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Cracked head?

Discussion in 'VZ Holden Commodore (2004 - 2006)' started by Mama Blue, Sep 28, 2017.

  1. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Hi,
    I really need some help. I paid to get my timing chain done in december 2016. I have been driving it since getting it back. I noticed a tapping sound so took it to another mechanic to get it looked at....turns out the timing chain was never done! So....paid again to get timing chain replaced....now ive been told there is water leaking into the oil and its apparently from a crack in the head....so now i need a new motor. What i want to know is....could the crack in the head have been caused by driving it while the timing chain wasn't fixed? Do I need a whole new motor? There were no leaks before the timing chain was done. Could it have been caused while fixing the timing chain? Thanks for any help.. :)
     
  2. commodore665

    commodore665 expat Saffa

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    It would be unlikely that the cracked head was caused by the timing chain not being done
     
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  3. Calaber

    Calaber Nil Bastardo Carborundum

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    Cylinder heads usually crack because of a) overheating, b) casting defect or c) design fault. Some heads are known for cracking in specific areas due to an inherent design weakness.

    A worn timing chain by itself will not cause a head to crack and I suspect you have just been hit by simultaneous but unrelated failures.
     
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  4. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Thanks for your reply....so i need to replace the motor?
     
  5. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Thanks for the reply....
     
  6. Calaber

    Calaber Nil Bastardo Carborundum

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    If the bottom end is sound just replace the defective parts. I think Ecotec parts are pretty cheap at wreckers these days.
     
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  7. harrop.senator

    harrop.senator Well-Known Member

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    Alloytec Champ whole different kettle of fish Price wise.
     
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  8. Calaber

    Calaber Nil Bastardo Carborundum

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    I didn't bother checking which model he had. Derrr...
     
  9. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    The mechanics said that everything else is good except the crack in the head. It keeps leaking and the engine lights keep coming on. So can I just replace the head or do i have to replace the motor? Ive already been ripped off once...cant afford to be ripped off again...
     
  10. commodore665

    commodore665 expat Saffa

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    I'd be somewhat pissed off if I was told that a job had been done , and ended up not being the case . :(
     
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  11. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Oh yeah...i was highly pissed off. Now I dont feel much better as Ive paid out money twice to get the one job done and its all been for nothing because apparently now i need a new motor. I dont know what to do....Im a single mum....so am an easy target i suppose. I was trying to keep the car going to teach my daughter to drive...now im down lots of money and have an unusable car. What to do....
     
  12. vr304

    vr304 Well-Known Member

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    I’d be taking legal action against the 1st mechanic that supposedly did the timing chain if I were you :mad: what an asshole!!
     
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  13. commodore665

    commodore665 expat Saffa

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    It really guts me that some people think it's okay to blatantly lie about things , as mentioned you could action against the mechanic, i would .
     
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  14. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    I ended up getting some money back so its not really worth going through the court process. I'd spend more going there than id get back. Im very very wary now though. Im researching everything im told and i really dont have time to study mechanics haha
     
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  15. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Yeah it sucks. Ill be more careful from now on
     
  16. Calaber

    Calaber Nil Bastardo Carborundum

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    To answer your question about what to do with the engine. My earlier advice still stands. If a good replacement cylinder head can be obtained second hand, it would be your cheapest option.

    However, you first need to find a trustworthy mechanic to do the job. The First step would be to have the cooling system pressure tested to determine that the head is cracked. There are other tests also needed to determine which head it is. (There are two of them). Then get a quote on the job in writing before proceeding and at the end if the job, ask to see the damaged head in company with someone who has mechanical knowledge if possible.

    I agree with the other members and hate hearing about someone in your situation being deliberately cheated. Keep us informed of your progress.
     
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  17. commodore665

    commodore665 expat Saffa

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    Sad thing is though , there are pricks like that everywhere
     
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  18. Mama Blue

    Mama Blue New Member

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    Thanks Calaber...your very helpful :) i will look into pricing for a cylinder head. Apparently they have done pressure testing already. They also used a camera and said that they have found a crack on the head.....a something jacket was mentioned aswell if that makes any sense?
     
  19. Calaber

    Calaber Nil Bastardo Carborundum

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    It would be the water jacket. The engine requires water to circulate around the cylinder head to keep the engine operating at the right temperature. The passageways around the engine that enable the water to circulate are called the water jacket.

    If a crack develops it will enable water to escape from the water jacket and enter parts of the engine where it shouldn't. That appears to be what has happened in your case.
     
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  20. alloytec sludge

    alloytec sludge Member

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    i'd say its a seal behind the cover not a cracked head
     

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