Hi guys.
First post and straight in with a question.
Jumped in the car after a trip the the petrol station last night, went to start it and all I got was a loud POP (like it backfired) sounding like it was comming from under the car and then nothing. When I turn the key all I get is a mechanical whirring noise comming from the block. It's been losing a bit of oil (about a litre a week) which I was just about to get looked at but I've been keeping on top of the oil level so that it didn't get dangerously low. My 1st thought is that it's got no compression so either timing chain or maybe a ring has gone (but it didn't smoke whilst I drove it). Ive plugged a diagnostic program into it and come up with the following:
P0404: EGR control circuit. Range/Performance.
P0420: Catalyst system efficiency below threshold.
P0420*: Pending
P1404: Manufacturer specifc code.
I'm stuck as this is a bit beyond my abilities. I'm aware that it's going to be an expensive fix but I've just bought the car and don't want to have to scrap it straight away. Others have suggested just putting a new engine in but the cheapest I've found is £1200 supplied and fitted (twice what Ive paid for the car).
Are there any mechanics that fancy a cash job coming up to christmas (proper ones, not "Yeah I think I can do that"). My loacal garge reckons £1200 all in to strip it down and rebuild it which, yet again, I'm not willing to spend on a car that cost me £600 to buy.
Thanks in advance.
By the way I'm located in Strood, Kent if any mechanics fancy the job.