Servicing woes, UK

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted, and that's pretty much linked to the fact my SVX has been off the road for the last 11 weeks, and I still haven't got it back (due any day now).

I just thought I'd share with you my experience with a really bad Subaru main dealer in Oxfordshire.

It all started when I noticed oil leaking from the lefthand side of the engine down on to the sump-guard and then onto the exhuast branch pipe. I booked it in to the local main dealer (as it was leaking quite badly and I didn't want to risk driving too far) - expecting it to be a cambox seal or similar.

Turns out that the head-gasket had gone, pressurised the crankcase and blown the cambox, oil pump seals and interface between the transmission and the engine. Not nice, and not cheap.

After deciding to get the work done, I prepared myself for a two week separation from my baby, and a big bill. 3 weeks later (without even a courtesty call), I am informed that they are having trouble obtaining parts, specifically head-bolts and gaskets. This seemed unlikely, but I let it go.

As I was heading state-side for a buisiness trip, I phoned the dealership and offered to buy the parts myself and bring them back into the UK to speed things up, this is when I found out that a 'ham fisted' mechanic, had sheared a bolt on one of my cam-shafts. But I "wouldn't be charged for it"... Bloody cheek!

I'm hoping to be re-united with my car soon... I just thought I'd share this with you, in case anyone was considering letting them loose on their car!

[svxistentialist]

.....

However, I won't be looking for a service in Oxfordshire anytime soon.

I think you can be lucky or unlucky with main dealers. If they have even one senior mechanic, who has a diagnostic set of mind, and the experience behind it, then you may find the dealership as good as any specialist.

The only way to find out short of trying them out is to ask a friend say who might have an Impreza or a Legacy. If you can find out if a friend or acquaintance has had major work done on time and to satisfaction, then you are half way there. Otherwise it is just trial and error.

Your trial.

And their error.



Joe

[oab_au]

Originally posted by crow_road75
Hi Everyone,
snip
It all started when I noticed oil leaking from the lefthand side of the engine down on to the sump-guard and then onto the exhuast branch pipe. I booked it in to the local main dealer (as it was leaking quite badly and I didn't want to risk driving too far) - expecting it to be a cambox seal or similar.

Turns out that the head-gasket had gone, pressurised the crankcase and blown the cambox, oil pump seals and interface between the transmission and the engine. Not nice, and not cheap.
snip

This looks wrong to me. A blown head gasket won't pressure the crankcase, there are two breather pipes to prevent a pressure in the crankcase.

This problem of oil leaking out ALL the seals is more of a problem with the crankcase breathers being blocked.

I would like to see the head gasket to verify that it was indeed blown.

Harvey.

[wawazat??]

I did not see a noticable faliure point on my headgasket when I replaced them. Heads and block checked out OK.

[Nobody]

As for my service I use local dealer and I am very satisfied. As here in Czech Rep. is average age of cars aprox 15 yrs., they have a lot experiences with servicing all these old Legacys, Leons Turbos and with common problems with old cars like oil leaking etc...
They have also half price for work on older cars (5yrs and above). But they are not expert in SVX, I thing I know much more about this car than they :-) So far I have not any problem with quality of their work. The biggest problem is obtaining parts. As they use central Subaru warehouse in Germany it alway takes a lot of time. I am waiting for new emblem on the hood for 6 months...
Recently I spoke with one guy from Surau Czech and he told me that in Germany they have some sale on old Subaru parts so I have ordered some parts for interior and also these plastic linings for mudguards for half price.
Peter