Update : E Mail Reply from Honda.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CowlFlap parimal_g,
If they refuse to replace the engine, no matter what, then make sure that every single component is replaced. From the crankcase, main shaft, cylinders, con rods and pistons, to every single gear and accessory component like oil pumps etc. The transmission would also have likely come under significant stress due to sudden and complete stoppage. Bear in mind that engines that have been rebuilt have a significant chance of failure within the first 2 years of subsequent operation. My experience is limited and in the domain of aircraft reciprocating engines, where the loads and circumstances under which they operate are very different. But rebuilt engines are a last resort, and there are special rules that mandate close monitoring of such engines throughout their operational lives; more so in the first few months/years.
With regards to bearing the cost of replacement/rebuilding, as almost every other member has pointed out here, it shouldn't be you.
As I mentioned earlier, there is a almost a zero likelihood that a stone caused this. The crack appears to be located towards the upper side, and if it was really caused by a stone, there would have been some cosmetic (visible) damage in that area. An impact with anything that caused that kind of crack, would leave some exterior visible damage. From the photos you've provided, it doesn't appear to be the case. This is on account of a crack that was likely initiated from the inside-out. Having occurred at such close proximity to the oil filter is no coincidence. That filter was likely not fitted correctly. Overtorquing, sideways application of load, a cross thread that was forced to fit, all these can cause significant stress on the threads. Castings are not made to deal with such stresses.
To avoid bearing the cost of their mistake, I would highly recommend that you take the assistance of a qualified automotive engineer, or anyone who can vouch in the court of law that this was manufacturing induced or, more likely, service induced. |
Yes, they have not opened the gear box, so we really don't know if the damage has reached till gearbox or not. Looking at their replies, i doubt they are ever going to accept its their mistake.
Following is the latest reply from Honda for the queries raised by my friend.
"
1 In your mail below, you have agreed that its an external impact. Legally -
any external impact is accidental in nature. Why was this not referred to the Insurance ? :
HONDA: As shared with you by our dealership, the cause of damage to the engine related parts is its running with low level of engine oil. The oil filter of your car had been damaged by an external
impact which led to oil leakage. Further driving of car with low oil level indicator caused consequential damages to the engine. As per the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, any consequential damages are not covered under insurance cover. The same was explained to you by the dealership and your consent was taken to dismantle the engine further to assess the extent of damage.
2. If this is an external impact, then please provide the object
> or thing that would have caused this impact. :
HONDA: The external impact happened while you were driving the car and the car was later towed to the
dealership Hence, it is not possible to provide the object or thing that would have caused this impact.
3. A hit like that cannot cause an oil leak. Even the gap between filer and engine seems to be intact. So, what could really have caused an oil leak.
HONDA:The oil leak has been caused by some external impact on the oil filter. The photos of the same had already been shared with you and the parts have also been physically shown to you at the
dealership.
4. There is a hole on the casting . Are you saying it happened at the time of dismantling
? If yes then do you have any video proof of dismantling of engine. :
HONDA:The damage on the casing referred by you has happened consequential to the internal damage caused to the engine parts and have not happened at the time of dismantling.
5. Even if there is no oil, technically the engine will just seize or over heat, breaking of connecting rods and other parts in abnormal. How could this happen?
The connecting rods of the engine have not broken as mentioned by you but had seized and bent due to running the car in low engine oil level condition and consequently damaged other Parts.
We hope the above clarifies on your concerns.
We regret for the unfortunate incident, but since the cause of the incident is external to the product/workmanship at our dealership, the repairs/replacement cannot be undertaken under warranty and neither under the insurance claim for the reasons mentioned above as was explained to you. We seek your kind understanding on the matter and request your approval to undertake the repairs on chargeable.
Basis.
"
Looking at the above reply from
Honda, i don't even think they have any kind of respect towards the customer. He has not even received a singe call from Honda after he escalated the matter to Honda.