"Erik" <groups@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:45a6f5b6-e5be-4708-a126-fb5fa64e8cd8@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Jul 16, 9:16 pm, <mecha...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I don't know what your "day job" is... I do know that it isn't
> automotive....
Never indicated that it was. That's why I posted to this board.
>
> At some point in time, you will need to decide on who you will trust and
who
> you wont.... You want my (or anyones) advice - SIGHT UNSEEN - because
you
> are looking for cheaper...
I'm not looking for cheaper, I'm trying to make sure I don't get
swindled. Why would I pay for an expensive part that doesn't need
repair at this time? That's why I asked. If it needs to be replaced,
so be it. It was a simple question on how easy it was to spot gasket
issues.
When my '91 Explorer needed a new/rebuilt transmission I shopped around
for
the best price. Bad idea. The place I took it to said it would cost $750
but when they were done it was more like $1800. Plus they put in a bad
rebuilt the first time and had to tow it back to the shop. Plus a bunch
of
other crap I won't even go into. Bottom line: try to find a reputable
mechanic. Sometimes it costs less to pay more.
OK, so we are pretty sure your freeze plugs are leaking. But we are not
quite sure about which gasket Mechanic #1 was refering to. It it's a head
gasket this can be tested by checking the cylinder compression. Usually
one
(or two adjoining) cylinders will have low compression if the head is
leaking. There may also be bubbles in the coolant and there are
suppposedly
tests strips to check for exhuast gases in the coolant. Any decent
mechanic
should know this. Someone at Jiffy Lube or such a place might not.
Replacing both head gaskets and checking the heads for cracks etc could
account for the other $700 or so. I think that is high for only one head.
Now, if the gasket Mechanic #1 was refering to was the oil pan gasket then
the engine has to be hoisted up to get it out of there. That could cost
some $$$. But I have a hard time imaging an oil pan gasket suddenly
blowing
out so that probably is not what he meant. There is also the intake
manifold gasket (mainly the lower) that could very well be the problem.
Since we are already pretty sure your cooling system needs some
maintenance
I would say this is likely and it can blow suddenly spewing coolant all
over
the place and the engine could overheat quickly and you would be stuck.
Replacing this gasket requires removing a lot of stuff and scraping off
the
old gasket etc and I think it would probably cost around $500-$700 to have
someone do it. I also think $700 is a bit high but you may be paying the
extra for someone who is going to take their time and do a thorough job
and
guarantee their work. Plus they seem to be professional enough to look
for
other potential problems. You might even ask to have the thermostat and
thermostat gasket replaced while he's in there. It's probably due too.
Maybe some new spark plugs, wires, and serpentine belt are needed about
now
also. And perhaps new radiator and heater hoses. So don't be surprised
if
he finds a lot of other stuff. You may very well need it. This is also
why
there are many used Explorers for sale. After the last trip to the
mechanic
with an estimate of over $4000 for a car that's worth $2000, well, time
for
a trade-in unless you can do the work yourself.
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