My 1996 Blazer blew a head gasket. I took it to a reliable mechanic that had the heads shaved and replaced the gaskets. When my truck was completed it ran nicely for two days, then developed a ticking in the engine. I brought the blazer back to the mechanic and he said it was a bad lifter, he order new lifters, replaced them, but still I have a ticking in my engine. He told me that a rod bearing was shot and I would need to replace the entire engine.
He did not replace the oil before starting the engine for the first time. He told me to change the oil and that would stop it from ticking. I brought it to a quick oil change shop and they would not touch it.
I did numerous hours researching my 4.3 vortec engine and I read that the engine oil must be replace before starting it for the first time. I messaged the mechanic who worked on my truck and he responded "do you think this is the first f*cking engine I have worked on" I was beside myself and responded "see you in court".
He believes I owe him 400.00 remaining on the labor, but I believe he should replace my entire engine. I am desperate for an answer to my question.
The mechanic was a back yard mechanic with 20 years experience restoring engines, do I pay him the balance or not?