She has been revived
Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2025 2:31 pm
I scheduled her appointment with Mathew Bowland at MDB Vauxhall in Doncaster for an engine replacement. It is a four-hour journey each way; nevertheless, after conversing with Mathew, I was satisfied that the automobile would be operational once more.
Approximately one hour into my journey to Doncaster, the engine began producing various noises and exhibited a significant loss of power. As I exited to the service area to inspect the engine, the ominous three beeps resonated, and "Low oil pressure" illuminated, resulting in the engine stalling. It is very alarming how swiftly it occurred. I had a loss of power steering; however, I successfully manoeuvred the vehicle into the grass verge and off the roundabout.
I incurred a significant expense by neglecting to arrange for recovery, resulting in my car being transported to Doncaster on a truck three hours later at a cost of £650. It was more economical to pay for the tow to Doncaster than to have it towed home. The car would have been scrapped at home, so Doncaster it was. Mathew had a replacement engine ready for me, making the decision obvious. Fortunately, the recovery driver was an amiable individual, and we shared some laughter, which rendered the three-hour travel more tolerable. The vehicle was unloaded and positioned adjacent to Mathews' garage, while I was dropped off farther along the road at my pre-reserved hotel. In the morning, I returned the keys and subsequently went back to the hotel.
In a matter of hours, the new engine was installed, and the car was operational. The engine was recent and the price encompassed a new timing belt, water pump, oil seal, an oil change, and a 12-month guarantee. All the individuals at MDB possess extensive knowledge, and any information they lack is inconsequential. He provided a tour of his other vehicles, and we engaged in an enjoyable conversation.
He demonstrated the condition of my old engine and the extent of the damage incurred. The sump included fragments of crankshaft bearings (Lizard T accurately diagnosed the issue), and the failure was really due to the damaged crankshaft, which was caused by a defective flywheel. Upon detailing the sounds and vibrations emitted by the ancient engine since the acquisition of the vehicle, it became evident that the flywheel had deteriorated years prior; however, I was oblivious to this due to the absence of the typical flywheel rattling that ceases when the clutch is engaged.
Upon returning home, I can only express astonishment; in the approximately five years of car ownership, I have never experienced such power and torque. The difference created by the new engine is astonishing. The four-hour drive home felt like merely one hour due to the enjoyment I experienced. For the first time, I can see the remap, and additionally, I achieved 59 MPG, which is remarkable. The old engine likely achieved approximately 45 MPG.
I have just replaced numerous components, including the clutch, flywheel, and gearbox (the previous gearbox was functional, as I have now recognised), and I have also installed a new engine, which should enhance performance significantly. The engine was the most substantial upgrade, having deteriorated gradually over several years.
Despite the additional expense of recovery in addition to the engine's cost, it remained more economical to travel to MDB than to have the same service performed at my location.
I have rekindled my affection for the car and am grateful for retaining it, thanks to Mathew and the crew at MDB Vaux Nation.
Approximately one hour into my journey to Doncaster, the engine began producing various noises and exhibited a significant loss of power. As I exited to the service area to inspect the engine, the ominous three beeps resonated, and "Low oil pressure" illuminated, resulting in the engine stalling. It is very alarming how swiftly it occurred. I had a loss of power steering; however, I successfully manoeuvred the vehicle into the grass verge and off the roundabout.
I incurred a significant expense by neglecting to arrange for recovery, resulting in my car being transported to Doncaster on a truck three hours later at a cost of £650. It was more economical to pay for the tow to Doncaster than to have it towed home. The car would have been scrapped at home, so Doncaster it was. Mathew had a replacement engine ready for me, making the decision obvious. Fortunately, the recovery driver was an amiable individual, and we shared some laughter, which rendered the three-hour travel more tolerable. The vehicle was unloaded and positioned adjacent to Mathews' garage, while I was dropped off farther along the road at my pre-reserved hotel. In the morning, I returned the keys and subsequently went back to the hotel.
In a matter of hours, the new engine was installed, and the car was operational. The engine was recent and the price encompassed a new timing belt, water pump, oil seal, an oil change, and a 12-month guarantee. All the individuals at MDB possess extensive knowledge, and any information they lack is inconsequential. He provided a tour of his other vehicles, and we engaged in an enjoyable conversation.
He demonstrated the condition of my old engine and the extent of the damage incurred. The sump included fragments of crankshaft bearings (Lizard T accurately diagnosed the issue), and the failure was really due to the damaged crankshaft, which was caused by a defective flywheel. Upon detailing the sounds and vibrations emitted by the ancient engine since the acquisition of the vehicle, it became evident that the flywheel had deteriorated years prior; however, I was oblivious to this due to the absence of the typical flywheel rattling that ceases when the clutch is engaged.
Upon returning home, I can only express astonishment; in the approximately five years of car ownership, I have never experienced such power and torque. The difference created by the new engine is astonishing. The four-hour drive home felt like merely one hour due to the enjoyment I experienced. For the first time, I can see the remap, and additionally, I achieved 59 MPG, which is remarkable. The old engine likely achieved approximately 45 MPG.
I have just replaced numerous components, including the clutch, flywheel, and gearbox (the previous gearbox was functional, as I have now recognised), and I have also installed a new engine, which should enhance performance significantly. The engine was the most substantial upgrade, having deteriorated gradually over several years.
Despite the additional expense of recovery in addition to the engine's cost, it remained more economical to travel to MDB than to have the same service performed at my location.
I have rekindled my affection for the car and am grateful for retaining it, thanks to Mathew and the crew at MDB Vaux Nation.
