Technical Engine problem

[Alan Gepp]

Help please, 2014 Panda 4x4 1.3 multi jet diesel engine problems. Has always had main dealer service so correct oils/parts used. Noticed that it had become sluggish and tiring to drive, also gears were stiff. Car still looks nearly new inside and out. Last June suddenly failed to start, got picked up and taken to garage 45mins away. Diagnosed worn timing chain, this was replaced and gear change was sorted. Whole job took ages. Collected car and it was in limp mode. Took it back and another 3 months went by. Went to investigate and found garage closed down. Subsequently spent money on correcting bad workmanship but there remained misfire and smoke. Have just found out that the injectors were wrong ones for the car and also not a matching set. Car has failed compression test. My question is this: is 150k miles considered end of life for these engines? Anyone know of a reliable source for reconditioned engine? I'm based in Norwich. Be grateful for your thoughts/advice.

 

[jrkitching]

is 150k miles considered end of life for these engines

From what's been posted on this forum, I'd say that it's done well to get that far, especially if it's on its original camchain.

If you've owned it from new, I'd say you've had your money's worth from it. The problem is that you can't even remotely get the same kind of deal on a brand new replacement car in today's market.

Given the relative scarcity/desirability of the 4x4, if the rest of the car is immaculate, it might be worth seeking out a properly rebuilt engine. I wouldn't waste my time looking for a used one; I can forsee no end of ways that could go wrong, and I doubt you'd end up with a car you could have any confidence in.

In your position, I'd research what you'd be likely to get for the car 'as is'; I'd research the cost of a properly rebuilt 'as new' engine, and then I'd probably have a hard decision to make...

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

I think you have managed to clearly show why the garage ceased trading! It does seem very much as if they 'buggered up' the job of replacing the chain (for which, read 'appear to not have known what they were doing') and may well have damaged the engine as a result. There is no excuse for not using a matching set of injectors and getting the right ones against the VIN number (I wonder if they used old ones from somewhere?)

150,000 miles doesn't sound very far for a modern diesel engine... I've always thought an engine with a chain driven camshaft was long-lived (unless it was in a 3-litre Triumph Stag...) From JRK's comment, should I be worried about the 115,000 miles on my Land Rover (which uses the same chain-camshalft-driven engine as a Transit, and which are usually regarded as pretty bomb-proof). My MultiJet Panda 4x4 is on 56,000 miles (and annually serviced by the well-regarded Fiat Workshop in Royston) so I hope its still in good order. My understanding is that its not the chain but the plastic guides it runs in that tends to fail, by the way...

(I'm also amazed that you waited 3 months before going back to see what was going on, but that's probably a different matter)

 

[jrkitching]

From JRK's comment, should I be worried about the 115,000 miles on my Land Rover

No.

The 1.3 mJet camchain is particularly flimsy; I've seen more substantial bicycle chains.