tangofox, hardly xray worthy, the point was that a knowlegable mechanic would have the experience to know that bolts around that suspect area are suseptible to elements that cause higher risk of breakage.
When my mechanic replaced my thermostat, he warned me that this area has to be carefully negotiated in order to avoid bolt breakage. Then, afterward he lightly coated the bolt thread with lubricant in order to avoid future problems.

So, if this 'radiator' specialist did not vocalise a heads up, it MAY follow that they had no concern about muscling off bolts, devil may care.

The latter is purely speculative.

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
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1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD