Robert
Jacksonville,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, October 25, 2006
"First car overheats, they say replace water pump, timing belt, thermostat. then radiatior blows, they replace that. then a radiator hose blows, they replace that. then the car won't start (and has oil in the air filter) and they say to do a cleaning and tune up (and replaced my $7 platinum spark plugs that didn't need to be replaced). car still doesn't start. then they tell me that i need to replace my water pump thermostate etc...i said, you guys already did all that. they even say the timing is off and ask me who did my timing! i said it was them (this was about 13 months later from the first repair btw)." This all happened over a 13 month period. Things happen, and to have multiple issues in a 13 month period is normal. Keep in mind, your car is old. Geo hasn't made a Metro since 1997. They replaced the plugs because they were oil fouled. A fouled plug will not spark. Oil in the air cleaner indicates massive amounts of blow-by. As for the water pump replacement, after they already did it, and the timing issue, I cannot say. Is it valve or ignition timing. They are different. Both are dependent on the cam timing being correct. "they think for a few minutes, then tell me i have a leaking head gasket and recommend repairing it. the say they put in a block sealer for me...they didn't. block sealer requires a procedure to work...they just poured it in my radiator and left it at that AND changed my timing to cause the piston to hit the top of the engine AND cut the wires to my radiator fan temperature switch." The head gasket may have been an issue, and again, your car is old, and has overheated...both prime causes of gasket failure. They probably used a stop-leak, not an actual block sealer. Neither will fix a head gasket. The piston hitting the valves would indicate they changed your cam timing, or the belt had an issue. Coolant, oil, etc on a belt will cause it to jump a tooth. This will cause the piston/valve contact you mention. I have no idea why anyone would intentionally cut wires. That's a good way to get in trouble with your States' Consumer Affairs Division. "THEN they underquote me...of this at the time)." Hard to follow, but THIS might be the issue you will be able to use with your State Consumer Affairs Division. "they replaced my "axel assy"'s (told me i had to) when just a CV boot needed to be replaced. they also did my front breaks and recommended my rear brakes saying they had 10% left...over a year and 25,000 miles later my rear brakes actually had 30% left according to another shop." Nobody replaces the boots. It takes more labor to do this, and actually costs the customer more, than just swapping a rebuilt axle. As for the brakes, I cannot say. I am always amazed how a mechanic can say what percentage is left on something, when the rest of the shoe, or pad is not there. Some aftermarket shoes/pads are thinner/thicker than OEM. I am doubtful of either brake recommendation. "i've looked back on my repairs...no matter what i do." THIS is your real problem. After spending WAAAAAAAAY too much fixing a throw-away car, you keep going back to them. I cannot fathom why you are doing this to yourself. STOP THE MADNESS! Find a shop that you can trust. Use a friend or family recommendation. Ask the part stores who they favor. Just keep in mind, your car is old, and was meant as a throw-away, no resale value, not even when brand spankin' new.