etc?


    "cyl 3 = 9, difference >5 "

    remaining cylinders are 14 approx each
    No codes included in my print out. It's 04 Golf petrol 112,000miles


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,035 ✭✭✭goz83


    Wouldn't risk it mate. You won't enjoy the holiday if you think your engine could explode. Borrow, or rent a car, or get the problem fixed and priced elsewhere too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭George Dalton


    Get the job priced in a few reputable garages and you will save a good few quid off that quote.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    paddles wrote: »
    one cylinder head needs replacing. An NCT issue apparently but I'd be more concerned about my car driving ok and not packing in while I'm on holiday. Replacment cylinder head E1475, replacing 4 coils E180 - but only when cylinder head replaced.

    it's a 2004 Golf petrol 112,000miles.

    Thanks!


    If your going to price the job with other garages as advised above, you need to know what your asking to be quoted on. Your car only has one cylinder head. Is it pistons/rings that they are saying is the problem or valves/guides?

    If the car is driving, I'd get a second diagnosis done on it as, unless you have seriously over heated the engine, there there is almost zero chance that there is a problem with the cylinder head itself.

    TBH, it sounds like there may be the normal valve guide problem or a similar issues and they are doing the usual main dealer(It sounds like a dealer to me too) thing of just replace rather then repair. Replacing being easier for them but more expensive for you, while repair is the opposite.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,196 ✭✭✭the culture of deference


    I had to get this done a few years ago, when the head was removed some of the valves were broken and loose and could have fallen into the piston.

    Is it worth spending that much cash on it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    Have decided to get a second opinion on this. when I went back to the dealer and asked how immediate this job was/ how seriuos, he backtracked and said another couple of months (when I pressed it) wouldn't make any difference and would not damage the e=engine, no risk of car breaking down etc, etc.
    Going to another mechanic...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    Pottler wrote: »
    How many have they stuffed under there? You'd get another good used engine fitted for that €, surely??? To be frank, sounds a tad main dealerish to me..

    A bit suspicious too. especially when the sub=text is "well, you could spend all that on a '04 but i personally wouldn't... i.e. we have a perfectly good '11 golf we'd like to sell you..."


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,196 ✭✭✭the culture of deference


    goz83 wrote: »
    Borrow, or rent a car, or get the problem fixed and priced elsewhere too.
    paddles wrote: »
    Have decided to get a second opinion on this. when I went back to the dealer and asked how immediate this job was/ how seriuos, he backtracked and said another couple of months (when I pressed it) wouldn't make any difference and would not damage the e=engine, no risk of car breaking down etc, etc.
    Going to another mechanic...

    Yea good idea.

    Can you notice any difference in driving the car from before NCT


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    Hasn't been for NCT yet. Can't get in til Sept!!

    No prob in hhow car is running. Runs well. Getting another mechanic to look at it on Friday, not a dealer, doesn't want to sell me a car...
    Will let you know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,946 ✭✭✭Bigus


    with all due respect, don't tell the new mechanic what you think is wrong with the car other than what you know for sure which is ONLY the engine light came on for a while, because for all you know the other cylinder head talk could be bull.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    Mechanic was not concerned. At most It will need an individual part that is misfiring replaced in time but not the whole thing. A job thatwill set me back about Eur50. Warning light still has not come on again and it was now 3 months ago. NCT now October so will see. went on hols, clocked 600 plus miles. No issues:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    that cost is bananas....a secondhand engine will cost 300 to 500 euro and fitting about 10 hours, say 300 max.

    I reckon you could drive on for a good bit yet anyway...not a Golf expert though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 440 ✭✭paddles


    corktina wrote: »
    that cost is bananas....a secondhand engine will cost 300 to 500 euro and fitting about 10 hours, say 300 max.

    I reckon you could drive on for a good bit yet anyway...not a Golf expert though


    Agreed, Corktina! Agreed!!


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