This is already on STi7... Bang, but I apologise in advance to the moderators but I felt it was something which not only warranted STi7 owners should know!! Please read the thread if you'd like to catch up on the whole story...


"I'll apologize in advance for this post if it is quite long but I thought I'd give you an update.

Having still not had any written communiqué from Subaru themselves I have resorted to gaining information via many sources. Quite simply and without theatrics or Rhetoric. Subaru are absolutely convinced irrefutably that if you change the center CAT of the exhaust the engine will overheat and bang, bye bye engine. The melted no1 piston is down to that. Now for Subaru to not be bothered to even talk to me, they must have VERY convincing data and evidence to back it up. Now if you are like me there is one thing you never do, and that is throw good money after bad!! Its very easy to do, and indeed always seems a good idea at the time, but I have had a long good look at the situation and whilst doing so I have had one shred of silver lining!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No its not Subaru UK, but the people everyone likes to blame for most problems the dealer... Beechdale Nottingham.
I am to coin a phrase absolutely stunned at how excellent Beechdale have been to me. Although I am completely disillusioned with Subaru customer care, Beechdale have just been brilliant. They have been in constant communication with me, helping me in every way they can. Ultimately as a customer they have been so far absolutely unrivalled in their attempts to help. Even though they of course really don't have to offer me anything they have bent over backwards to enable me to go ahead with the work to get the car back on the road, and more than that, repaired to Subaru UK standards to enable me to run a stock Warranted Subaru vehicle. Beechdale I must stress do not have any obligation to me other than good will, but have indeed as I said before really helped me out so that I can move forwards with sorting out my car.
I can quite honestly say that they really have converted me to a customer for life, I'm just pleased that they have other franchises!

I think there is however a very valuable lesson for all on Scoobynet. Subaru have obviously been, as they feel burnt by many spurious claims in the past where extensively modified cars have pushed cars beyond manufacturing tolerances. This has led to them implementing a rigid checking of all vehicles, and consequently I assume extensive testing on non-OEM parts and their effects.
The fact that my car was not modded in my eyes and indeed most of the people on Scoobynet, means that the purchase of Non OEM parts however small we feel they are is just as bad as putting a new turbo on the car, or induction system.
The only way for any of you not to end up in my sad predicament is to do one of two things!
1. Be VERY lucky in the dealer you have, I am very grateful that I had Beechdale.

2. Only go to that dealer and buy genuine OEM parts. They may cost a little more, but they all carry product liability insurance, and they all don't effect your warranty. Lets face it its worth about £6k in my case!! How much is it in yours?
There are a lot of aftermarket companies on Scoobynet, and they all want your money even if you aren't under warranty, how many of you have asked if the part is covered by product liability?? Not many I bet, now ask the same of your dealer and you'll get a yes!
I know exactly where I'll spend my money next time, and it won't cost me £6k!!!!!!!"

 

Interesting.

How does this stance fit in with EEC legislation for the fitting of equivilent replacement parts. E.g the PPP is fully warranted and contains decatted sections. Surely the fitting of an equivilent in both quality and function falls within this legislation.

 

I dont Doubt any of this one bit, but what Subaru are saying is: a replacement centre section of your exhaust caused the cars engine to let piston number 1 go?



[Edited by RA Jaay - 1/24/2003 6:57:51 PM]

 

I hope some of the more technical people on here can comment on the decision above with the overheating.
I for one think it's complete b****x [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]
As mentioned above the PPP runs without a centre cat, and I'm sure the modified ECU can't do anything about heat especially when it fools itself into thinking the boost is lower than it really is, so I would of thought causing more heat!

Adair I presume then from your note you are not getting an independent engine report?

If this is IM's stand then sod them I'm in for an EVO VIII!

 

actually, its the right to repair and I dont believe it is EC legislation, but british law.

If you buy a product, and all replacement parts come from the manufacturer then they have a monopoly on those parts and can get away with charging silly money.

This law prevents that from being the case in that it allows other companies to make parts for repair. It does not mean that those companies are subject to the same terms and conditions as the original parts, because the manufacturer is not liable to certify the quality of the replacement parts. Because of this, the manufacturer would not be required to honour the warranty.

 

speaking as a mechanical engineering student who actually enjoys thermodynamics, i cannot understand why having a decatted center section can lead to overheating - if anything the hotter gasses should escape quicker.
in tests we done on a project vehicle at uni (shell milage marathon - 4 stroke tuned honda engine), a more freeflowing exhaust with less restriction aids in quciker expulsion of the hot gasses, aiding in the cooling of the engine.

 

Is Beechdale paying the full repair costs ?

I'm only asking as if they are, they are top chaps but will they be happy with the posting on here if they are to claim the cost from IM.

Maybe its a stupid statement but it appears you modified your car from factory standard which is against warrenty conditions so they are only upholding the contract you agreed to.

 

Glad you've got this sorted with a happy ending !

If anyone on scoobynet is selling products that are not covered by a product liability insurance, I think they're a little stupid as they leave themselves open for action, surely????? If something is sold as being fit for a purpose and plainly isn't, then there is a big problem. The real problem is for the poor sod left with a knackered car to know who to blame. Much as I dislike the blame/claim culture, if I fitted a part that is supposed to be fine for my car, and my car melts, I will go after the organisation that supplied the offending item...