V40 2001 - should it stay or should it go...

[faultyvolvo]

Yes, it's a new account... I've not needed to post here before...

I have a 2001 Y-reg V40 currently sitting in an small independent garage. It went in to have an odd noise checked out, and we determined it needed a new alternator - that's been done.
However, more problems have come to light. The timing belt was seizing and the mechanic has had to cut that off and replace it. Now though he says it makes a noise when running that 100% indicates the valves have become bent / damaged.
He has quoted me £325 for the parts required, £75 for the timing of the new belt / valves to be sorted (this involves sending it away), and £200 for his labour. This is on top of paying for the new alternator and labour for that.

So I'm now in the spot of deciding whether to go ahead with this.. or to cut my losses and maybe offer the v40 up on this forum for a new home.

Any advice gratefully received! Any questions - fire away! I'll answer what I can...

[Haizum74]

What sort of noise is it making?

[faultyvolvo]

Originally Posted by Haizum74

What sort of noise is it making?

Good question - and I'm afraid I don't know. I briefly visited after work to talk over what was needed and so on, and the mechanic tried to get it to over - but it wouldn't. Like the battery is now flat too...
If it is damaged / bent valves - what kind of noise would that be? If we get it turning over on another visit.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by faultyvolvo

Good question - and I'm afraid I don't know. I briefly visited after work to talk over what was needed and so on, and the mechanic tried to get it to over - but it wouldn't. Like the battery is now flat too...
If it is damaged / bent valves - what kind of noise would that be? If we get it turning over on another visit.

It probably will not start if the cam belt has jumped more than 2 teeth.

If that is the case, I would sell it for parts unless the rest of the car is a real gem, or even just walk away if you have not paid for the Recon alternator.

The phase 1 V40's are worth less than the phase 2's and even with a phase 2 I would think three times before paying for an engine rebuild.

[canis]

Hmm. The way I figure it; If the valves were bent before the mechanic got hold of it, you'd know. It wouldn't be making a little noise, it'd sound like something metallic and broken, and likely would be very "lumpy" running, have little power and feel as if one cylinder wasn't firing.

A belt isn't "siezing", it's just a belt. It's either siezed or it isn't, and how can a belt seize anyway? In any case, there isn't any reason to cut off the timing belt to replace an alternator, as it is driven by the auxillary belt, the timing belt should have been left well alone. Removing the timing belt without locking the camshafts is not something a competant mechanic would do.

So I'm inclined to think this mechanic has caused the problem. I'd be very suspicious of this guy.

P.S. Is he trying to turn it over on the starter motor? Without a timing belt? Is he mad?

[faultyvolvo]

Originally Posted by skyship007

If that is the case, I would sell it for parts unless the rest of the car is a real gem, or even just walk away if you have not paid for the Recon alternator.

The phase 1 V40's are worth less than the phase 2's and even with a phase 2 I would think three times before paying for an engine rebuild.

Thanks - good to have in mind. The rest is not... a real gem, there's a bit of scratching and stuff. The engine is clean, and I think "good" other than the obvious stated problems. Low mileage for its age - it's on about 110k.

[faultyvolvo]

Originally Posted by canis

Hmm. The way I figure it; If the valves were bent before the mechanic got hold of it, you'd know. It wouldn't be making a little noise, it'd sound like something metallic and broken, and likely would be very "lumpy" running, have little power and feel as if one cylinder wasn't firing.

That's kinda what I thought - I'd know something.

Originally Posted by canis

A belt isn't "siezing", it's just a belt. It's either siezed or it isn't, and how can a belt seize anyway? In any case, there isn't any reason to cut off the timing belt to replace an alternator, as it is driven by the auxillary belt, the timing belt should have been left well alone. Removing the timing belt without locking the camshafts is not something a competant mechanic would do.

So I'm inclined to think this mechanic has caused the problem. I'd be very suspicious of this guy.

P.S. Is he trying to turn it over on the starter motor? Without a timing belt? Is he mad?

He didn't cut off the timing belt to replace the alternator; that was done separately. It is as if, to my mind though, that then the timing belt had a problem. Maybe a really nasty coincidence. But yes, my spidey-sense is tingling a bit. He's trying to turn it over on the starter motor, with the new timing belt fitted. However, that is before the re-sync/timing is done, so doesn't sound entirely sensible either!

Thanks for another helpful reply, though!

[pierremcalpine]

Did he ask your permission before cutting the “timing belt? I’m a bit stumped if he did not. Certainly one would need to remove the aux belt to work on the alternator but he would have know that cutting the timing belt would have forced you to undertake more work on the spot. How was the car driving before the alternator went?

[faultyvolvo]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

Did he ask your permission before cutting the “timing belt? I’m a bit stumped if he did not. Certainly one would need to remove the aux belt to work on the alternator but he would have know that cutting the timing belt would have forced you to undertake more work on the spot. How was the car driving before the alternator went?

Hmm, good point - no he didn't ask about cutting the timing belt!
The car was driving fine before my initial "odd noise". That was deemed to be the alternator's belt wheel coming loose on its axle, and striking the ECU. That aux belt was also in a bad way.

[pierremcalpine]

Originally Posted by faultyvolvo

Hmm, good point - no he didn't ask about cutting the timing belt!
The car was driving fine before my initial "odd noise". That was deemed to be the alternator's belt wheel coming loose on its axle, and striking the ECU. That aux belt was also in a bad way.

Sounds like you are being played. There is no reason for him to have cut the timing belt. I'd be very skeptical of anything he has to say. Take the vehicle some place else, even if it means having to tow it out.