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

[nlbarber]

What the invoice says is "Performed cylinder leak down test and found no problems with the head gasket at this time. Heated vehicle up and found no further problems with the cooling system at this time." Is that first one a compression check, in mechanic/invoice software speak?

Anyway, thanks for the advice on watching the temp gage and checking the oil. I'll try to do both.