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Could Improper Timing By Mechanic Have Destroyed Engine?  Or is it really a coincidence and caused by the intake manifold gasket?
My husband took our van in to a local shop to have all the gaskets replaced and to have the van inspected for any other issues (had to replace erg system) in anticipation of a cross country trip. Aside from issues with the valve cover gasket and intake manifold gasket – no mixing of liquids – there were no know issues reported by two other mechanics who had seen it shortly before it was brought to the garage. The van never overheated and oil pressure was always good.  The oil never looked diluted and there was no issue found when the oil service was done  2 months ago.  When my husband picked it up, it sounded off and the mechanic told him it was running hot, but that would resolve within 20 minuets of driving. By the time he got home, (40 minuets) there was an extreme loss of power, horrid clanking and no oil pressure. I could see the bottom pulley was wildly shaking and I found oil coming out of the rear and front seals which stopped when it cooled down. My husband knows nothing about cars so I was the one to see the oil pressure issue and could hear how off the timing was. The mechanic drove to our house two days later and adjusted the timing. He told me he did not use a timing light.  He then went on to tell me the failure was a coincidence and I need a new engine after paying him $900 for the work already done, including the check over to make sure the van was sound. The last time I spoke to him, he said the timing was retarded, but I am not convinced of this.  The mechanic said the damage was already done by the intake manifold leak.  I don’t understand why this damage only appeared once all the gaskets were replaced or why the mechanic didn’t catch on to the supposed damage before he did the work.  Nor do I understand why he sent my husband off in a vehicle that was running hot.  My cousin, the mechanic who looked her over a couple of weeks before when he replaced a tie rod end (he was the one who told me to have the seals replaced after he had pressure tested and what all) said the mechanic is likely at fault. However, he is my cousin and is suppose to be in my corner. I would like a second opinion before writing a demand letter to the mechanic who did the work.

Thanks for your time and attention.

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Road handling depends on many factors, more or less variable. Some are strictly related to how the car is actually built and how its characteristics contribute to better road handling. Others are external factors that are out of the control of the driver and the car, such as the weather conditions. There are also subjective factors such as how familiar the driver is with the car or how comfortable and stable his position and support is while driving. But, irrespective of all these factors, road handling problems occur and drivers must face them in traffic. It is vital that you have a car you feel comfortable with when driving and smaller cars are known to be much easier to handle. For any new driver it is important to learn in a smaller so that is easier to get to grips with driving. You can find many cheap smaller cars such as the Honda Jazz for sale on second hand car websites.
Bump Steer and Road Handling
Bump steer can be caused either by the wearing of the suspension or by the features of the suspension that cause it to rise and fall as a result of uneven road surfaces. The effects of bump steer depend on factors such as un-sprung weight, steering linkage, type of differential, tires, tire pressure, angular inertia, frame rigidity, and suspension type.
Excessive Load Transfer and Road Handling
Total weight transfer is calculated as the sum of the front and back in steady cornering. It is determined by the ration between the height of the car’s center of gravity and the axle track. The car will roll over if the weight transfer is the same as half of the loaded weight. In order to avoid such events, the steering of motors must be handled carefully and turn rate must be reduced. Road handling becomes even more difficult.
Slow Response and Road Handling
Road handling is affected by the slow response of motors when turned in a particular direction. Normally, motors react immediately to steering changes and that is why road handling is especially aggravated by slow response. Road response can be caused by body roll, high slip angle tires, yaw and roll angular inertia.