Misfire!!

[POB]

Just had by 60k service including timing belt change on a 2003 1.4 16v Cordoba. Upon collection and drive away I noticed that the 'idling' was erratic and bumpy. I took it back to the garage and they checked spark plugs, breather pipes, coil packs etc and replaced them all again. The car was no different. He now needs to check the timing belt for correct installation. I am now led to believe that this may be the case (if its missed a tooth or something??) I am no mechanic but wondered if anyone could confirm??
I will keep you updated with developments when it goes back to be checked next week. He also ran through VAGCOM and confirmed that all cylinders were misfiring??
Many thanks
POB

 

[st10587]

sound like timing was out. if they put a timing belt on it then i would not be paying them a penny as they have not timmed it correctly.

 

[st10587]

they could be other damage to the engine so make sure its fully inspected otherwise you colud have problems later

 

[Nath.]

The belt being even a tooth out could well cause the engine to run rough and lumpy but shouldn't have caused any damage in the few miles you drove it.

If the timing was way out you could have damaged valves or pistons.

How bad was it running, was it really bad like it was only firing on 3 cylinders or was it just flat and lifeless when you gave it some gas?

Do not pay them a penny more, your car was running fine when you took it to them so you should expect it to run the same if not better after the work.

You should get a loan car for the trouble at least, Maybe ask for some vouchers too.

 

[POB]

Thanks guys, the wifes car 'seems' to run ok when driving ,it only idles lumpy when stopped. However I drive a 140 alhambra so a 1.4 will always seem 'lifeless'. I hope that no valves etc will be damaged. Definitley seems as though the timing may be out....Watch this space...The car was definitely ok before it went in. He charged £200 for the labour as I had all the parts. (Timing belt, service kit, water pump,Pollen filter). He supplied the elbow grease, fluids, brake oil change)
Regards
Paul

 

[Nath.]

Fingers crossed then.

 

[cupra.al]

its not good when you pay all that money to have a job done correctly only to have that happen,good luck mate,make sure you kick off in a civilised manor.

 

[POB]

UPDATE.....
Just got the car back from the garage today and it's now running like a dream. He checked over the timing belt and found that there was a very small amount of give in one of the timing bolts?? ie bolt slightly too small for the hole. He replaced with proper sized bolt and all is well with no signs of bent valves etc etc...
A lot of old hassle but he apologised profusely and all is well. Free oil and filter change at next visit anyhow.
Car in for it's MOT tomorrow, another story another thread no doubt but fingers crossed!

Thanks for all your advice

Paul