Offroad-Express

I've posted tis topic in the beginners section aswel but it might be better suited here...

hi guys...could anyone direct to me an honest, reliable mechanic in wellington or help me out with an engine issue.

i've only been in nz a while and i haven't had any car trouble up till now so being a noob to 4x4s and Wellington i just wouldn't know where to go ..
my surf (2ltr manual petrol) is making a noise ...a bit vague i know
i'll do my best to describe it

please excuse my lack of mechanical knowledge....

it's only happening when the engine is cold and stops once it warms up making it really difficult to diagnose the problem because every time i get it to a shop the bastard thing sounds fine ..
it seems to be coming from the rear of the engine and is a high pitched kind of rubbing noise.while idling the frequency can increase causing the engine to struggle and eventually cut out ,while trying to get it to a shop today it happened and cut out.by the time got there it sounded fine
i don't think its a belt as its coming from the rear and all the belts seem fine ..one guy reckoned a rocker or lifter was sticky and told me to flush the engine and change the oil and filter... I've done this but it doesn't seem have made much of a difference....
basically i need to leave it in with a shop so they can start it cold and listen for themselves ...this is where i'm a bit dubious as from experience going to a some mechanics and telling them your car is making a noise is like handing them my credit card and saying go nuts mate!!
i don't mind paying good money for an honest service so if anyone can direct me in the way of and honest shop or even shed some light on whats up with my sick surf it would be most appreciated and i'll be happy to shout you a doz...
i'm in miramar if that helps
cheers fellas

Have a chat to BlackDeath (Graham) 021 214 7422

Mate you need to leave it with the Mechanics so they can try find the problem.Asking them to find the noise and quote any repairs before fixing should save them blowing your budget.But remember, be prepaired to pay for time they spend looking for the fault and purhaps give them a budget here so they draw the line at your feet.And lastly most "noises" mechanics have to try find are just as anoying to them as itis to you because they have much easier ways to make money and often cant charge for all time spent chasing noise.Make sure you give them every last detail when it happens. A/C on or off... Revs at...Morning only...etc etc This will save you money and the mechanics time.

Saxton autos in petone phil is the man has a loan car to

thanks for the tips guys...
the car has stopped making the noise alltogether now and is running fine again
I'm guessing it was just crying out for some fresh oil. i had it booked in with a shop for tomorrow but i may aswell cancel it now.

sorry i meant no offence to any mechanics out there .i'm sure the majority are honest tradesmen but there are a small few out there who like to take advantage.
I brought a ford lazer to a place Wellington over a year ago for a wof .It failed and the helpful mechanic started to quote the cost of repairs and when it could be done by before i even asked why it failed .He quoted me 240 bux to fix play in the handbrake and replace 2 wiper blades.when i kindly refused and said i'll sort it myself and come back he got real stroppy real fast ... i took the car home ,tightened the handbreak in about 5 minutes and replaced the wiper blades for 12 bux from super cheap.when i brought it back he didnt even look at it .he passed it without re-checking it and i drove away.so i'm probably just being a bit over cautious because of this experience

doubt any one took offence, just trying to help you out.