95 Transport: Did the mechanic shaft me?

I've had the same mechanic for seven years and I had always trusted him but since I've enrolled in 'The Obama School of Mechanics' I am beginning to have serious doubts. He's replaced two ignition switches in the last three years and after the last one when I got my van back the wipers and the radio didn't work. That's when I started to have doubts. He said he would fit me in when he had time. That was over a year ago and I have since fixed the short myself.:runaround: Long story short, my water pump failed yesterday and I'm installing the new one one (I Hope). This water pump was replaced by the mechanic in 6/07 shouldn't a water pump last longer? I have also noticed that there are two bolts that were not in their designated spot(short ones), and there is a 1/16th in. gouge on the engine block where the old pump's blades rotate. The gouge is a half circle. How will that affect my engine and what about the metal shavings? I've only been doing these major repairs since may due to financial concerns so I don't have all the terminology down and I have a limited knowledge of mechanics. I've just been working from the Haynes manual and referencing this web site(which has been a lifesaver so far) so any input would be greatly appreciated because I really like the 3800 which is another reason I want to learn all I can.

Maybe he isn't the greatest.. But could be worse.. I have seen way worse too..

as for the water pump it is an easy replacement on the 3800 Vin L in the van.. The 1/16th gouge shouldn't kill you, but that does mean the pump was wearing and riding the timing cover surface... 1/16 shouldn't cause any real problems..

On the life of the water pump... It depends on what he bought... He could be using Reman parts as opposed to new.. We never use reman part on anything we work on, we simply buy brand new..

I get some parts from Advance Auto still as I have a Commercial account with them.. But for the most part we deal with Auto Value( Bumper To Bumper ) as we get good parts for a really good price... You would be amazed how much a shop will mark up the parts that they get great prices on.. I have seen them charge $70-$100 for $29 brake pads.. Let alone tearing someone a new one for the work performed..

The old pump doesn't have any distinguishing marks numbers or features so I guess that means a reman. I got the new pump from Advance Auto (shiny new) and My wife is picking up two replacment bolts. This is small town America and we all know each other so I don't think intentionally did it. I think he just has an "It'll Do" attitude. I am definately going to get to knowth wife's 2001 stratus better since he has also worked on that. I do have the 'L' 3800 and so far so good. The WP is a lot easier than sourcing out why the Ignition switch red wires were black and melted and I still havn't been confident in my skills enough to put the interior panels back on. What other things should I look at to ease the burden of 150,000 miles? I bought it at 85,000 and used to call it the 'Dustbuster On Wheels' as it symbolized my transition to father/husband, but since I've learned about the 3800 I'm really quite proud of my van and am going to christen her 'Betty Blue' (because Betty Teal doesn't have the same ring). By the way any info on the ALDL would be helpful I only have 3 wires and with an OBDI jack but the book says it is an OBDII????

LOL... I know how you feel..

What you have is a OBD1 Compliant 3800 powertrain... But GM was in the transition years... So it does use OBD1 protocol... Problem is that not all of the OBD1 scan tools will read this PCM.. You have to have a Tool that will read it.. The PCM in the 94-95 3800 Van does use the P0xxx codes like the OBD2 system.. So your van is transition of sorts where GM was getting ready for OBD2..

And don't worry I like my dustbuster soo much I made sure to make it more fun to drive..LOL