57 replies to this topic

[Spider]

Dont strip it make the call to the builder and see what response you get, if you strip it he has a get out clause, just report the lack of oil pressure and see what his response is is my advice

 

 

Ask him when he has time to strip it then invite yourself along and bring the engine over at that. Take a camera and a note pad.

[Cooperman]

This is a difficult situation.

 

What did the vendor actually claim to have supplied and is the claim in writing? Was it stated that certain parts were to be new, as opposed to simply suitable?

Is there a receipt for the engine?

 

My suspicion is that the builder has not had the crank re-ground, not fitted new pistons, has used an old oil pump and has not measured correctly or done a 'dummy build' to be sure everything is correct - for example, used 'Plastigauge' to check bearing clearances.

But then, maybe the price reflected the quality of the workmanship - you get nothing for nothing!

 

It does seem a bit 'iffy' and it may be that there will be no help from the vendor. Or the vendor may cover the complete cost of doing it correctly. It could end up in the small claims court as a worst case.

[nicklouse]

some reading

http://www.theminifo...5-40/?p=2703496

and

http://www.theminifo...void/?p=2711689

and

http://www.turbomini...p=vt&tid=549675

[661]

some reading

http://www.theminifo...5-40/?p=2703496

and

http://www.theminifo...void/?p=2711689

and

http://www.turbomini...p=vt&tid=549675

Sadly, it's the same bloke.

I've called and emailed, no reply yet.

I'm worried that the components are not as specified. I can't really justify going from Eastbourne to Bradford to check on him taking it apart. I may be able to do something through the credit card I used to pay paypal. The purchase is now outside of paypal's 45 day window.

I see Shifty was trying to get his address last time, that may be useful if I need the small claims court.

Anyone know a reputable engine builder?

[nicklouse]

I am trying to think what I'd the best way forward for this.

The engine as is will need a total rebuild.
I guess you are not up to the stripping down? And then send short motor away?

There are engine builders local to you and there are also some on here that are not too far from you.

I would contact one and have a chat about a rebuild and what they can take on. ie some might not what the gearbox as they would have to store it.....

Good luck.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Any updates?

[661]

The credit card company are going to send me a claim form to look at claiming under Section75. Personally I don't hold out great hope as I used th card through PayPal which counts as an intermediary and therefore gives the, wriggle room.
Numerous calls and an email to the 'builder' have not been returned.
I need his address so I can consider small claims proceedings.
The anger is driving me to have him. I'll outfox him but I suspect it will be drawn out.
I agree with looking at a local builder. I need to ensure that sending off what I have doesn't jeopardise any claim in case I have to send the engine back

[Cooperman]

Why not have a crack at rebuilding it yourself. You don't need much in the way of specialist tools and we are all here to guide you through the job.

You need:

A decent socket set

A good set of Imperial spanners

A torque wrench from 30 to 150 lb. ft.

Feeler gauges,

A DTI (borrow one?).

Usual hammers, screwdrivers, etc.

 

We really are all here to help in any way we can. It just needs you to have the confidence really.

[Spider]

Why not have a crack at rebuilding it yourself. You don't need much in the way of specialist tools and we are all here to guide you through the job.

You need:

A decent socket set

A good set of Imperial spanners

A torque wrench from 30 to 150 lb. ft.

Feeler gauges,

A DTI (borrow one?).

Usual hammers, screwdrivers, etc.

 

We really are all here to help in any way we can. It just needs you to have the confidence really.

 

And (another) wad of cash

[nicklouse]

to be honest I don't belive it needs rebuilding. It need building.

But the first things I would be doing is waiting. Till you hear back from the card.

And then if you have an address, also any legal help. As you maybe able to get damages covering and rebuild work.

But I would be photoing and videoing everything.

[661]

to be honest I don't belive it needs rebuilding. It need building.

But the first things I would be doing is waiting. Till you hear back from the card.

And then if you have an address, also any legal help. As you maybe able to get damages covering and rebuild work.

But I would be photoing and videoing everything.

Again, sensible advice and what I was planning.

As it happens, I'm reasonably handy with the tools, but I've not taken on the  inner workings. I've build 2 Elans from scratch but have sent the engines boxes and diffs off. I suppose the bottom line here is I'm still coming to terms with the fact I paid for this job, I'm nearing the end of the build, I've now got to take a massive backward step.

However, latest news is the builder has contacted me today by email and seems interested in my predicament......we shall see.

Edited by 661, 22 January 2015 - 02:24 PM.

[Dusky]

Rebuilding an engine shouldn't be to hard if you're a bit handy.

Especially with a mini, if you don't know something ask it on the forum / lookf or a guide ( I must thank Jhon guess for his superb gearbox guide).

Its very sad to see that there are people out there ripping of people in this way... Totaly 'destroys' the mini scene.

[661]

 

Its very sad to see that there are people out there ripping of people in this way... Totaly 'destroys' the mini scene.

This is the thing that p1sses me off as much as my own loss and stupidity. I've dealt with Lotus dealers (mainly indies) for years and they are all as honest as the day is long and really proud of what they do. Mini ownership is new to me, even if I've helped mates out previously, yet I've had 4 transactions now where I've been sold sh1te. Watch out people.