Critchley's Car Clinic - Adam - Thanks again

[Woody]

Some of you may be aware that my car has been in @Critch 's hands for a few weeks now. However, I collected her and brought her back with me 2 weeks ago and have been road testing since then, as well as getting a lube system fitted (ooerr missus ).

So, for those of you who are able to make use of this mechanic's skills, I suggest you try him

Here goes -

A MASSIVE Thanks To @Critch

I'm not sure where to start this post really, but I will attempt it anyway

After ongoing misfire (codes) and diagnosis on my 3.2 (running on LPG) critch arranged a head refurb a while back now.

It was all carried out via an engine refurb specialist, but after a re-appearance of some issues a few months later, it was time for a re-appraisal late last year.

It seems that the replacement new non OEM exhaust valves which were used on the heads refurb (due to the Vx cost of over £100 each x 12 for the genuine items) were failing.

Anyway, I decided to source a replacement engine (just for the heads) that had only had OEM parts, and the heads were swapped/changed by critch.

However, since then, we have suffered from misfire and fuel trim errors, and believe me, unless you have ever dealt with a leaking inlet manifold on a 3.2 engine, (especially one with an LPG conversion) you won't appreciate the difficulties involved.

Time after time, critch dismantled this fitting for exploratory work .. this involved smoke tests and a boroscope camera ... Lots of time, energy, removing, resealing and refitting and swearing.

BUT there was still a leak (obvious if you sprayed carb cleaner into the joint between the intake manifold and the heads).

Finally, having identified a split bolt threaded section on the gasket plate, we thought we had it solved. A few helicoiled repairs, and we had fingers crossed.... BUT NO, it was
not to be

Next critch re-used a smoke tester but with fluorescent smoke this time, and again, using a boroscope, thought he saw pooling smoke in the injector seal assembly.

Double checked, and there were other mis threaded bolt connections on this too, so these were again helicoiled and re-sealed and re-fitted.

During the time critch was working on my engine, he also checked, re-made and re-sealed the original retrofitted LPG conversion loom soldered joints.

WOW

A FIX AT LAST

During All of this time, critch had let me have free use of his Corsa for which I cannot thank him enough

I have just done a 350 mile return trip to Bristol and the engine (with a newly fitted gas lube kit and new lpg injectors) is behaving PERFECTLY and pulls like a TRAIN.... again ...

Woohoo

Many thanks Adam, I know that some less dedicated mechanics would have advised me to go to a main dealer, or anywhere really, just to be able to "pass" on the job, but your devotion to problem solving is "first past the post" mate

As said before, try Critch if you can ... you WILL be pleased that you did

Finally, during the time Adam was working on my car, I know that amongst other things, he was dealing with CIM / Key problems on another Vectra (also solved), however, during that work, he found a new source for NEW OEM Vx Flip Keys and can now supply these and program them to your car complete with a blade cut to code, for only £110 ...

LEGEND !!

[Dog_Book]

Nice one, he's a proper engineer

[Critch]

Appreciate the write up mate.


have to give Woody praise for patience on this one.

various small things added up and disguised by larger issues.

but we've worked through and sorted everything that was found.
and car seems to go like rocket as far as Gsi go.

even got my own car back with a full tank of fuel and freshly valet


thanks mate.