Well I must have the kakkest luck in the world with cars and so the story continues; 15 months later and my car is still not back to working order!
After entrusting the turbo replacement and resultant damage repair to a particular specialist, I went out of the country on a working contract for a few months (ample time for the specialist to sort out my car). The turbo was replaced at a cost of R20k which I paid for in cash. Whilst away I stayed in contact and was fed updates on how he is working through a process of elimination to find out why the number 1 pot isn't running. Upon my return the specialist started his houdini act and vanished into thin air, workshop packed up and vacated and my car nowhere to be found. (At this stage most normal people would go straight to the cops) but no, because I knew the guy and had met his family and was sympathetic to his circumstances, I would never be able to live with myself, so I elected to play telephone tag for the next few weeks and eventually got hold of houdini, I demanded the return of my car and threatened to go legal. So, after a few failed promises too many I got my car back and yes you guessed it.... number 1 pot still not running! In fact it was evident that NOTHING had been done on the car in all these months, the engine bay was still covered in oil from when the turbo let go and not a smudge or fingerprint anywhere. At this stage car gets sent elsewhere, cylinder head removed, lightly skimmed, valves done etc, number 1 pot still not coming to life. Motor pulled, top end opened and cleaned out (massive carbon residue all over), new rings and reassemble, put motor back turn the key and massive noise in the motor, strip crankcase etc timing chain snapped, valves bent aaaand back to the work bench we go..... at least the car is now in the hands of a gentleman who actually keeps me posted each step of the way and who is really helping me! To the specialist... you know who you are and to Zack, thanks for all your help buddy I really appreciate all your efforts!
