I refitted the repaired EMU and repaired fuel relay-(it was suss!) and she fired up. A few seconds later ther was a big POP-I looked behind me, to see what it was, then got out and walked around-looked forwards at the bonnet and saw the smoke.... My poor old 88 is no more-she caught fire this afternoon because a mechanic forgot to tighten the fuel return hose clamp or fuel supply union at the gallery I should have checked for no leaks first, but I didn't.

Now you know why I hate our Oz tradesmen-they cannot do a proper job! I've just lost the car, new tyres, new radiator and w'pump, over two weeks work, the repaired EMU, a repaired fuel relay, a used fuel pump and the blood, sweat and heartaches of debugging the car for the last 12 months. I'm getting too old and sore to crawl around under cars, and I bought it hoping NOT to HAVE to replace it for several/many years.

Now, after all that, it's worth nearly nothing, and it's uneconomic to repair. I am unable to replace it, and I'd prob have to litigate to get redress, tho' I have shown it to the mechanic & his manager. No financial commitment offered other than a "We look around and see what we can do", & "we have a $4000 440 sedan we can get.............." or did he say C40??? Neither will do.

Fortunately, no other vehicles went up with it.

:cat: Hi there.

Bummer! :( That's seriously bad news.

There but for the grace of God goes all the rest of us. :amen:

Sorry to hear that. It could happen of any of us too! However, we all can hope that something good will turn up. I can't believe the Almighty would leave you in the lurch.

Hang in there. Fortunately, if you've clocked up a few years-this can't be any worse than all the crap you've had to take during your life.

Regards

Sorry to hear that manxman. Primarily the reason why I like owning my old 240...it is simple enough to be able to work on myself, and I don't have to risk getting screwed by repairers.

I would definitely seek legal advice. Quite often a strongly worded letter from a lawyer, threatening litigation, is enough to force people like this to respond with an offer of some sort. Point out to them the cost of fighting a claim in court, which is going to be far greater than making good their own ineptitude.

Good luck.

Very bad news. Let us know how things turn out ...

Very sorry to hear. You certianly did not deserve this!!! I wish you the best.

I'm sorry to hear that too. At least you didn't end up in a burns unit. Petrol fires are extremely scary events. If the people responsible for the botched repair have any sense, they'll give you enough cash to buy another 240. I don't know about Australian law, but shouldn't they have insurance to cover the likes of this? I'd contact your insurance company and get them to "act the heavy".

+1 on all. i would sue for the replacement of the vehicle. good thing you weren't driving when it let go. at least we still have you around. if you need, i am sure we could get a whole bunch of us to go down there are "lean" on the mech for you. :grin:

Sad day indeed. My sincere sympathies. I'm willing to send a strongly worded letter from New Zealand but it probably wouldn't help.

It was a bad day, and I accept that I should have checked for leaks by default, but thanks all for the encouragement. I think I'll negotiate a fair settlement. I could use a lawyer, but they'll just take all the money. A small claims tribunal will do, if we have one.

Manxman,
If your going to litigate, sue his insurance company, not him.

manxman,
your profile says OZ for your location. would that be Kansas? I am familiar with the mid-west wichita market for the volvo community, not to bust out the shop, but i sure dont want my volvo serviced ther! i need my lower seal done and i wanted a contract to cover any losses, im looking now for one. No disrespect, who was it?

Oz==Orstrayuh! WA== West 1/2 the continent ( > 12 x Texas!) ==richest mining boom ever==crazy house prices.