Conference terri::cars_uk

Hi,

It sounds like most of these problems could have been caused by the clutch
change you mention.  I'd go back to the garage that did it and ask them to
explain themselves!

Locating dowels: I thought these were just used during assembly (or re-assembly)
to line everything up, being removed once the bolts were in.  Maybe on the AX
they're a permanent fixture, in which case they wouldn't just fall out; the
garage that changed the clutch didn't put them back in!

Spacers: I suspect the engine mounts were loosened/removed to enable the engine
to be tilted/removed for changing the clutch... again, the garage obviously
didn't reassmeble things properly.  Of course, they could have been missing
for longer, but the garage that changed the clutch should have noticed this and
told you about it, not just re-assembled the stuff incorrectly!

Loom mounting plate: dunno what this is!

Rounded off bolt: sloppy workmanship by the last person to undo the bellhousing
(ie the last person to change the clutch!)

Gear lever rods: Incorrectly assembled I presume; could be caused by anything, 
although I suspect they were removed/replaced when the clutch was done...

Scott

Hi again,

I got a bill this morning from Speen Garage asking for 49 quid. This charge is
for the investigation work, road test and sundry engine oils. 

Also enclosed was a list of the parts that Ormsby Motors / Citroen were going to
pay for, this included another new clutch kit !!

So thats 3 clutches after 31,500 miles, is this a record ?

Whats the best way to go about complaining about this very shoddy piece of
engineering ? Should I perhaps approach the Motor press ? would they be at all
interested ?

I've already written to the M.D of Citroen UK, no reply yet !


Thanks for any advice.



Gary.

ps.

I must remember to take my foot off the clutch when red-lining !! ;-)

    Just to rub it in, my 1986 Mk IV Escort 1.6GL Estate is still on its
    original clutch. Mileage? Just a few shy of 74,000 miles.
    
    Laurie.

pity the same can't be said for its body panels.

	re .3

	I had a MG Montego Turbo with 60,000 miles on it and no clutch
	problems. I think the clutch was the only thing that was ok though !!

	re .4 :-)

    
    
    The two non-lease cars, both 1600 Escorts, that I've had both did 
    100,000 + miles on the original clutches.
    
    I'd have thought that 100,000 would be a minimum life expectancy.
    
     

    Listen Watkins... there's only one body panel on my Escort in any
    trouble, and that's the bonnet, where I tonked it one (as you well
    know...).
    
    So nyeeeerrr!
    
    Laurie.

>>             <<< Note 1521.2 by MAJORS::REVELL "Tactile Warhead" >>>
>>                       -< 3rd clutch in 31,500 miles ! >-

>>So thats 3 clutches after 31,500 miles, is this a record ?

>>Whats the best way to go about complaining about this very shoddy piece of
>>engineering ? Should I perhaps approach the Motor press ? would they be at all
    
    
    With millions of examples out there (my wife's AX 11TRE included) I
    guess it's not a shoddy piece of engineering, more likely a shoddy
    piece of original assembly. This probably caused the initial problem,
    and subsequently limited the garages ability to correct. (though I must
    admit I had problems with some work from Speen garage, but also had
    some good work from them too.)
    
    Re the motoring press, Auto Express regularly report taking up this
    type of issue on behalf of readers, try them.
    
    Richard