Dragon bit my engine!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,169
Likes: 52
From: 407 Miles E of the Dragon
That's awful. I'm glad at least that you found some nice people in Tenn to help you out.
Sure hope you're up and running soon. It won't be a dragon event without you out there burning turns.
Best of luck to you.
Sure hope you're up and running soon. It won't be a dragon event without you out there burning turns.
Best of luck to you.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte
Thanks so much for all the well wishes everyone; I just love this forum! 
As of today, Alcoa reports "noise in the rods" and there was metal in the oil they drained. Now the warranty company wants copies of all my oil change records. Fortunately, I have a very detailed list of every change since she was brand new.
Have to wait and see what their next steps are.....
As of today, Alcoa reports "noise in the rods" and there was metal in the oil they drained. Now the warranty company wants copies of all my oil change records. Fortunately, I have a very detailed list of every change since she was brand new.
Have to wait and see what their next steps are.....
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte
Originally Posted by parkerdt,Aug 18 2008, 09:42 PM
Wow, Sheila! I hope the car will be good as new soon! Will be interesting to see what they find.
If they don't have it fixed by DragonBall time, you're welcome to borrow one of mine.
Dave
If they don't have it fixed by DragonBall time, you're welcome to borrow one of mine.
Dave
(Doubt Parkie would let you give one up, though!) I wouldn't!
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,941
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte
Originally Posted by w1ngman,Aug 18 2008, 10:23 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Sheila... That motor of yours has given you a few fits for some time now. FWIW, I've basically been in your shoes before. Except I stayed with The Bruised Banana in Greensboro, NC (when my lower crank pulley sheer pin snapped & I bent a valve when the timing went outta whack). Dunno how well you'll make out working things out with Alcoa's Service/Parts center, but if you can play the violin a little bit...I was able to get my parts price-matched with www.hardtopguy.com. Although only one valve was determined to be bent, I took the opportunity to replace everything since they were in there. I had Jeff price me out on valves, retainers, springs, etc....and then asked the service center if I could order the parts, have them shipped from hardtopguy, and then their service center do the install. Although I had every intention to buy from Jeff, the parts department in Greensboro just opted to price match Jeff and then got down to the business of getting me back on the road. Again...that was my own experience...but it could pay off by as much as 30-40% off on your parts if Alcoa is willing to work with you.
Also...don't let them skimp about the head. Any bent valve may have done damage to the head requiring it to be machined and/or replaced. I had the folks in Greensboro send the head to a nearby shop for analysis prior to parts refit. Shop gave the head a
so I was good to go there. But FWIW...don't neglect this point with Alcoa.Super-duper sorry for your plight!
Although I'm not making it this year, get her back on the road before DBR08 for me! 
- Dave
PS. The new wheels look FAB!
Dave! I remember when that happened; I hope things work out as well for me. Great point about the parts price matching; will keep that in mind.