Q&A

Thank you so much for responding. Yes indeed I have a blown head gasket and possibly a cracked/warped head. My issue is that I just purchased the car and the previous owner has all mechanical repairs done by this same mechanic. Only 2 to 3 years ago, they paid a small fortune to have the entire engine rebuilt by him. I believe that shortcuts were taken and the work they paid for was not done. The previous owner and I took the car to him to fix overheating prob and resolve the check engine light being on. Well, he replaced water pump and and said problem solved. I drove the car less than five miles and topped to put gas in. I popped the hood and there was gurgling in radiator and the coolant levels were already low! Initially, mechanic said there was 2 quarts over oil levels, which makes me wonder if coolant had leaked into oil therefore causing higher levels. Anyway, the bottom line is this, mechanic claims that I blew the head gasket and that I am at fault. I believe it was already blown and he didn't want to admit negligence in inspecting the car especially because he has done all the work prior. Also, the check engine light stayed on and 3 days later another mechanic did a diagnosis and got a random misfire code.

not sure after transfer of ownership you have any recourse

if there is anti freeze in the oil the mechanic should have put a pressure test on the cooling system and took the spark p;ugs to check to see if there is anti freeze in the cyl

That serves people right when they use the LOWEST BIDDING UNLICENSED mechanics...you get what you pay for.

Oh but he is licensed and not cheap! I was also told that any future smog tests should be with him only. I am planning on reporting this guy to the better business bureau and considering taking him to court. This guy thinks because I am a female I must not know anything about mechanics. He was wrong. I may not be a mechanic, but I can read and understand. So far everything. I've read regarding my situation points to a shady mechanic who charges for repairs not made, is lazy in doing a thorough inspection, doesn't perform tasks that customer specifically requests ( I asked for a compression test) and he is unwilling to admit any fault on his part. I just received a printout of all work performed by him over the past few years....this car has been brought in numerous times for overheating problem....and supposedly dropped a new/rebuilt engine in only two years ago! He also installed new motor mounts but the motor mounts need to be replaced. What is the average life of a motor mount?