Mechanic ISSUES please help?

Question

Is it fair for a mechanic to still charge me on him replacing my radiator for 325.00 then calling me today saying my car won't even start because the HEAD GASKET is blown...my question is why couldn't he figure that out before the radioator is replaced? Wasn't there some sort of point inspection mechanics do to figure out what is wrong with a car before just fixing something that won't work...It was able to drive in to the shop however now it won't even start! I have to get it towed off his lot PLEASE tellme if this is legal for a mechanic to do...should I pay him?

Answer 1

There are ways to test for a blown head gasket, but if your complaint didn't include symptoms of it, there wouldn't be a need to test for it.

Answer 2

If he replaced the radiator, a good mechanic will make sure that antifreeze is everywhere it should be. Including the heater core. In order to do that you have to run the car to get it up to operating temperature and the thermostat open. then turn on the heater and then check the antifreeze level in the radiator and overflow tank. So if he did all this and now your car won't start, it sounds like he blew the head gasket. And cars do run (although not very well) with blown head gaskets. Ever seen a car with white smoke for exhaust? That's a symptom of a blown head gasket. If your car didn't do this before you took it to this shop, then the shop did it or he's lying to you.  

And only pay him if he can show you your old radiator and give you a warranty in writing on the new one and a warranty on the labor.

Answer 3

Car Info. Year & Mileage? Car Type, Gas or diesel? Why was it taken to the Shop and what did you "Authorize" him to do? 85% of the time a Blown Head Gasket won't Cause a "Gas Engine" not to Start? He Messed up something! Tow it to a Shop with "Real Mechanics" (This Guy is trying to Take You!)

NOTE; Yes there are several ways to check an Engine before you Start Repairs, "Then Call the OWNER of the Car" for Authorization !Before! you start Repairs!"

Answer 4

you have been jipped.this is what happens with mechanics sometimes.you bring your car in,they fix that problem,then brake something else so you'll have to pay to fix that too.

Answer 5

This is why people go on forums trying to get their cars fix themselves. Too many shops ripping people off. There is one person on here that always states that shops don't rip people off and that people should stop giving FREE advice. Well here we go we have another person getting screwed.

Yes, the mechanic is playing games as usual. If you were able to drive it there in the beginning then you should be able to drive out. That mechanic is just trying to get more money from you. You need to let him know that they better get your car started because when you brought it there it drove fine just except for the radiator. Let them know the Better Business Bureau will here about this along with the city Attorney General. My friend owns a shop and says the BBB and AG is what to tell those crooked mechanics when you have problems with them. Best of luck!

Answer 6

Unfortunately a mechanic only does what you take the car there for. They don't have to check anything else. You have to pay him. The only thing is, when a car has a blown head gasket it should still start.