took 88 Celica to mechanic after car died and wouldn't restart. Was told engine had seized. $2500 later, new engine. 3 days later, overheated, blew hole in radiator, now wants another $1000 to pull and replace engine again. First time - no warning, 2nd time started to overheat (gauge didn't make it to H), pulled over and called for a tow. Both times on Highway going about 65. HELP!
1st off, fire your mechanic.Not only would I not give him another dime, I would expect a refund, replacement or something the like.
And 2nd, need more info to analyze the problem. New engine? Rebuilt? Just a donor from the salvage yard?
It was a rebuilt engine that was put in the first time. I also had them change the timing belt & clutch. The rebuilt is under warranty, but he wants to charge me another $1000 for the labor to change it out again. When I had it towed in the first time, I told him to check it over completely. There was never any mention of a problem with the radiator or thermostat, but now he is claiming that both need to be replaced. Single mom with 3 kids in college. Any advice would be appreciated!
well usually a warranty doesnt cover the labor charges.
about the radiator and thermostat, well the thermo will be replaced with the new engine under warranty, or at least it should. the radiator might have been fine up till then.
im at heads with myself on this one due to it being under warranty i do understand the reasoning of the labor charges. you might wanna look around to see if someone else might replace it for cheaper but i really doubt it due to it has to be a pro to fit with the warranty.
Honestly, this situation is ridiculous. Was this at a larger reputable shop or a smaller side operation? If this is a larger shop you can usually contact district or regional management and often these issue get resolved well through them. If its a smaller shop you may be able to contact the BBB, it may not be much but its surely something.
If gauge didn't make it to H, engine most likely is fine. I've driven overheating engine all the way home. Of course I stop and let it cool down for a while and keep on driving.
He's trying to get another $1000 for nothing. Yea, nothing because he won't even pull the engine out. I don't know if you can trust him to just get a new radiator. If you can still start the engine, good chance you don't need another one.
i agree fire your mechanic and get your money back. most shops have a 30 day warranty on labor also if they dont they are a shady shop that wants to string you along. if your radiator was about to go he should have noticed it right away. he either doesnt deserve the title mechanic or hes a crook.
oh and if they inspected it and gave you any kind of written claim that it was ok and you have engine problem because of this they may be at fault i would take it to a toyota certified mechanic and get a statement from them before going to court they may also know the specifics on the laws protecting you and will more than likely be happy to tell you so that they in the future will have you as a client
If gauge didn't make it to H, engine most likely is fine. I've driven overheating engine all the way home. Of course I stop and let it cool down for a while and keep on driving.
He's trying to get another $1000 for nothing. Yea, nothing because he won't even pull the engine out. I don't know if you can trust him to just get a new radiator. If you can still start the engine, good chance you don't need another one.
I agree with your take on this situation.
A year ago, I was driving and a freeze plug blew out of the block and dumped all my coolant.
I didn't notice until my temp gauge swept rapidly all the way to H. I pulled over at
once but the needle hit red. I crapped myself when I found no coolant. I was literally a block from home uphill, so after letting it cool a couple hours, I limped it home. Replaced the freeze plug and engine was fine.
WOW I had a similar issue on a 87 Trismo after engine change, the fool mechanic hooked the heater hoses up backwards. I do all my own mechanics now, it was an expensive learning lesson that has stuck with me even to this day.
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