One month ago, mechanics replaced water pump for my car, 04 dodge stratus, 100000 miles. When I went to get the car, there was big noise coming out from engine. The mechanics told me it was because of sediment in auto oil system and he show me some sediment he took out. I know little about car so I thought he was right. But now the noise changed and engine light came on. I went to firestone to check it. The report said timing jump and cranked. The second day the engine died totally. And I went to another two mechanics. They said the previous one who replaced the water pump did something wrong to timing chain. But that mechanics didn't admit it. What can I do?
You're on thin ice with this, unless you had the timing belt replaced before 90,000 miles. That big noise was the pistons hitting the valves after the timing belt slipped, or more likely, broke from being worn out. When the engine's water pump is driven by the timing belt, the belt must be slacked to get the pump off, then tightened back up after the new pump installation. That old belt couldn't hold up under the tension. It's just bad luck for the mechanic he didn't think to question the age of the timing belt and insist that it be replaced. Of course that would cost a bit more. It will be an uphill battle. You might as well find a used engine if you want this car back on the road. Good luck to you.
You have a good case for small claims court, but you'll have to prove the facts in court, not here on yahoo. 1) Prove that the first shop changed your water pump. (I think there's a good chance that mechanic did, indeed, mess up the timing.) 2) Get something in writing from any subsequent, licensed mechanic who thinks the timing was changed. At 100,000 miles, there's a fair chance your timing chain could have been old, needing replacement, but if the first guy replaced the water pump, that seems the likeliest culprit. Worse, I hope you didn't ruin the motor. Sometimes when your motor is out of time, you can bend a valve or put a hole in the piston. Better get your motor checked by someone who knows what they're doing then consider your options- small claims or the first mechanic's insurance company. If you talk to the insurance company, you should have a lawyer do the talking. Good luck!!
