jgrl35

Yesterday I dropped my 02 Rl off to a good friend who is an acura mechanic. He will be fixing my car on the "side"

I need timing belt and spark plugs as well as numerous other issues. Bought the car at 90k and its not at 103k in 6 months.

The car is burning a significant amount of coolant. After a careful inspection with the mechanic we did not find any cracks in the radiator, white smoke coming out of exhaust, or the actual coolant leaking over the radiator. He says its a 70% chance that its a blown headgasket and can run me 2500$!!! Im geussing he should have an answer for me tomorrow. Any other possible reasons why the car would needs coolant every several weeks or so.

I'm flippin out and don't know what to think this job is already costing me a grand now if its a blown headgasket thats another 2 grand wtf? that seems a little high for a headgasket how much is the part?

however i trust this guy and a great guy and full time acura mechanic.

here is a list of my first tune up on the vehicle

To Do List Acura RL 3.5

- Replace Timing Belt, water pump and all other belts then needs replacement.
- Change and replace engine oil and oil filter, inspect air filter, change if needed
- Completely bleed air out of radiator system and change and fill/top off engine coolant
- Replace spark plugs
- Inspect and change (if needed) the following fluids: transmission, front differential fluid, brake fluid, and any other fluid
- Inspect air conditioning filter
- Brakes have been recently changed, however please inspect front and rear and let me know where they stand also replace pads if they need replacement
- Please inspect all brakes hoses and lines, all fluid levels, condition of fluids, inspect exhaust system and fuel lines
- Please inspect tire condition. Perform tire rotation (if needed) since car is front wheel drive should have the two tires that are in the best condition on the front. Please make sure tire pressure is all set. Also, inspect tires for nails or any other foreign objects. In your opinion, if tires are in bad condition call me and let me know if you think they should be replaced.
- Upper Control Arm has been recently replaced please inspect that and see if its in good working order.
- Car might need front end alignment, please call me before you perform alignment and let me know cost.
- The glove box needs to be fixed. (latch is broken)
- Piece of rubber is loose on the front of the vehicle (near passenger headlight) needs to be fixed because it rattles on the highway pretty bad.
- Let me know if you think I missed anything


approx cost of this job prolly around 900$

TheAsian

How much is this guy charging you by the hr.

A head gasket is about a 5 hr job.


5.1 According to the Labor times for a head gasket.
1.5 To add timing belt and balance shaft belt
.6 For spark plugs but w/ a head gasket he is already removing the cyl head.

.3 For oil change
Coolant should take more than half a hr.
1 Hour to perform a full car inspection.

Now I understand he is doing this by his own standers. But w/e I do a side job I generally base it off labor times.

If you chose to do head gaskets, His price should change because he has to remove the timing belt and w/ the cyl head off its very easy to do spark plugs. I would say not even 10 minutes of his time.

Personally I believe he is trying to pull to much money to do a head gasket. Ive worked on the 3.5 In the ridgeline which do have more space and I did head gaskets for 900 w/ timing belt and water pump. Total of 1100 w/ parts from honda.