I contacted the auto wreckers about the van today. They are trying to tell me that the engine over heated. I told them that the gauge didn't do anything. They are intending to tear it down on monday to see "if it's the rad, or what..." Sounds like they're trying to point the problem with me, not the engine they just put in. Think I'm going to have to find a different auto wreckers who deals with old vehicles in the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area. These ones are beginning to show why I have a serious problem trusting people in the automotive business. The old "one bad apple ruining it for the rest" thing.
If it was the rad, why is it that, while waiting for the tow truck (after the plume of white smoke stopped me), I noticed antifreeze leaking out of the exhaust pipe roughly where the front seats of the van are? And the road i was driving i drive every day, and there are no noticeable spills of antifreeze/oil or anything else? The reserve for the rad was still up to the level it was before. I really don't know. Does anyone have any input?

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If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving.


1984 dodge /6 with Lady, Evony and Breeze

Be prepared to get a lawyer. Sometimes just the threat of a suit will bring them around.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

I would say for what you have paid already they owe you a lifetime of engine swaps

My advice: Stop using auto wreckers as mechanics, and you'll stop having such bad luck. They are not mechanics. At best (and it's usually a stretch) they're adequate parts-swappers. Diagnostic capabilities, experience and training in proper techniques: Zero.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

They're trying to rook you. If they push it any further just pay $50 or so to have a lawyer write them a nice letter.

You should get your money back (all of it). The parts were theirs, and the install was theirs. They own the job, and need to back it up. Get your money back, and if they want their engine back they are welcome to it.

Then we'll help you locate a good running engine for your vehicle, which you can have a mechanic install. One rule of finding good old engines is to hear it run in a vehicle before you pull it.

-Mac

They probably filled it and didn't wait for the thermostat to open. So it was low on coolant.

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick

A blown head gasket will push water out the exhaust pipe.
(I've "been there, fixed that")

I like the idea of getting a full refund from your auto wrecker 'friends'.
As others have noted, you paid a lot for the trouble you are now having and it is unlikey that these people will be able to fix the problem the right way.

I have a SL6 engine that recently blew a head gasket, it was pushing water out the exhaust, which would run it low on water and then it would overheat.
Many will try to pull the cylinder head and leave the rest of the engine in the car, I pulled the entire engine out of my car, here is why.

Once an engine overheats, the head and the block's surface becomes uneven. The surfaces will also show some 'distress' where the gasket blows and water passes thru.

With my bad engine, I sent the head to a machine shop and had them resurface it and "touch-up' the valve seats, plus change the stem seals. I also had them resurface the deck of the engine block. The head and the block surfaces both warpped, the head needed a .012 cut and the block got .020 "off the top". In short, if I did not remachine these surfaces, clean & flat, it is unlikely that a replacement head gasket would of sealed.

Besides this, when I had the head off, I saw there was some excess 'leak-down' in two of the cylinders, I pulled those pistons to find that the ring gaps had lined-up. I bought a set of new rings and bearing and re-ringed the engine. I am in the process of re-assembly and expect great results from this rebuild.

The bottom-line, I have the experence and the willingness to do the job right, I want this engine to be the best it can be when it goes back into the car. I do not think your current shop has this in mind for you and your van.
DD

thanks alot to all who answered this and gave me diagnosis of the problem. I will be calling the auto wreckers again today and, with this information, will have enough knowledge to answer their accusations and take it farther if needed.
In short, there's gonna be a gun fight. this town ain't big enough for the two of us...
Thanks alot, pardnars. (exits with his best John Wayne impression)

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If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving.


1984 dodge /6 with Lady, Evony and Breeze