When we take our vehicle to a place to be repaired, we DO expect to get it back working correctly and that is not unreasonable..

There are times,however, when the person doing the repairs may not have been aware of what really happened if it was not brought to their attention.
If the shop only replaces parts without doing a little investigating, things like this DO happen.
I have never seen an engine that overheated produce damaged valve lifters. There may be more going on here than either of us know.

Did you notice on your bill if they changed the engine oil and filter, they should have !!! If foreign matter got into the system and was not filtered out it could have caused problems with the lifters.
It is not wise to criticize other shop's work without knowing all the info and circumstances. I realize this doesn't help you that much, but maybe you can work something out with the shop.

 

Yep, they changed oil and the filter and after I first brought it in the owner questioned me about when it got hot, how many times and for how long. This shop is right across the street from me so I was occasionally dropping in just to chat and as I remembered things about what happened I did tell him because he asked me to tell him if I could remember any additional details. Because the radiator first began leaking in August (I may be off on my dates as I can't remember completely) which a farmer friend replaced I only used my truck to go to local stores less than 7 miles away and it seemed to be running fine for a few weeks. So that put me in September '22 and it did not become a problem until I went to Little Rock 50 miles away. On that trip, driving with a my new radiator on the way home approximately 80 miles later traveling at speeds of 70 mph I looked down and noticed the temp gauge right at Hot so I pulled over. That is when I noticed water coming from the water pump, etc.... ( This is when I changed water pump., etc. I feel like I am repeating myself--sorry bout that).

Anyway, before I gave it to this shop my farmer friend came over and took my plugs out and had me hit the key. Water was coming out spark plug hole. So when I brought it to the shop my spark plugs were out, etc. The owner did tell me just the other day that when I brought my truck in they did not start it because the plugs were gone, but instead took my word for what had happened. He said in retrospect he wished he had heard it run. You see when I try to remember and explain to you how it sounded and what, when, where, I am going by my failing memory and I am legally deaf. I lost nearly all my hearing suddenly in 2017--Sudden Sensory Hearing loss. No hearing in left and only 20percent in right. I said that because when I attempt to explain how my truck sounded I am going by the only hearing I have in just one ear.

I am a very positive person and I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt because that is what I desire to be given. I get a lot of opinions from my friends and neighbors and some people seem angry and hate mechanics altogether. I do understand what you are saying Hanky and your suggestions, and explanations are so much appreciated and you are about the only person that has sounded reasonable and I realize you do not have a "dog in this fight" so to speak. So again, thank you! If I lose all the money I put in it I still believe I have won because I will be better prepared in the future going forward.
To be continued...

 

Here is the latest:

I just went to the shop and my truck was up on a rack and there is a hole the size of a quarter in the lower part of my engine. I was told it threw a rod! Oh well hell!!

The shop is now working up a quote on a short block...

Any suggestions? Not sure what to do...

 

I just found out my truck threw a rod. I saw a hole the size of a quarter! Now this shop is putting together a quote for a short block.

I don't have any idea if this is the way to go or not. I feel like I am gambling at a casino where I have just lost a few thousand bucks and I am trying to win some back.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Many times folks while attempting to be helpful can somehow manage to put more gasoline on the fire, so be cautious regarding advice received / suggested.

Your vehicle,
The engine is destroyed and another engine is required.
You do have some choices, however, and maybe we can list some of them.
1. You can go the route of replacing the engine with a short block which will use some of the usable parts from your original engine.
2. You can request the shop find a good engine from a salvage yard.
The short block will be expensive and if done properly should provide good service and a reasonably long life
The salvage yard engine will be much cheaper , but can last a long time or not as long as we would like, depending on the condition and warranty.
There is a third choice of a remanufactured engine which probably be the most expensive, but comes with the best warranty.
Considering the year and condition of your vehicle and mileage only you can determine which choice best suits your circumstances.
Your shop will most likely do as you request, but always best to discuss the options with them.