Recon vege playing up!?

Post by **maxstu** » 22 Mar 2008, 09:22

Some help if you please...
Last sept I paid for a recon vege DG1900 to replace the knackered 150K one in my van. Not the cheapest replacement but felt the extra cost would be worth it in the long run. It's got a 12 month warranty.
Literally everything behind the gearbox was replaced, including lots of new hoses, corrogated airways, leads, coil, dizzy, etc, etc.
It's developed a minor problem and the fitter's have asked me to bring in.
Over the phone they gave me a few explanations what might of happened and want to do a compression check next tuesday. The fault could be sticking piston rings on the right bank.?
Basically, both plugs

on the right side are sooting up and have oil around the threads.. Left bank running perfect.
My questions are.....
What causes or fails and lets oils on the plugs?
Will a compression check show upl the problem?
If the RHD cylinder head is replaced should I negotiate an extended warranty?
What else should I ask next tuesday? No rude replies please

I know these are basic questions. I'm not mechanically minded and want to go back pre-armed so to speak.

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 22 Mar 2008, 11:45

You have absolutley no chance of negotiating an extened warranty.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 22 Mar 2008, 12:20

As they have said, could be rings or a valve stem.. does it smoke??

more likely its a broken ring, they dont get "stuck" in 1 year...

I expect you have shelled out a good bit, so make sure you dont let them palm you off and ask you to pay for owt...

You have always checked the oil level and water regularly and ran it in properly... havent you......

Post by **ghost123uk** » 22 Mar 2008, 13:55

Well at least it was only last Sept so you still have enough time left on your G/Tee to make sure they fix it properly.

A bit odd that both plugs are sooting up though unless by some huge coincidence rings on both the R/H pistons have damaged their rings !

A compression test will show broken rings.

As you still have about 6 months G/Tee left I would just let them get on with it. Then when you get it back, keep a close eye on oil levels, because a good recon should not need topping up hardly at all between oil changes and if it does ( keep records ) take it back to them !!

Also keep an eye out for any blue smoke - if it does that, take it back to them.

Most important it is follow the rules imposed by the T's & C's of the warranty re servicing etc, so they cannot wriggle out of it.

Any time it misbehaves, tell them straight away and ask them what they would wish you to do, like "bring it in". Don't start telling them their job as that just annoys them.

Keep us informed as to your progress.

Good luck

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 22 Mar 2008, 18:23

Keep a record of all dealings, don't touch anything yourself, make 100% sure you're happy with it before accepting it back.

If it continues to cause trouble continue to take it back .... use phrases like 'Trading Standards' and 'Unfit for purpose' if you even suspect you're being fobbed off ... oh and mention that fact that you're a member on here (and elsewhere ?) and that other people would be interested to hear of any issues you've had.

The Vege recon engine I've seen inside (not mine) had a liner base which was gummed up with silicone sealant and had horribly pitted pistons ... didn't inspire confidence shall we say.

Ian.

Post by **maxstu** » 22 Mar 2008, 20:03

Thanks too all for the answers.
Sorry I didn't reply to your postings earlier. Unexpected family obligations had to come first.
It has used more oil than I expected. I've covered some 3.5k miles since they fitted new engine. I gave it back to them for the initial obligatory 500 oil and filter change. Then I reckon I have added about a litre in 3k.
What drew my attention was that the exhaust tip looks the same sooty colour as my old diesel transit and it blew a very small amount under firm acceleration.
Also I not been impressed with MPG or power to be honest. I ran her in with the utmost care, never racing the gears and changing correct not to labour the engine. It will cruise happily betwen 60-65mph but needs a gear change for minor slopes.
All will be reveal on tuesday.
Will post again then
Thanks......your a great bunch of guys and i own many beers

Post by **ghost123uk** » 23 Mar 2008, 11:16

maxstu wrote: Thanks......your a great bunch of guys and i own many beers

Love the slight typo "and i own many beers"

Let us know how you get on.

Vege are a pretty big outfit, so I reckon they should treat you OK, tho as Ian says if they do look like they are trying to mess you around, a mentioning the fact that you are a well known member of a large national VW owners club should help.

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 11:40

Hi Ghost,
Good to here from you...
What a mistaker to maker!

Thanks......your a great bunch of guys and I own many beers

Also wine, port and spirits

Well that get's me off the beverage hook then.
Seriously though, I'm am really grateful too all who answer my endless questions.
Will definately keep you all posted regarding the outcome.

Post by **Laurie** » 23 Mar 2008, 13:38

I think it may be inlet guides, possibly come adrift.

It would be a good idea to check that your rubber breather pipe from the black breather tower isn't crimped. This can give all the symptoms of horror with non of the costs. I have more people thinking they have major engine faults due to crimped breather pipes than you can shake a "pooh" stick at.

I recently went to a 'warranty' in Leicestershire, having asked the fitter and the owner to check that pipe. It was nearly folded in half. of course, no bugger offered to pay for the 3 hour detour.

If the pipe is crimped, the best fix is a piece of washing machine exit pipe (plastic wobbly) fitted into a couple of inches of each end of the old rubber pipe.

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 15:40

Hi Laurie,
Many thanks for your time and advice.
I've posted a few photos here. The spark plug comparison one is pathetic. My apologies but my camera is not the best...by far.
I'm not going to touch too much in case it leave me a compromising position with the engine fitters.
On your advice I checked breather hose on tower and all seems aok. I disconnected one end at a times and blew through each end without noticing any blockages.

Post by **Laurie** » 23 Mar 2008, 15:47

The pipe doesn't crimp when you fit it then?

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 16:00

Hi Laurie,
The pipe's free flowing..no crimps.
Sorry about lack of proper photo's. Have been messing with Mucho's free photo service without success.
Blast!!! I can't get the hang of this photo business. Getting nothing at all now.
Needless to say pipe is good and clear.
thanks for bearing with me

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 16:09

Hi again Laurie,

try these...Please God!!
Still need to cut and paste, though

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 16:11

I thinking I'm wasting everyone's time here.
Not sure why I edited to that small size!!
Sorry all

Post by **maxstu** » 23 Mar 2008, 16:14

As for the crap photo's of plugs. Top one show's one plug from left bank running fine. Right bank plug well oiled. And that's after a 50 mile 60-65mph motorway journey.
cheers