D@mn Mechanic

[buzaggie]

So I don't post often, but here's my rant. I have an 02 Grand Prix GT (original owner). A couple of years back I replaced the intake manifold gaskets on my own with the aluminum type. Lately I have an external coolant leak and decided to trust in a mechanic since it's literally 5 below zero here right now and not worth freezing over. The mechanic calls me and tell me it's leaking at one of the plastic bypass tubes so I tell him to fix it. He then tells me that my tensioner is full of junk and should probably be replaced. I put faith in him and tell him to do it. $391.00 later, I'm driving the car home and notice the low coolant light comes on. The guy didn't even bother topping the coolant levels off. Next day I'm taking my kid to preschool in -5 degree weather and the motor dies. I think I've got a bad battery or something. I feel around and notice the mechanic didn't bother plugging back in the voltage regulator connector on the alternator. On top of all of this, I'm certain I'm still leaking coolant. No wonder why I don't trust mechanics. Has anybody really ever had to replace their belt tensioner? He charged me $220 of the $391 on the tensioner. Thanks for listening to me rant!

[matt5112]

wheres logan?

Because in canada here.... the tensioner is $170

Lot less in the states.

[brand121]

Ouch!! Gates 38271 - Belt Drive Tensioner | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Bad thing is, if you did it, you'd at least make sure it was right, the mechanic said the same as you F*** it's -5 and I really don't feel like doing this... only, it's not his car, therefore, doesn't give a sh!t...

[TheManiac]

I had to replace the belt tensioner on my mom's '97 Grand Prix because one elbow is plastic and the other was cast aluminum that was part of the tensioner. On her car the cast elbow was busted. Easiest answer, replaced the tensioner (pulled on from a junk yard for $20 and about 10 minutes of my time).

I tell people who trust mechanics, find one you TRUST! You'd do the same when it comes to seeing a doctor.

[BillBoost37]

My mechanic calls me when he gets a 3800 in the door. He's a good buddy that occasionally calls for a hand etc. Then when I don't want to be cold, we do my projects in the heated shop. He loves all you car nut buddies of mine. I always toss the used oil at him since it's easy to toss in 5 gallon jugs and hand off. There ya go..free heat.

75F degree shop in the winter, only down side is all my stuff is always so far after hours that it's a killer to get up the next day. And hopefully not have a hangover...lol

[buzaggie]

You guys make me laugh. I need to move to a warmer state and then I have no excuse. Living in the most Northern part of Utah can be brutal. Well I guess a learned a new lesson today. The question is do I call and complain?

[BillBoost37]

Did you get any kinda estimate? You should have an idea going in what a repair is going to cost. From there, you should do the parts lookup and be up to speed if things sound fishy.

He marked up the tensioner quite a bit from the sounds of it.

[Pepino]

Thats pretty much why I would rather do the work myself.....at least I know what was done, or not done.

Good luck and I would be calling your "mechanic"....

[TheManiac]

I'd call the mechanic! You paid to have the leak fixed. If you think it's still leaking, it's not fixed. Plus, he sent you out without re-filling the cooling system. If anything, he owes you the anti-freeze.

I am way too picky to trust my car in a stranger. I am concerned about who does what and if something is done wrong, I'd rather it be my fault then fight with someone else.

I take service and quality of service very far (there are two tire shops I will NOT go to in my area because I have been unhappy with them). Heck, the last time I was at the one, the guy working on my '84 Camaro had a pain getting it to stay started! He drove it up (poorly I might add) and insisted numerous times my car had a problem, I need to drive it more and I told him I drive it without fail all the time, I just came here for tires. I finally asked him if he's ever started a car with a carb on it and he quit talking to me and walked away. That was the end of that shop for me.

[SlowNA06]

Ohhh. I'd be breaking some knees. Glad I'm not you.

[matt5112]

i look at it like this...

if i'm at a restaurant and the food is ****, i dont send it back.

I eat it, tip the %15 and never go back.

The question is, why would you take your car to someone who screwed up the first time?