Hello. We own a 2006 diesel 206 HDI. We've been experiencing issues for the past month, so I'm asking for your help and guidance. I also hope the updated information I've provided will help others experiencing similar issues. Prior to the pandemic, we only performed routine maintenance and minor repairs on this car. Since it didn't need to be driven regularly for the past three years, it hasn't seen much mileage, and this (according to mechanics) has started causing us significant problems. I'd say it's been driven an average of 3,000 km in three years. Two years ago, during a winter, despite showing no signs of wear, we noticed the coolant was bubbly, foamy, and dark brown, like sludge. We immediately took it to a reputable mechanic, who explained that the seal was damaged, but the subsystem and engine weren't affected, and we paid a fee of 10,000. We discussed the possibility that this might be due to using the wrong antifreeze, as there were no other symptoms. Exactly a month ago, while parked, we checked to see if the coolant level had decreased. This time, unlike before, we noticed that the coolant was the color of coffee with milk, the consistency of tahini. We took the car to the same mechanic we knew. This time, he said the gasket might be completely blown and that a hefty fee might be in store, which we accepted. The gasket was changed, the turbo was replaced, and the oil filters were due, but this time, they told us the car wasn't starting because the new parts weren't being accepted, and they were trying to find the problem. They took the car's ECU to several different repair shops, trying to diagnose the problem, but they couldn't get anywhere. Meanwhile, the car was totaled, wouldn't start, and nothing happened. The car we took to the mechanic, driving it all the way, wouldn't start either. And we've already paid 50,000, but it won't start. When we try to push it, white-grey smoke rises from the exhaust, turning the place into a haze of fog. Smoke is coming from the engine and turbo. Finally, our mechanic said, "I'm doing the arm, the leg doesn't fit," and said he wanted to work on the engine, and that the price would be even higher. We accepted the obligation to get the car back in working order as we brought it. Finally, the engine was taken down and sent to the overhaul shop. There, he would decide that most of the parts needed to be replaced. And our total debt is now 130k. The first procedures we took the car to work and got it repaired: - Complete cylinder head - Valve set - Valve rubbers - Upper gasket set - Oil cooler - EGR - Upper part overhauled - turbo, cylinder head studs, glow plugs, thermostat, next engine procedures: injector maintenance, pistons, crankshaft, oil pump, gasket set, oil dipstick, piston ring, main bearing, rod bearing, overhaul again. Today, after a month of nerve-wracking, we picked up our car from the mechanic in working order. At this point, there is no problem when the car is running on the street or on the highway, but! We have to press the gas pedal when turning the ignition for the first time; otherwise, it won't get any gas. When we press the gas pedal and start it, it still emits thick, white, and smelly smoke. If I didn't recognize the car, I'd think it was LPG. My questions: Do you think what I've described could indicate mechanic negligence/ignorance/accident or error? We're certainly aware of the connection between the gasket and the engine, but we've also learned that not every gasket issue warrants a new engine overhaul. Do you think the engine needed to be touched so much? Frankly, this cost was a huge surprise and a real blow. The one-month repair time, coupled with the fact that the problem was being sought elsewhere, like the brain, left us with doubts and a sense of wonder. We lost confidence...
claymore
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