K20 hydro-lock engine rebuild.

[FDCivic]

Just wondering if anyone could help me out. 2 months ago, I sent my car off to have my car assessed by AAMI for a possible hydro-lock via my injen CAI. They agreed to a complete engine rebuild. Just got the car back yesterday evening.

The night on which this whole hydro-locking incident happened, I ran through a puddle and my car stalled. I tried starting the engine again but the engine kept turning over but wouldn't start (i know that it was a bad idea to but i didn't really know what to do in a hydro-lock situation at that time). After having my friend tow my car to the nearest petrol station I managed to fire up the engine, it struggled but i got it to turn on. I could hear a ticking noise, so that made me think that one of my rods or valves had bent so i turned it off straight away and called up AAMI asap. Got the car towed to my place after the call.

So whats going on now is i can still hear that ticking noise coming from the head. This noise sounded similar to what my engine sounded like after i had gotten the car started after hydro-locking it. The bolts aren't scratched or marked making me think whether or not they did anything to the car and that my car wasn't hydro-locked to begin with. Highly unlikely but possible. Also the only part that was changed, that i can visibly see is the alternator.

Another thing is, as i was getting up my driveway for the first time, the car stalled and the engine wouldn't start until i waited half an hour for it to cool down.

What do you guys think caused my car to stall and what do you think is causing the ticking noise?

Any info would be great. Thanks

[TODA AU]

Sounds like they did nothing.
Who was the repairer?
They're obligated to warrant their work.

[FDCivic]

Yeah thats what i thought, I reckon they just took out the sparkies and drained all the water out. They claim to have replaced the whole block because they found a hole in it.

I don't want to give their business a bad name, not until i fully understand whats going on but theyre one of the future auto repair centres in brisbane (Not hondacare). Car sometimes struggles to turn on as well but I'm just assuming it's because its a 'new' engine.

[FDCivic]

They told me that ticking noise is normal for a rebuilt engine and that it's probably the valve timing. What do you think?

[TODA AU]

Sounds like B/S to me, a rebuilt std engine should sound the same as a new engine, like a sewing machine.
It should also start & run like a new engine.
Anyway, check the engine number on the block, next to the starter motor.
See if matches your old rego, my guess is the block is the same.
Of note, you would have needed a blue slip or the Qld equivelant to transfer the engine number on the rego too,
& you'd pretty much have to do that unless it was a fleet car.
Le'me guess, it's the same?

If the number is the same & you've got something in writing from AAMI saying all this work was done,
Ask them how they feel about fronting up to fair trading.
In the mean time, get a hold of the Insurance ombudsmun & see what they can do.
Bet they made you pay your excess too
(Yup, I hate insurance companies - pack of theives)

[FDCivic]

so the new block should come with a new engine number? The repairer hesitated to give me the receipt and told me that it was all in their computer, they said that they would email me a copy though. Thought it sounded dodgey...

PS aami did send me their own quote but didn't state what sort of repair was done. Just a price quote of $11,801.90

They also got me to pay a contribution fee of $1923 plus my $400 excess before the repair could commence.

[quangsuke]

thats an arm and leg. engine number should be different on the new block. u can check this by ur registration sticker (as above)

[noobcake]

in for story!

[FDCivic]

Engine numbers are the same. wtf is going on...

[mocchi]

so the new block should come with a new engine number? The repairer hesitated to give me the receipt and told me that it was all in their computer, they said that they would email me a copy though. Thought it sounded dodgey...

PS aami did send me their own quote but didn't state what sort of repair was done. Just a price quote of $11,801.90

They also got me to pay a contribution fee of $1923 plus my $400 excess before the repair could commence.

thats rubbish, 12g for the repair and you still gotta fork 2g?
DEMAND receipt.

[mocchi]

thats rubbish, 12g for the repair and you still gotta fork 2g?
DEMAND receipt.

if its a rebuild, then it will be same engine number.
unless it specifically said in receipt that new engine is put in.
12g should get you new engine for sure, wtf kinda labour is 12g holy mama.

[TODA AU]

Write down all of the details you can remember, times dates, conversations etc.
Try & remember the horseshit you've been fed... The hole in the block, the replacement block the whole bit.
Sounds like you paid for everything & got stooged.
The ombudsmun will be real interested in this.
Also, report the repairer to the ATO if the refuse to give you a recipt / tax invoice

Just to make you feel even better,
You know for that sort of money you could have shipped your car down to me, had it rebuilt & sent back in perfect order...
With a new block & internals if needed, plus you could have kept your contribution & excess in your pocket.
$11,800 for a standard engine overhaul - What a scam!
Or you could have had a built engine with a fair bit of fruit in it.
But you don't.

reminds me of that old song... Things that make you go Hmmm...

[FDCivic]

Thanks buddy,

I'm pretty pissed at the moment and shouldnt have given these fkkers all of my trust. I'm going to go back to the repairer to request the receipt. Will keep you guys updated.

[TODA AU]

You should ring Honda too & ask how much a brand new engine is, you'll be surprised.
& then after the ombudsmun finnishes with AAMI, they can pop down to Honda & buy it for you & give you back your contribution.

[FDCivic]

im scared theyre going to say stuff like who told you that you're getting a new block, we dont have that in writing...

[_CRX_]

dont go in complaining just yet ....ask for your invoice ......suss out whats on it and then make your move......if your going to fight them you will need paper work

[TODA AU]

im scared theyre going to say stuff like who told you that you're getting a new block, we dont have that in writing...
Man up, don't be scared, they're ripping you off. Calmly try & remember everything & write it down, Names, converstaions, tyimes, dates etc.
Get your facts straight & keep it to yourself for now.
As above, get the paperwork supplied., if they refuse. Write it down, all of it. Instist etc...
Then you've got some ammo...

[Zilli]

wow... i am actually very surprised that AAMI agreed to repair an engine that was damaged as a result of an illegal modification...

what you need to do is call AAMi and book what they call a "re-inspection". At that point explain everyhting to the assessor that comes to take a look at it... have it all on paper, take everything you have with you, and ask him why the engine number is the same, and you are having the same issues you had when you originally took the engine to them... As them for the scope of repair POST assessment... as im sure they would've ripped the 12k to peices...

anyway, this is what you get when you go with the cheapest insurer available... at least they have their "lifetime warranty" on repairs... or a lifetime of hell dealing with idiots... good luck

[dc2r-0636]

So you had to pay your excess of $400 and then pay another 2k of bs fees??? I hate aami insurance with a passion. Long story but they bitched out when threatnd with legal actions

[FDCivic]

Just had a chat to the repairer, apparently the block had been repaired, not replaced... said that it was really hard to get a new one out of Japan...

[FDCivic]

Zilli: Apparently it's covered under AAMI's policy.

[TODA AU]

Just had a chat to the repairer, apparently the block had been repaired, not replaced... said that it was really hard to get a new one out of Japan...
Really? Didn't try real hard...
I could have supplied you with a brand-new FD2R engine for that & you'd have change to put it in.

[quangsuke]

didn't the repairer state the was a whole in the block?
ask for receipts for everything that was done. 12k is a lot!

[Zilli]

this all smells incredibly fishy... but unfortunately, from first hand experience on both sides of the counter... very typical

[flipfire]

Yeap ask the repairer for scope of works in paper. You have the right to know where your dollars are going.

[DEMON83]

Really? Didn't try real hard...
I could have supplied you with a brand-new FD2R engine for that & you'd have change to put it in.

How much is a FD2R engine worth to import..?

[mocchi]

How much is a FD2R engine worth to import..?

6g longblock. or maybe 8g.

[egb16b]

Interesting story. I work in insurance. If you want i can talk to the claims guys and suss out what you should do.

Also did you take your car to a mechanic that AAMI recommended?? AAMI always recommend you take it to their authorized repairer which funnily enough AAMI actually own, but using a different business name.

But as TODA said, go to the Insurance Ombudsmen because if your not happy with the work that's been carried out on your car, you have a right to take matters further.

And if there was a hole in the block, it would be cheaper to replace it anyway. Sounds suss as to me.

And i'm surprised they covered you for the injen CAI. Did you advised AAMI of the mod?? Read your Product Disclosure Statement to clarify whats covered and whats not.

[Poeter]

And i'm surprised they covered you for the injen CAI. Did you advised AAMI of the mod?? Read your Product Disclosure Statement to clarify whats covered and whats not.

Surprised here too. Heard from friends' experience they would refuse straight off since it is illegal.

[curtis265]

^I was thinking that too, and that they're even offering insured repair work.. or maybe that's why they want 2k from u

[DC2-PWR]

What a scary thread :(

[Nepolian]

Lol....I think there may be lots lost in translation....

[bennet654]

Hey mate.

The reason why they do repairs rather than replacements is because with a replacement its pretty much a set amount, with a common added figure for an engine install... with repairing, they can make up ridiculous labour hours and explain multiple issues that they ran into and how the cost just kept climbing. Insurance jobs for a dodgy mechanic, is their way of pulling in big bucks for simple jobs. At the end of the day they make a killing, and you pay higher insurance premiums.. thats the way the world always seems to work...

Definetely agree with the others, take it to ombudsman and fight em, if you cant get a re-assessment :)
All the best buddy

[rotary_snail]

Just ask to see reciepts of everything. The workshop would have had to have bought all the parts, will be reciepts for that. They would have subleted any machine work, so invoices for that. And then tell them, the problem isn't fixed, so fix it.End of the day, it went in to get an issue fixed, and it wasn't fixed.

Recently i had a run in with dumb ass repairers. Was a body shop dealing with my brother's car that was hit by an old granny, damaged one door. They told him they needed the car for 6 days to do it. Told my bro thats retarded, it takes 2 days to prep and spray something properly. Anyway, he let them have it for 6 days.... Car came back and it looked fine. But within one week, the clear had started peeling off. So this time i went down there and blasted the owner. Was the biggest s'hole of a panel shop i have seen. Got the car back within 2 days, and gave them the bill for the loan car that my bro had for 8 days.

[WATAJK]

updates?

[Fredoops]

AAMI have repairers that are panel beaters, not mechanics, and I doubt insurance assessors have much to do with mechanics, since 99% of insurance assessor's are ex-panel beaters, not mechanics

So I'm thinking they would've just got anyone really and they get screwed over on mechanical work plenty.

Thats why whenever I have mechanical related insurance work I always get my own quote from a someone I trust... My peeps are cheaper than insurance people's quotes most of the time.

[FDCivic]

Hey guys,

Heres an interesting update for you. After driving my car for around 3 weeks, the engine decided to blow up. Yep, the oil filter is hanging by a thread. I was driving it normally out from where I work and all i heard was a horrible noise coming from under my car.

If i hadn't already mentioned this, the hole in the block was welded shut and only 2 pistons were replaced. Such pathetic workmanship. What could have been the cause of this because i wasn't driving hard at all since the engine is still under 1000km's...?

The tow truck driver who use to be an ex import mechanic told me that its probably because the engine is a high compression engine and because of that, it wasn't a good idea to have that hole welded. Any thoughts?

[FDCivic]

BTW, to stop that ticking noise, the engine builder replaced one of the valves.

Another problem occurred after getting the valve replaced. The check engine light came on which prompted me to bring the car back. The mechanic diagnosed the problem and said that there were problems with the O2 sensors and that it would be fine to drive until they ordered a new set.

After searching forums etc, i realised that the original problem that caused my car to stall and become less responsive could be the MAP sensors and not the O2 sensor. Could the MAP sensor assist in blowing up my engine?

[Symphorced]

So you just continued to drive the car instead of taking it back to the mechanic?

[FDCivic]

Well yeah, the engine blew on sunday and i had just realised it was a map sensor problem over the weekend and because of the long weekend here in QLD, i wouldn't have been able to tell him until today.

[honda_b_blastn]

wow! Listen to Adrian mate,ring your insurance company,get a reciept for the previous work,get a second opinion on the new issue and start making some noise-you have been taken advantage of 100%

[fatboyz39]

Just go and get a replacement K20 FD engine. Since the rebuild your having so much problems and more headaches.

[Nepolian]

I smell a nasty fish.....

[FDCivic]

I'll have to wait until i get a word back from the assessor. 12k to replace conrods, 2 pistons, 8 valves and weld a block up..? Smells really fishy.

[Nepolian]

Can get used FD's for that money nowadays!

[munkaii]

Insurance are screwing you around hard. I would advise that you either get it all sorted out with insurance and get a new engine dropped in, OR get a lawyer and get them to pay you out then never deal with them again.

[FDCivic]

Btw, this is for a DC5S, Civic was sold a year ago.

[fatboyz39]

I keep thinking FD :(. They could of bought a long block from honda for 8k and R & R wouldnt even add up too 12k.

[quangsuke]

it would have been cheaper for the mechanic to order a new block rather then welding and replacing parts. i think they are taking complete advantage of you and screwing u about. stand your ground and get those reports on repair and get another opinion.
motor should be replaced. end of story.

[Fredoops]

Chances are insurers don't even know what the hells going on, assessors don't review invoices, so chances are the mechanic probably got away with don't different from what they quoted.

As I said before, insurance assessors know f$&@ all about mechanical repairs and I don't remember AAMI even have "recommended" mechanics...

[FDCivic]

hey guys,

Was just wondering what would have caused my engine to blow two holes out the side of the block. I did a bit of research and from that I have a feeling that my faulty O2 sensor could have caused the Air/fuel mixture to become too lean and thus causing the engine to detonate. Really need help from an experienced mechanic or mechanical engineer on this one.

The engine has been sent to an automotive engineer to be examined. As much information regarding the matter would be appreciated. Just want to stop the insurance company/mechanic from getting away with ripping me off.

thanks

[Nepolian]

hey guys,

Was just wondering what would have caused my engine to blow two holes out the side of the block. I did a bit of research and from that I have a feeling that my faulty O2 sensor could have caused the Air/fuel mixture to become too lean and thus causing the engine to detonate. Really need help from an experienced mechanic or mechanical engineer on this one.

The engine has been sent to an automotive engineer to be examined. As much information regarding the matter would be appreciated. Just want to stop the insurance company/mechanic from getting away with ripping me off.

thanks

Generally hole in block = over revving or too much power! rods (bolts or rods) let go and bang!

The faults you have stated may have cause the car to run bad which if that is the case, why didn't you get it looked at? But I highly doubt that a faulty O2 or A/F would be the cause, engine light would be on!

None the less, engines are not designed to "blow holes on the side".

If you are insured, I don't know why you are so bothered by it. I know its a bummer when people **** arse around, but it appears that those are the cards you are dealt with :(

Good luck!

[FDCivic]

Generally hole in block = over revving or too much power! rods (bolts or rods) let go and bang!

The faults you have stated may have cause the car to run bad which if that is the case, why didn't you get it looked at? But I highly doubt that a faulty O2 or A/F would be the cause, engine light would be on!

None the less, engines are not designed to "blow holes on the side".

If you are insured, I don't know why you are so bothered by it. I know its a bummer when people **** arse around, but it appears that those are the cards you are dealt with :(

Good luck!

Thanks man,

Check engine light did come on but they reassured me that it would be fine to drive, however crappy fuel economy would be the only affect. I trusted his word and drove it to work and uni for the last 2 weeks. I did not over rev as it was still in the run in period. I followed standard procedure in running in an engine and varied the speed. Never hit vtec as well.

[Fredoops]

So what the insurer say so far about this?

[FDCivic]

Said that they're going to wait for the report back from the engine rebuilder. The dude who fitted the engine says that its out of his hands now, told me to speak to the engine rebuilder aka "engine engineer" so thats what i did.

The engine rebuilder told me that it could be my fault as a result of over revving. I notified him about the faulty O2 sensors and now hes thinking that they could have been the problem. Didn't want to give me false info so he told me to wait until i opened it up.

Wouldn't there have been any other engine component that would have been destroyed due to over revving? Fly wheel? Clutch?