I have a Ford Focus ZX3 2003 and the engine was overheating. I went to a mechanic and he told me that the Coolant Bottle, T-State & Gasket need to be replaced because the Coolant Bottle was leaking. I was pretty sure it was not because I filled it with antifreeze few days ealier when I noticed that something is going on and it was full when he was checking it, so I was pretty sure it was ok. He was pretty sure about it so I just replaced all that and he charged me $ 296.

After about a week or less the car started overheating again, but it seemed like it was worst than before. There was also a smell of burning rubber coming from under the hood. It was in the middle of the summer time and I live in Las Vegas, NV and it gets really hot outside if that might be a factor. I went back and the guy told me that i need to replace AC Compressor and Reciver Drier – he told me that he can do it for $1300 but then went down to $900. I asked around and I found few places in $500 – $600 range. But thats not the most important thing.
I am wondering if replacing AC Kit has something to do with actual overheating problem. Is this something that is connected or not. I am asking because I had another problem with my car now and I was at a different shop and they are telling me completly something else. I dont want to get into too many details about it because it is even more complicated, but I am trying to figure out what is what. He charged me for diagnostics, replaced parts that did not need to be replaced and told me to fix AC in order to prevent the car from overheating. Does that make any sense? Thank you.