Renault Megane (1999 - 2002) - 01 1.6 Cambelt / Camshaft Problems

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Thu 24 Apr 2008 21:50
01 1.6 Cambelt / Camshaft Problems - PennyP
Any help/advice gratefully received by heartbroken Megane cabrio lover. After cam belt went on my beloved cabrio, repair inc replacement valves totalled £1100. Car didn't seem right - knocking noise and dash warning lights coming on intermittently. Car returned to garage several times - claimed this was ignition coils but then one day (approx 8 weeks after vehicle repair) oil and stop lights showed. Same garage (Renault approved dealer) identified cylinder head damage they say caused by camshaft bearing failure. This arose from abrasive material in bearing shells that had caused severe crankshaft wear causing loss of oil pressure. Originally said material could have been caused by swarf remaining when valves fitted but then later denied liability. Bottom end of engine reconditioned and rebuilt - we reluctantly handed over further £300 towards this (remember car is beloved). Four months on, car breaks down - squealing noise, then loss of power. Car recovered to different Renault approved repairer who stripped down engine and provided report - oil leak caused by inlet camshaft oil seal having come out of head causing damage to cylinder head. Cam shaft timing found to be incorrect. Inlet camshaft seized in front camshaft bearing. Incorrect sealer used on mating surface of the camshaft cover. As a non-techno, facing either £2.5K+ for repair, reconditioned engine option or sell as scrap - - is there any hope of proving lack of care/negligence for original repair????

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Edited by Dynamic Dave on 24/04/2008 at 22:16

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Mon 24 Nov 2008 23:01
01 1.6 Cambelt / Camshaft Problems - colin324
I would chat to local trading standards and citizens advice. As a second garage has examined the engine and stated that it has been incorrectly re-built, youi could take them to court to recover your costs. I can't remember the limits for small claims court, but citizens advice should be able to help. If not, do you have AA or RAC cover ? They may be able to assist with the legalities.
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