I took my car in to my mechanic because it would shudder/shake (a lot) when I started it, and the check engine light came on. First they told me that they got a code for something fuel related, and after further investigation, they told me that they needed to replace the fuel pump and strainer. The day after they "fixed" it, my car shuddered again, and the engine light started blinking. So now they say there is a new misfire code. But then, all of a sudden, the shuddering stopped, but since the guy had felt the shuddering himself, he investigated further, and did pressure tests. They now think that I need to replace the head gasket. I bought the car about 8 months ago, and my mechanic checked it out first. They replaced the head gasket valve cover at that time, along with completing a tune-up, and then okayed the purchase.
So, here are my questions: Should they have realized that there was a deeper problem with the head gasket when they decided to replace the valve cover? They are giving me an estimate of $2200 to replace the head gasket; is this reasonable? And, now that the shuddering is gone, and the check engine light is off, do I need to replace the head gasket right away? Thanks!
So, here are my questions: Should they have realized that there was a deeper problem with the head gasket when they decided to replace the valve cover? They are giving me an estimate of $2200 to replace the head gasket; is this reasonable? And, now that the shuddering is gone, and the check engine light is off, do I need to replace the head gasket right away? Thanks!