Overheating took it to have it diagnosed, was told the thermostat need to be replaced, now they are telling me it needs a new engine?

SHOTGUNSALLY

MEMBER
2006 DODGE CHARGER
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

In less than a year ago I had my whole entire cooling system and engine replaced in my car, just recently my charger started overheating. I had it towed to a repair shop who diagnosed it with a thermostat housing to be replaced. Which they are charging me about $800.00. Then I got a phone call telling me I have to pay for the repair, however they're not going to do the coolant flush or the oil change because the head gasket is damaged and the engine is making noise, so they are now suggesting I need a new engine.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi,

If they are saying the engine needs replaced, why are they replacing anything? That doesn't make sense.

Do me a favor. Let me know if you have a 2.7L V6 or the 3.5L V6.

I ask because the thermostat housing for the 3.5L is $18.00 and takes slightly over an hour to install. The 2.7L requires 1.8 hours, and the original equipment housing is $87.00. I realize there are things like coolant and shop supplies, but $800.00 is a bit ridiculous.

Let me know. Also, you may want to consider a second opinion based on what they want for the housing replacement. But that's your call.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 11:32 PM

SHOTGUNSALLY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. My car is a 2.7 l. One thing I was also wondering was for the diagnosis that they're charging me $140.00 for shouldn't they have known that the engine was bad or that my gasket was damaged before they told me that it was my thermostat housing that needed to be replaced?

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Thursday, July 7th, 2022 AT 11:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi,

As far as their diagnostics are concerned, one would think if they knew the head gasket was bad, they would have mentioned it.

Please keep in mind, a bad head gasket doesn't mean the engine is bad. It too can be replaced. However, based on what they quoted you for the thermostat housing, you may want to consider having someone other do the work.

Let me know. If you want to try it yourself, I can help, so let me know.

Take care and let me know what you decide.

Joe

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Friday, July 8th, 2022 AT 7:00 PM