You didn't mention exactly what he did for the $1500.00. No mechanic (or wannabe) is going to cut corners on a rebuild and have it come back on purpose. Loosing the lower end in 500 miles just dosen't sound right if it was redone and put back together correctly, had good oil pressure and ran normal temps.
If his work did not involve refurbishing the lower end and he re-did a weak valve train/heads, the additional stress could have been a contributing factor. I've seen it happen more than once.
I agree with 53monster that he was probably joking. Unless he's a complete idiot he's not going to blab to a customer that he doesn't have the knowledge or equipment to do the job he's getting paid to do.
Stuff breaks.....if he's responsible then he should suck it up and he knows that. If the lower end wasn't done at all, then he's probably going to balk. I'd give him a chance to check things out first. If you're expecting him to pay for a 500 mile tow job to get the bus back to his shop to check it out....well, good luck with that!!!
A really frustrating situation for both you and the mechanic. Hope you can get it resolved without a court battle.
Dave
