Brisbane Body Shop

[PeterHBne]

Sigh.

In case you don't always check the repairers/suppliers section, I need a few suggestions for a good Brissy body shop. All help appreciated!

Leave suggestions on that thread - thanks!

[DaveMack]

What happened, Pete?

Dave

[Jmac]

Check repair shop section, replied there mate

[Spec83]

As did I

[PeterHBne]

Thanks boys.

Dave - too embarrassed to tell in public - stupid, stupid. The damage doesn't look too bad - mostly front bar. However I did drive the car away and unbeknownst to me the radiator & possibly oil cooler (do we have one?) were holed by a support bracket and not too long after the motor was making a very rattly noise (though still running) and temp gauge was off the scale and oil warning light pinged on

So I'm thinking very possible motor damage

[Blitzen]

Man, that is untidy, but very similar to what happened to me the other week. If you have holed your radiator, it is more than likely you have holed your A/C Condenser as I did at the same time(this sits directly in front of the radiator, and is about the same size).
Its unfortunate, but these things happen.

[PeterHBne]

Yeah - that will be it - thought it was an oil cooler. There is oil mixed in as well so not quite sure whats been ruptured to cause that. Pulled the dipstick out to check put cant get the damn thing back in as some of the front has been pushed over the dipstick hole.

The rattly sounds worries me.

Jimmy - how far/long could you drive a Polo with maybe no oil or little oil or water before causing real damage? Mine was going at low speed for now more than 1 - 2 kms before lights came on. Engine rattles on start up (started it once after driving it) but hasn't seized.

I know it's probably hard to say but is there any margin for no damage or is damage virtually assured?

[Blitzen]

Yeah - that will be it - thought it was an oil cooler. There is oil mixed in as well so not quite sure whats been ruptured to cause that.

There is oil mixed in with the A/C refrigerant to lubricate the system, and this may be what you have seen.
Is the rattle comming from the engine itself, or the engine bay? It may be you have a broken or damaged engine mount.

[PeterHBne]

There is oil mixed in with the A/C refrigerant to lubricate the system, and this may be what you have seen.
Is the rattle comming from the engine itself, or the engine bay? It may be you have a broken or damaged engine mount.

OK that would make sense - I didn't think there was that much oil.

It sounds like unlubricated tappets (to my untrained ear) - definately the motor.

[Jmac]

Would have to hear it mate but doesnt sound too good.
If you want me to take a nip over chime mate. I do field service at the moment and may be around town thursday depending if i get a breakdown or not.
Feel free mate
Jmac

[PeterHBne]

Thanks Jimmy - I'll might take you up on that if you are around - I'm on hols - car is parked at Seven Hills (adjoins Norman Park) and is very close to Old Cleveland Road near Camp Hill. I'll give you a call thu and see how you are placed.

Thanks mate!