Serpentine belt issue cost me $6000

[gailsherv]

I recently bought my dad's well-maintained 2002 Explorer and had the serpentine belt replaced as advised by a mechanic before setting off to California. At Salt Lake City, the engine overheated and the block cracked and I had to pay for a new engine...$6000!!
As a woman driver (with a PhD!!), I have to say I know little about these belts but the mechanic in Utah says the belt was installed improperly. The mechanic in Calgary of course maintains it's not possible to install wrong, so we're at a stalemate. I have the tensioner and the metal is carved up, indicating that the belt was rubbing.
Can anyone help me with this? I need to form a defense so I can get my money back!!! Help!!

 

[jprentice94]

he is not a mechanic if it installed wrong the diagram is under or on hood the only way It seems to make sense to me is it was slipping not tightened enough or to tight and when it slips its not driving the water pump causing antifreeze to not move through the engine causing overheating now the water pump may have been going bad and finally went out causing overheating. so I thin I answered your question but kinda don't understand the question

 

[FR-425]

We have good lawyers in California!

Try to get a written statement from the mechanic in Utah. If he declines, inform him of your intent to subpoena him to come testify in a California court.

The Calgary mechanic may not be able or willing to show up in court, if he does not, the case will be ruled in your favor.

He would then have the burden off proof to clear himself of liability. If he can't or won't he'll be pay'n.

As it is you will have to demonstrate that the failure was due to the workmanship not an unrelated failure caused by another part, such as the tensioner pulley.

For a $6,000 claim you do not necessarily need a lawyer.

Just file in claims court to get the ball rolling.

Claim only the amount of the new engine. The Judge may, if you win, add on to it for the lost time, income, hotels, court costs etc. Especially if he losses his mind in court and you remain emotionaly calm.

Maybe some tears, yes, tears always work on me!