As mentioned, you can attempt the repair yourself if you're mechanically inclined and the vehicle may run for years to come. The reason I say I agree with the mechanic is because of the position he is in. Doing the top end not knowing the condition of the bottom end becomes a liability. What would your position be if you paid for the repair, drove your car away and a week later it spun a rod bearing? Would you accept the fact that it was related to the previous engine damage? Would you (without reluctance) be willing to now pay for a complete engine rebuild or engine swap? The majority of people would blame the mechanic/shop for the damage. I think the mechanic is just trying to offer a solution that will save both you and the shop a lot of grief and potential problems. Not knowing the history of the engine they have no idea if the bottom end will hold up to a new top end or not. Since I have no idea the experience level of the mechanic you went to I have to assume he is experienced and knowledgeable. If he thinks the engine needs to be replaced I would also have to assume that damage from the blown head gasket has progressed to the point that warrants replacement of the engine. Lots of engine (in the early stages) can be repaired by rebuilding the top end, but your engine may be beyond that point. Like I said in my previous post, it becomes a crap shot. You might find that this or another shop will do just the top end, but they may not warranty their work. From your mechanic's point of view it would be more cost efficient to rebuild or replace the engine...and I can completely understand his position. At this point I would either seek a second (independent) diagnosis if you have doubts about the diagnosis you were given by the first mechanic. You have to be able to put trust in the shop working on your vehicle or you'll never be happy with their work - even if it is top notch. Since you don't have a track record with any shop you may want to do some research on the shops local to you and/or solicit opinions from friends and neighbors. With a little time and patience you may be able to do the job yourself. The question you need to ask yourself is are you willing to gamble the time and money involved doing the top end swap?

 

Do it myself lol, I can change a tire and check my fluids but that's about it lol. I listen well and understand the problem but when I pop the hood I get dizzy *shrugs* but thanks everybody for your help. I only second guessed the mechanic because first it was a radiator flush, then a blocked heater cord, then something else was blocked, then a thermostat to a whole engine! I've learned a lot from this experience and I'm considering buying a 2005 Pontiac G6 for 5,000 with 123,000 miles on it, should I? AGAIN THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU YOU ALL WERE OF GREAT HELP!

 

Whether you should repair the Monte or buy the G6 is something only you can decide. Even if you had to replace the engine in the Monte it would be less expensive versus the output of $5K for the G6. Even then, you may be buying other problems that will need attention. If you do consider the G6 I would take it to a shop for a complete inspection prior to committing. If the owner has a problem with a mechanic checking out the car walk away. An honest seller is going to tell you about any problems up front and will have no objection to having the car inspected. Good luck with whatever you decide...

 

yeah O3SSLE this car has a carfax lol I just need something reliable. I will keep the Monte and fix it eventually...I DO LOVE MY MONTE! On the highway it rides so smooth and boy can it pick up some speed, got my first speeding ticket in it lol.

 

Having access to a CarFax is good, but remember that only vehicle damage reported through an insurance company is reflected in the report. I would still want the car checked out by a certified mechanic prior to purchasing it, but that's just me. If you do pick up the G6 be sure to post some pics of it.

 

Totally agree with 03SSLE!

CarFax is only a tool, not the end all be all. It won't tell you if the maintenance was neglected of if the car was rode hard. Have someone that knows how to examine a car check it out (takes a lot to pick up those little signs sometimes).
Or if anything else, have a trusted/certified mechanic inspect it. If anything, hopefully an experience mechanic can spot some signs of big problems BEFORE they pop up (again, something CarFax can't do).

 

Before you spend big $$$ and time, replace the T-stat AGAIN! I had an issue with a vehicle of mine before that had a bad T-stat, replaced it and had same issue. Tested the T-stat in a pot of boiling water, sure enough did not work properly. Some of these parts we are sold now are just garbage, I have had the same problem with parts other than T-stats. I am not saying this is definitely the issue, but sure the heck is worth a try before dropping big bucks! Just my 2 cents.

 

Im on the same page as you gents...I apologize for the elbow thing..not knowing originally whatsize motor you had in it..(mybad)...

However, I have purchased multiple used vehicles...In doing so...I definately do a test drive...But during my test drive I have a friend that works at Belle Tire here in Taylor mi...
He allows me to put it up on the rack and check it out throughly...
Tires,brakes, suspension etc...Thats when I also check the oil, motor and trans...as well as pressure test the cooling system... belts,hoses, etc...
Since the dealer has a copy of my license..I dont sweat how long im gone with the vehicle...So, I try to be as through as possible before I deceide to make them a reasonable offer for it...
Its always wise to know generally the Dealer usually asks a Minimum of $5000.00 over what its actual trade in value is worth..
Hope this helps....