It has been quite a busy month at the shop this week. We have 6 cars with ruined engines in this month so far, and its only the 16th of the month. Its a shame, but all would still be fine if the cars had proper maintenance.
The first, was a 2005 Jetta 2.5 litre 5 cylinder. The owner went a couple thousand past the oil change interval, but worse than that, no one checked the oil since changed. Car was quarts low on oil, and it ruined the engine inside. It also had a bad cooling fan, so only 1 fan working. We had to replace the engine, change over every part like doing a new long block. Customer got the engine for 700 and had 1200 plus fluids more in the engine swap, plas a new factory fan. Cost of poor maintenance, over 2000.00 plus a new 260.00 cooling fan, and misc other work while in
The Second is an Audi A6, with a 6 cylinder, Engine got noisey, when we removed the valve cover, the sludge was unbelievable. Oil most likely not changed for 10,000 plus miles, plus driven a long time low on oil.
Scheduled for next week, estimate for engine, new timing belt, tensioners, waterpump, plugs, all parts changed over fom old engine, etc. Estimated total cost around 3000.00
The third is a 2000 Jetta, VR 6. This car was driven overheating with a waterpump problem, which was fixed at the dealer. Then the car hit something underneath, and crached the oil pan, was driven this way, adding oil often. Had oil pan replaced at dealer. Shortly after, engine failed inside fron heat and being run low on oil. Used engine, and labor probably will be over 2500. Engine was delivered today.
The fourth was towed in today from another shop. 2003 Audi Avant Wagon, 1.8 l turbo engine. The customer went 6000 miles past the time to change it. So, the fast oil change place, who did cheap oil changes on the car with regular oil, what the customer probably asked for, and they didnt know to tell her the engine uses only synthetic oil, probably put 3000 miles on the sticker. No one ever checked the oil for 9000 miles untill the engine got noisy inside. There was hardly any oil left in the engine. Once oil was refilled, engine was already severly damaged and still noisy. In line for a replacement engine. Used engined run 1500 to 2000, new around 3000, plus labor, and if used engine, new timing belt, tensioners, and waterpump. Plus Fluids. Figure either way, well over 3000.00
The fifth, a Jetta turbo diesel. This car has has good maintenance the last 20,000 according to the owner. She has no records from the previous owner. Well, seels last owner was bad with oil changes, as the engine wore out a cam lobe and then wore a hole on the lifter. Needs a new Cylinder head. Brand new head, labor, oil change, new coolent, gaskets, etc probably 2000 plus.
The 6th, is an audi A4 1.8 turbo. Came in with a broken timing belt, leaking waterpump, and damaged tensioners. Bent valves indicated on a leakdown test. Removed head, 12 bent valves out of 20. Head at macine shop getting tested and an estimate for repairs. Close guess at the total for all repairs, probably 2000.00
The cost for an Oil change by a Quality professional mechanic, checking fluids, setting tires, Using a quality oil filter and premium synthetic oils, around $79.99
I hope this makes everyone check when they last changed their oil, and get on a good schedule to change it regularly. Checking the oil level often, to lean how much oil your engine uses, and keeping it topped up is a must.
Bob@
Paul's Motor Car Service
2600 Library Road, Rt.88
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412.884.8866
Tags: Pauls Motor Car Pittsburgh Auto Service Repair Vw Audi Foreign Domestic
