ALAN #84 wrote: ↑Fri Jul 30, 2021 10:59 am
Hi Everyone.
I am a partner at ANG Service Centre.
Here is some information that you should consider.
1. This was an estimate to remove and fit the cylinder head, completely overhaul the cylinder head with a skim and a pressure test (the proper way to make sure the cylinder head is not cracked from the overheating)
The estimate included foreseeable items like the thermostat and thermostat housing and supply pipe. These were agents parts and expensive (this was done as the vehicle overheated badly and numerous times so there was a strong possibility they could of sustained damage)
2. This is not a Citi Golf or Polo with a basic cam belt drive, this motor is a precision motor with a timing chain and timing cover. This means that there is a lot more involved when doing the job correctly. Just cleaning the parts properly will take more than three hours. The engine sump should also be removed and cleaned to inspect the lower half of the engine and to make sure all timing chain covers are seated properly thus sealing correctly. We take pride in our work and make sure ALL parts are SURGICALLY clean before installation can take place. I believe that preparation is the end result.
3. This estimate was for a quality job so that I could warranty all work and ensure there was no latent damage to the engine from the severe overheating. It would be stupid not to have the head crack tested before refitting it. I would have peace of mind that the lady owner would not get stuck on the side of the road from a poor ‘patch’ job.
4. We are a 5 Star Platinum RMI/Miwa rated workshop and have to work according to prescribed rates. We have to conform to a strict code of conduct. We were well within these rates. Please feel free to contact them on 021 939 9440 should you dispute any charges on the estimate and they would gladly answer your question. (is this workshop overcharging my friend???)
5. This vehicle went to a “Backyard Mechanic” before coming to me, as it was overheating and pushing coolant out from the water bottle. He replaced a perfectly good coolant bottle, which did not cure the problem. Eventually the vehicle came to me, and within minutes, I diagnosed the cooling fan switch was faulty causing the fan not to come on and the vehicle to overheat, thus pushing the coolant out the pressure valve in the coolant bottle cap. There was nothing wrong with the original coolant bottle. I then did a cylinder head leakage test and the engine failed horribly. There was Carbon Monoxide (Exhaust gas) in the cooling system. This was either from a blown cylinder head gasket, or a crack in the cylinder head. The water bottle replacement was a total waste of money and time as the cause for the expelled coolant was not investigated. I believe had the customer come directly to me when the overheating problem started, we could of diagnosed the fan switch before she blew the head gasket. She would have been in for a bill of around R980 plus vat to sort out the fan switch and the cylinder head gasket would not of blown.
As one reply said “Expensive school fees for ignoring the temp gauge” (I have to totally agree)
6. After hearing that the first estimate (the one shared on this chat) was above the customers budget, I submitted a revised estimate excluding the water flange and housing but kept the bare minimum engineering (acid clean, pressure test for cracks and skim) required, for me to give a warranty. This estimate came to around R12000 excl vat. When the vehicle was taken away and repaired by another “mechanic” the total cost of repairs came to R16000.00 as he found latent damages.
7. I could of cut my estimate even more by using cheaper parts of a lesser quality. I could of cut my labour and ‘slapped’ the head together without taking the care in the assembly and preparation, this would of saved me hours. We work to a very high standard as we have a name to uphold, and have a good name in the industry. I was not willing to jeopardise the safety of the customer by using inferior parts.
8. The R580 excl vat charge for the diagnostics is not excessive, it is for a full scan which will include throttle body clean and alignment, adaptation, erase learnt values, exhaust emissions check, as well as a fuel to air ratio check done with a 4 gas analyser. This will be necessary after the cylinder head is removed and fitted. I think the VW agents charge around R1600 excl vat now for the same thing.
The bottom line is, you pay for what you get, pay peanuts, you get monkeys…
The fact of matter is that it would of taken me longer than 14 hours to remove the head, sump, clean all the parts and assemble to spec and commission in the same it was done in the VW Factory.
And please if there is a qualified mechanic that can do the same job to my standard in 14 hours, come see me as I am looking for another mechanic and will hire you on the spot!!!!
I hope this sheds some light on the subject and make the answer to any questions clear. If not you are welcome to mail me, or even come see me personally.
Thank You
Alan
