1999 Pontiac Firebird rebuild on top end - now motor out

AARDVARKOFOKC

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

Just had my firebird top end replaced - they replaced all gaskets, all 8 lifters, EKG valve and I believe 2 other valves. They performed a diagnostic after the work and sent me on my way said I should be good for awhile. Fast forward three (3) days and only 60 miles later and lost all compression. Had it towed back to the shop - they said bottom end is gone.
My question: we had two different shops run diagnostics on it, both came up with the same diagnosis, both were charging the same amount. Once they tore into it, wouldn't there be a way to determine if further work needed to be done, anticipate that this might happen and stop the work? $1230 later - I'm pretty pissed. Opnion?

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

With any head work there is a risk albeit small on later model cars that you may experience some oil burning as a result of the head work, why this is so is that when the head is overhauled you fully re-co the valve seats, guides & seals, this fully seals the upper section of the engine, if. And if there is a un detected problem with a faulty ring this increased compression on the older and worn lower components can increase oil burning and in some rare instances worst, now it has been my practice over many years to make this very clear to any customer that wants head work done, often you can test for faulty rings with a leak down test or a wet & dry comp test, it is up to the individual repairer to advise the customer of this potential problem, he has not and you are now seeing the resaults.

Mark (mhpautos)