This is my moms truck. The problems all started with the heater not working so the heater core was replaced by a home mechanic who is questionable. No problems for a couple months then the truck started over heating and the same mechanic replaced the thermostat, which did not solve the problem so we took the truck to a real shop. They did a compression test and said the head gasket was warped and needed to be replaced, $1100 later and a new head gasket, its still over heating at the shop. Then they said it was the clutch fan, more money, still over heating. Now there saying there is a block in the radiator which they think is from the last guy trying to use some kind of leak sealer. I'm a loss, we had to borrow money for these repairs and it seems never ending. I'm starting to wonder if the current shop is just scamming us... Any help is greatly appriciated. Thanks
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The current shop is totally guessing - straight from the head gaskets to now!!! Be very wary...
I would get the truck to another reputable shop to have a second opinion.
The 3.0L V6 in this truck is not known for head gasket failure. Sure, anything can happen, but it's not often it does.
Overheating is not that complex to diagnose, but if you have lesser skilled and capable people working on the truck it can (and obviously has) become a nightmare.
Thanks, so we have the truck back and its running great. Is there anything I should check now that its back? They said it was a combination of a clutch fan not working and a partial radiator block , and my mom not pulling over in time when it overheated so the head warped (so not a blown head gasket?) They didn't charge us for the radiator or clutch fan because they should have caught it. So all in all I think it went okay, but cost 1800.
Personal opinion - they didn't charge you for the radiator blockage or fan clutch because they felt like they misdiagnosed the head.
This vehicle has a cast iron engine block and cast iron cylinder heads. The chances of the head warping on this truck is absolutely near zero. But, if the truck is fixed...perhaps...maybe it's just best that you move forward. Sometimes it's hard to fight for things, and the time, effort and conflict is costly mentally and emotionally.
However, I think you do have a case if they cannot produce evidence of cylinder head warpage (like, showing you the head and how it's warped...). They won't because they can't......
Anyway, glad your truck is back and working.
Visitoron Jun 27, 2011
From Nirat,
I've never been in conflict with a shop before, so how would I go about fighting the charges? Do I confront them, say I'm concerned and ask for proof and if they don't provide it ask for a refund? If they refuse, then what? My mom had to borrow money for the repairs so its really affecting her financially, I hate to see her getting ripped off. Thanks for your help.
I would speak to the shop manager. Be cordial but firm. Be reasonable and cool tempered.
Share your facts, that you've done some research and find it very hard to understand how a cylinder head on this vehicle could warp. Suggest they show you evidence of the head warp - see if they still have the old parts (they probably will say "no" or that it's a core that had to be returned).
I don't know that you'll get a full refund, but shoot for being satisfied with some consideration.
Be reasonable and stay on subject. Good luck.
Thanks, so we have the truck back and its running great. Is there anything I should check now that its back? They said it was a combination of a clutch fan not working and a partial radiator block , and my mom not pulling over in time when it overheated so the head warped (so not a blown head gasket?) They didn't charge us for the radiator or clutch fan because they should have caught it. So all in all I think it went okay, but cost 1800.
Personal opinion - they didn't charge you for the radiator blockage or fan clutch because they felt like they misdiagnosed the head. This vehicle has a cast iron engine block and cast iron cylinder heads. The chances of the head warping on this truck is absolutely near zero. But, if the truck is fixed...perhaps...maybe it's just best that you move forward. Sometimes it's hard to fight for things, and the time, effort and conflict is costly mentally and emotionally. However, I think you do have a case if they cannot produce evidence of cylinder head warpage (like, showing you the head and how it's warped...). They won't because they can't...... Anyway, glad your truck is back and working.
From Nirat, I've never been in conflict with a shop before, so how would I go about fighting the charges? Do I confront them, say I'm concerned and ask for proof and if they don't provide it ask for a refund? If they refuse, then what? My mom had to borrow money for the repairs so its really affecting her financially, I hate to see her getting ripped off. Thanks for your help.
I would speak to the shop manager. Be cordial but firm. Be reasonable and cool tempered. Share your facts, that you've done some research and find it very hard to understand how a cylinder head on this vehicle could warp. Suggest they show you evidence of the head warp - see if they still have the old parts (they probably will say "no" or that it's a core that had to be returned). I don't know that you'll get a full refund, but shoot for being satisfied with some consideration. Be reasonable and stay on subject. Good luck.