Update:
I took the car to another mechanic who looked at me like I had two heads when I told them Beck's garage said my engine is shot and needs a rebuild. His exact words were "That's a good, clean engine". The new mechanic fixed the valve cover with a simple silicone (?) seal until the part comes in and the problem is, in fact, fixed. Simple, inexpensive.
In response to Beck's owner below, I'm curious why he would say replacing the valve cover wouldn't fix my valve leak problem when their own mechanic said that was the problem. Oil leaking from the broken valve cover is literally the problem, by their own account. Not only that, the guy I talked to (Zeke?) said specifically that they don't do that there after I asked it they could fix it. Which is it? Will that not fix my problem or do you not do that there? You should probably get your story straight.
Also, claiming that other mechanics are some sort of deviants who all have "girlie calendars" on their walls is childish and pretty unprofessional. And of course most shops are dirty. Those are hardworking mechanics who are busy actually repairing cars.
Original review:
I took my car here for an oil leak. I told the guy on the phone I had small amount of white smoke coming from the engine intermittently and that I suspected it was leaking from a valve as there's fresh oil around it and it's hitting the hot engine and smoking. After Beck's inspected it I was informed the timing belt was worn (which I was aware of) and that they really needed to get deeper into the engine to look around more because the engine is noisy (not why I brought it in), which was going to cost me, but ultimately I was told I would need a $5-6k engine rebuild because the engine is shot, but they don't do rebuilds there and don't know anyone that does (interesting). Which was quite a shocker for me as I've had the car for barely over 6 months and took it to two different mechanics for an inspection after purchase who both marveled at what great shape the engine is in, especially for a used car as old as it is (which is why I bought it). Strange how the engine went from very good to completely shot in such a short time. But what about the oil leak, I asked. That's why I came in there. He didn't have an answer and had to put me on hold and when he came back informed me that the leak was, indeed, coming from the valve cover. Well, can you fix it? No, I was told, they don't do that there. They don't do that there? What do they do there?
Here's the thing: the car is a beater, but I love it. It has some minor problems but is a reliable car even if it isn't a looker. But when you drive a beater there are some people that judge you. If you're driving a beater that isn't even from this millennium obviously you don't have any money, right? Funny thing, that. Some of us have plenty of money, due in part to driving beaters and not having to make car payments. I just wanted the oil leak fixed. Money wasn't an issue for me. Before you take your car here take a good look at pictures of the place, which I foolishly did not do. What do you notice? An emphasis on image. Lots of vintage decorations. Picture-perfect. This is an image-conscious mechanic not an actual repair-conscious mechanic. Fixing something as simple as a valve cover on a beater doesn't really vibe with their image. Had I pulled in there in a beamer I bet I'd be singing a different tune right now.
I'm going to take the car back to my old mechanic in Yukon, who I loved (I'm in Gatewood now, so it's quite a drive, which was why I was hoping to find a good mechanic who's closer), and see what he says about the engine. Either way, I know he's not above replacing a valve cover. read more