Ok,
I thought that this guy was giving me a fair deal until my latest problem.
A few days ago, the engine jerked a few times while driving on the highway, and then shut off. I coasted to the shoulder, called for a tow and couldn't figure out what was wrong. When I tried to start it back up, it started to turn over, but sounded like it wasn't getting any fuel.
I thought it might be the fuel pump, but didn't know and had it taken to the mechanic.
He checked it out and told me that it was the cap and rotor, had them replaced and it is running fine. The trouble is that he charged me $55 for parts and $155 for labor. And then he tried to upsell me on a new radiator claiming that I had a leak. I have noticed some fluid coming out, but thought that it was a leaky power steering unit (it wasn't green, so I never thought antifreeze)
Let me backtrack a little...As part of my routine maintenance, I replaced the cap and rotor myself a few weeks ago. I went at least 3000 miles without any problems. 21 mpg and no trouble at all.
If a cap and rotor go out, is this what happens (just dies as you're driving)? Also, having replaced them myself in 20 minutes, it is hard to believe that it would take a professional an hour of labor and $85 in diagnostics to get to this problem.
Nonetheless, it works (so far).
Is it possible that I could have incorrectly installed the cap and rotor, but still managed to eek out 3000 miles without any problem?
Thanks for any help.