<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><IMG src=smileys/smiley11.gif border="0"> Hi!</FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">I am in the middle of a big mess and desperately seeking advice!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The engine for my 1995 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Toyota</st1lace></st1:City> 4Runner SR5 4WD V6 110.000 miles recently overheated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I was able to drive it briefly and then had to push it to the nearby mechanic shop.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The next day, the mechanic informed me that the radiator which blew its cap needed to be replaced as well as the fan and thermostat which were working but due for replacement.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, upon performing the above repairs the mechanic (Mechanic #2) discovered that the previous mechanic (Mechanic #1) who had replaced the radiator in 6/04 had put too much water in the coolant which froze solid (I'm in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Boston-</st1lace></st1:City> brrrr!).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>According to mechanic #2 this subsequently damaged the 5th of my 6 cylinders.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The radiator, thermostat and fan were replaced so that the car would run while I awaited a formal estimate for engine repair. </FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Upon calling the mechanic #1 back with further details of the damage, he agreed to replace the radiator as he had told me in a previous conversation but insisted that my car would be smoking excessively (which it's not) if there were cylinder damage and that the radiator issue would not cause cylinder damage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mechanic #1 insisted that he was not responsible for the engine damage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I then had mechanic #2 call mechanic #1.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>According to mechanic #2, mechanic #1 was rude and insisted that he was not responsible.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mechanic #1 was gone when I tried to call him back.</FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>In the interim, I don't feel safe driving my old car which is obviously not worth repairing and have located a used 2001 4Runner which I would like to purchase this weekend because it's a good deal.</FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Questions to you guys:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Which mechanic is right?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Could the frozen coolant/ radiator issue cause engine damage?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Would my car necessarily be smoking excessively with 5<SUP>th</SUP> cylinder damage?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>How do I pursue this matter if mechanic #1 is indeed at fault?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What measures do I need to take to prove this before getting rid of the old car?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Any advice would be greatly appreciated.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I'm obviously stressed and tight on time given that I found exactly what I want in the "new" used 2001 4Runner.</FONT></P>
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<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Thanks and have a great weekend!</FONT></P>

 

i would pursue the first mechanic, if the block freezes it can and will crack causing you a to replace the motor. There is no question he is at fault if he filled the radiator wrong. Get it in writtng from the second mechanic, and call a lawyer. sound like you will be getting a new motor for sure.