andyredtop83
13-08-12, 08:42 PM
I was driving my redtop nova a few weeks back when i noticed loads of smoke coming from the exhaust. Turns out it was the head gasket so i got it to the garage and they replaced it and serviced it as the service was due. When i got the car back it was still smoking but that eventually cleared due to all the muck left in the exhaust but now the engine was tapping loudly even though it never tapped before even when cold. I told the garage this but they just said drop the oil after 500 miles and put in an engine flush. Anyway i was driving it Friday afternoon when it started losing power and really struggling the engine managment light flashed on a few times as well, i wasnt far from home and managed to get it back ok i had a quick check on the basics like dizzy, rotor arm, ht leads etc. but everything seemed ok. I took it out later when it was dark and quiet. I did about 20 miles and it seemed ok, a few times it held back when i accelerated but nothing major then at the traffic lights it started making such a loud noise so i got it into a bus stop and phoned the AA. It did still start but only on like the 3rd or 4th go. The AA said there be about 45 mins, 2 and a bit hours later they turned up and said it sounds like the top ends gone and it needs a rebuild :cry: . Could this be anything to do with the garage changing the head gasket? Id done less than 150 miles between having it replaced and this happening. I know they didnt skim the head when it was done. I just need some advice as i dont know loads on the mechanical side and i know there just going to say it isnt anything to do with them even though it probably is. Cheers guys :)