The Bill

[nlbarber]

Diagnosis: cracked radiator and dead thermostat. $800+ to replace both. Further testing revealed no engine damage "at this time". Hmmm.

Also spotted: broken engine mount, burned out brake light bulb, leaking oil pan gasket. I debated briefly about postponing the gasket replacement, but went ahead. At least the bulb replacement was cheap.

Grand total: $1350. Let's not count the AAA upgrade for extra towing, the rental car, and the extra parking at the airport.

Comments

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

Ow. My sympathies.

[sunlizzard.livejournal.com]

Ow. Mine, too.

I would guess that the further testing was a compression check? Because the major damage severe overheating can do is warp the heads, which would compromise the seal between the water and the oil circulating in the engine. That's a bad'un. So even if it passed the test ("at this time," yeah), keep a close eye on your temperature gauge. And when you check the oil, be alert to a greyish color or (umm, worse) a "foamy" appearance--that's water in the oil. DO NOT WANT.

Gotta love those older cars, especially the paid off older cars! I still have, and still love, and still occasionally drive the Miracle Mazda. Twenty four years old, come November....

[filkferengi]

Is it time to think of another vehicle?