V8 Engine specialist near Dunstable

[Deleted]

Can anyone recommend a garage somewhere near Dunstable who are familiar with our Buick V8 engines? My newly restored car, suffered a catastrophic engine failure (the new engine used over-sized piston rings), went back to the restorer has a second engine. The second one is leaking oil like a sieve. Rather than make the long journey to my restorer, and work out how to get back, and thence there again to pick up the car, I thought I'd bite the bullet and pay to get the car fixed locally.
Can anyone recommend a place in South Beds, West Herts, North West London. There is a guy near Heathrow, that I am aware of - but it's not the easiest place for me to get to and from!

[dorsetflyer]

The nearest one to you is probably the one close to Heathrow.
He is R.J. Giel and does mobile repair and servicing. Surely there is nothing to lose by giving him a call on 01895 - 234309, and see what he suggests.

[keith]

Richard Giel is currently working on my car to get it ready for its MOT. I've always found him very helpful. I think his call out charge is £75.

Keith

[Smallfry]

What happened to your engine ? Did your "restorer" rebuild it ?

[Deleted]

I managed to get hold of a re-built engine which had been sitting around for several years. The restorer (blame-less) installed the engine, and it blew up on the A5 on the coldest day of the year. The second, also re-built engine works OK, apart from the seals not being fitted properly and oil squirting everywhere. Richard Geil is indeed expert at our engines, but it is tricky for me to get to Heathrow.
Reckon you are all right though, I'll give him a call.

Thanks!

[p5tgc]

How about RPi near Norwich?

I have always found them both helpful and knowledgeable on the Rover V8, and their parts service is second to none.

[jlalexander]

The rear crankshaft rope type oil seal(if your leak comes from there) is not a bad design. Mercedes till very recently used the same on all its sixes.You can have your rear engine modified to take the lip type (it can be done by any engine shop) and the job itself is not a complicate job.Most engineers, not familiar with the V8, do not know that if you fit the rope as it must be done, no starter motor will be able to turn the engine. When you fit the rope you must not turn the crankshaft while you tighten the mains caps.Doing so will make the two halves of the rope turn and you end up with a worth leak than before doing the job. When I renew that rope, to turn the crankshaft, it is not uncommon to use a 5 feet long pry bar for the initial motion.

[Phil Nottingham]

Aside from worn seals have you checked the engine breathers have not become blocked or a headgasket has failed?

[Deleted]

Head gasket looks fine - but I will check the breathers! Thanks for the tip.

[Deleted]

I did speak to Richard Geil, but his order book is full for the next few months. He suggested I try sticking some Wynns Engine seal in with the oil. I found some in Halfords, stuck it in -and the leak seems to have stopped!
Remarkable.