After noticing some squeaking coming from my engine and a bit of smoke out of my exhaust I decided that it was a good idea to take my CL to the dealership to get it checked out. What I was told (btw salvaged title) was that some idiot had driven a bolt that did not fit into the block that holds the alternator in place, causing it to sit crooked and squeak, the bolt was the wrong size and seized. If he tried to take the bolt out and stripped the threads the block was done(can't it just be rethreaded???). ANNND ontop of that my piston rings were starting to go.(didnt do a compression test)

So my question is... is this mechanic right or wrong, and can i fix it without spending a rediculous amount if hes wrong?

 

Did you ask him how exactly your engine would be done if he stripped the threads out? I think you can definately just re-tap it...unless there are coolant passages or something right next to the bolt hole. If you have smoke coming out the piston ring thing is probably not a lie, if you know how to do work on cars do a compression test yourself and see if it is or isn't in spec. Personally I believe piston rings could be replaced very easily and shouldn't take you more than a day or two.

 

Not a problem to any half assed mechanic. Easy re-tap job. The dealership wants your $$$$$.

 

The question is is why would that cause smoke to come out of the exhaust?

 

If your piston rings are worn (a compression test would indicate this) that would be the smoke issue. Who told you your rings were worn? It could be valve guides or valve seals. These are all oil burning issues. If it is white smoke it could be a coolant leak, like a head gasket. Find a good mechanic, not a dealership. Talk to people you know to recommend a mechanic. I can't help you up there in the Great White North. Sorry.

 

x2

 

Ya the mechanic seemed like he was just out for $$$$ but the smoke was blue so unless something else burns blue it must be oil. Trying to find a good mechanic whos not just looking to make a big bill is tough.

 

Blue? You throwing any EGR codes?