Long time reader, first time poster. I’ve done a little searching and reading on the site, but hadn’t seen anything yet that addresses some questions I have. I have a 2004 R with MT and 103K mi on the clock. I blew a head gasket due to a “misfire in cylinder #2” per the code readout. Upon taking it to the dealer where the all the past services had been performed, a new head gasket and coil packs/spark plugs were replaced. Needless to say, several dollars were spent. Within 2 days of picking up the car, the low coolant light came on and I brought back to the shop. I was informed that the cylinder #2 had a crack in it and the motor and/or block would need to be replaced.
I found this hard to swallow that I just spent a few thousand dollars repairing a “bad” motor. The dealership’s position is that the block was “weakened” from the misfire (predetonation I assume) but not “detectable”. Once the new head gasket was installed and under pressure, this caused the block to crack – not that it was an existing condition when I brought it in originally. Since there is no way of knowing now if the crack was or was not there originally, it’s my word against theirs.
My ACTUAL question is whether or not there is a step or diagnostic that should have been performed, that perhaps wasn’t, that would have perhaps eluded to the cracked block? I figure it's either incredibly bad luck or I'm getting the run around.
Sadly, my mechanical knowledge of cars is not at the same level as my passion for them. Some info that may or may not provide further light:
1. Only mods are an IPD CAI and grille. Oh, and an ipod adapter.
2. Car was meticulously maintained by myself and the previous owner (all records, etc)
3. At no time did the car overheat. It only went over half-way on the temp gauge for several minutes while at a red light.
4. The car did not have a 100K mi extended warranty.
5. When coolant filled, it would take approximately 1.5 days for the low light to appear (roughly the same duration after I picked it up from replacing the head gasket).
I will continue searching the forums, but any insight or pointing me in the right direction will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
I found this hard to swallow that I just spent a few thousand dollars repairing a “bad” motor. The dealership’s position is that the block was “weakened” from the misfire (predetonation I assume) but not “detectable”. Once the new head gasket was installed and under pressure, this caused the block to crack – not that it was an existing condition when I brought it in originally. Since there is no way of knowing now if the crack was or was not there originally, it’s my word against theirs.
My ACTUAL question is whether or not there is a step or diagnostic that should have been performed, that perhaps wasn’t, that would have perhaps eluded to the cracked block? I figure it's either incredibly bad luck or I'm getting the run around.
Sadly, my mechanical knowledge of cars is not at the same level as my passion for them. Some info that may or may not provide further light:
1. Only mods are an IPD CAI and grille. Oh, and an ipod adapter.
2. Car was meticulously maintained by myself and the previous owner (all records, etc)
3. At no time did the car overheat. It only went over half-way on the temp gauge for several minutes while at a red light.
4. The car did not have a 100K mi extended warranty.
5. When coolant filled, it would take approximately 1.5 days for the low light to appear (roughly the same duration after I picked it up from replacing the head gasket).
I will continue searching the forums, but any insight or pointing me in the right direction will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
