So, I took it to the dealer...

[drag214]

So, I have been having trouble with my LS over heating. Replaced some lines and put everything back together. Started bleeding. I started to get heat from the vents then the coolant started boiling before I could finish bleeding the system. I thought I had the wrong mixture of coolant. So I drained and started again. Same outcome.
I gave in and took it to the dealer. There they found the thermostat housing was cracked. $890.00 to replace. Ok. Today I get a call that It's still overheating. The mechanic says it's a restriction in the radiator. I think that is very likely but in order for them to find out it'll cost another $800.00.
My question is should I go up there and take my car back and do the radiator job myself?

 

[BlackLS06]

That sounds like a total rip off.

I call them stealerships.

 

[joegr]

I've seen others post that the AC lines have to be discharged and the condenser disconnected to remove the radiator. If so, the moves it out of the practical DIY range for most. However, the service manual says that the condenser has to be moved slightly to get it out of the way, but it doesn't have to be disconnected, so no AC discharge required.

Personally, I'd do it myself. I got a quote of $900 labor and $500 parts to replace the cracked thermostat housing and some of the other plastic that often cracks. I replaced all those parts plus the hoses plus the belt for $500 in parts and 1/2 day of my time. Of course, I didn't have to mess with the radiator.

 

[Andrizzle]

You paid 900 dollars for them to change your thermostat??

I would laugh and buy a brand new radiator and save what i could since it sounds like they already got you.

 

[joegr]

You paid 900 dollars for them to change your thermostat??

I would laugh and buy a brand new radiator and save what i could since it sounds like they already got you.

It was more than the thermostat. It was also the thermostat housing including the outlet pipe, I suspect. $900 is probably fair labor for that, but it is something that most could do themselves in a day or less, with a few specific tools.

 

[rwurst918]

Hey Joegr. Didn't you warn me about changing the housing and outlet pipe before they go bad when I changed out my thermostat? I did that and you were correct. I only spent a total of 180 for the parts and did the labor in about two hours. Goes to show you no good deed goes left unpunished. Good Luck.