noknowledgeauto

Hi , My 02 ml320 power steering pump flew off and hit my radiator while driving had power steering pump and radiator replaced. a month later check engine light on with a P0304
Replaced plugs wires and coil packs, then got a P0300, P0304, P0305&P0306. Took to independent mechanic in foreign auto specialty and he charged m $ 740 to say he "thinks" its a blown head gasket on drivers side and would be $5000 + to repair. I paid and left with another customers receipt and had to have my car towed home. Did I get ripped?

Maj. Dundee

Did I get ripped? No you got raped.

Is your coolant level up to snuff?

Did the eng. ever overheat since or during the debacle?

noknowledgeauto

No i replaced the radiator 2 months prior and it had not overheated. He also had me bring in my old coil packs and wires. I had to have the car towed home from his shop.

Maj. Dundee

When you installed the the plugs and everything else, I think you did not place the ign. cables correctly on the driver's side.

190Efan

You were robbed big time. I would report this place to the Better Business Bureau. The easiest way to tell if you have a blown head gasket is to see if you have coolant mixing with oil.

chassis

Head gasket diagnosis tests:

Coolant mixed in oil (noted above), check oil fill cap for coffee-colored sludge, aka "chocolate milk"
Steam from exhaust pipe
Sweet smell from exhaust pipe
Bubbles in coolant reservoir
Rough idle
Misfiring with or without check engine light
"Washed" spark plug, meaning clean and not sooty
"Washed" piston crown, meaning clean and not sooty or oily
Visible external leak at cylinder head juncture with engine block
Coolant loss over time
Low compression
Failed coolant system pressure test

Maj. Dundee

Where is this discussion starter noknowledgeaut ?