i have a mechanic working on replacing my intake manifold gasket and im not sure if i trust him...could he use stop leak or something else on a large leak from the gasket and have it work for a couple of days to pretty much rip me off?

 

Sure he could, but if you're that worried about him, why did you choose him?

 

just got laid off as a sheet metal worker and im broke and had no other option...

 

your a sheet metal worker, but you cant change a basic gasket? you got to re-evaluate your choices IMO

 

someone could easily temporarily fix almost anything on a vehicle just to rip you off. if you think that he would do that then you really should not have trusted him. Like the guy before me said..... Your a sheet metal worker and couldnt change a simple gasket? Not to be rude bro but if you were just laid off then you have all the time in the world to do it yourself I would think.

 

i wasnt trying to be rude either, i just hate to see people get small minded and screw themselves. there isnt ANYTHING in this world someone cant do themselves.

 

Okay, let's not be evaluating a stranger's ability or knowledge to do a particular job. Without being trained there are a ton of things that none of us would be able to do correctly.
To the OP, be sure the mechanic warranties his work at least 30 days. You can look at the area around where the manifold bolts on to see if it looks like it was cleaned of dirt and grime, plus I've always noticed a new smell to an engine after a take-apart-and-replace job was done on it. Beyond that, you'll probably just have to go on faith that he is professional and honest.

 

Everyone can't be good at everything, let's give him the benefit of the doubt on changing gaskets. I could never believe the number of people who would pay me to put on their own spares when I worked on the thruway. Yes it's "possible" he could use stop leak to solve the problem, but hopefully your mechanic has a bit of self respect. Oddly enough, since I do my own work, if someone asked me to recommend a good mechanic in this area I'm always at a loss.

 

there is a good deal involved in the replacing the lower intake gaskets
would you know how to mark the distributor?
yea i'm sure there are books and write ups on the web but nothing beats experience,

elgringo you need to re-evaluate your postings on here

this is the second thread i've seen you post negative comments to people there is really no need for it