I know we have some very knowlegable guys on this forum, I need some input and advice on a problem with my sons 98 camaro, my vette is ok for now. Awhile ago his camaro developed a coolant problem. We were losing coolant with no visible leaks. The repair shop we use said we needed  a new intake manifold gasket. We had them repair the car but a few days later we developed a noise when the car was started up  when it was cold, it sounded like a valve tappet or bearings, but went away after it warmed up. This is a key issue, he never changed the oil. my son works in a auto parts store and is in contact witha lot of garages and mechanics,

He definitely should have changed the oil if there was an internal coolant leak.  That doesn't mean the damage wasn't already done by the time it was diagnosed.  Coolant (primarily the ethlene glycol type) and engine bearing do not get along to say the least. 

You'll have a tough time proving the damage wasn't already done...it may have been.

Tony,

Anyone in the business of replacing manifold or head gaskets that were leaking anti-freeze, has to cognizant of the problems with the contaminated oil mix. He should have changed out the oil and anti-freeze. He would have had to charge for that also. Wow it's going to be a tough battle for you to prove though. He'll just say that you were told to do it. I hope things work out for you, but I have serious doubts.

I agree with the previous posts. No doubt, the oil and filter should have been changed. But the damage was probably already done.

Scott

I had checked the oil when we first noticed the coolant leak.the oil seemed to be clean no coolant in oil pan as far as i can see. the noise started afew days after the gasket was changed, but I understand what you guys are saying the damage may have already started.

I think your real question now is this the guy you want working on your stuff? I don't think that he will stand up and say that he is to blame for the root cause but it would be interesting to understand why the oil was not changed.

Sorry to read your troubles and hope that you will find somebody reliable to make the proper repairs.

[QUOTE=Tuxblacray]I think your real question now is this the guy you want working on your stuff? I don't think that he will stand up and say that he is to blame for the root cause but it would be interesting to understand why the oil was not changed.

Sorry to read your troubles and hope that you will find somebody reliable to make the proper repairs.
[/QUOTE]

I talked to the owner the other day and he even said the oil should of been changed, the coolant was changed, also said theres no way of knowing how long it was leaking and the damage as you guys said may be already done. he offered to work something out  with a remanufactured engine at his cost and something with the labor. I have been going to them for 9 years and have all 6 cars serviced there, even the vette. Never