My father drove his coolant leaking from likely a craced intake manifold and seized the engine on the road. It smoked. It had 135000 miles with fairly regular oil changes. Is putting a rebuilt engine a worthwhile task or would you junk the car? The rest of the car is in a great shape...shame.
Any suggestions? Rebuild the seized motor? Put a rebuilt? Junk?
Thanks
Mike
I'd find a low-mile junk yard engine and install it (or have it installed). Junk yards usually give a 3-4 month type of warranty. Typical labor cost is about $600 plus the cost of the engine.
My recommendation is to check the following web site for a member near you. You'll be less likely to have a situation where the shop and junk yard owner can't seem to remember you when you go back.
Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association:
First of all, before making any decisions, you'll have to find out estimates on replacement engines plus installation. Don't go off half cocked in any direction.
Thanks for suggestions.
If I decide to sell the car how would you do it? Ebay? Call junk yard??
Mike
You could try selling it to a mechanic and let him rebuild the engine. But GET SOME ESTIMATES first!
You can call a few junkyards listed in your yellowpages and get quotes. Please let us know what they quote you.
FYI. An engine swap may be similar amounts of work with a tranny swap. Dunno. But check out the following excellent writeup about a Camry owner changing out his A140 tranny with a $375 low-mile junkyard tranny. The tool costs aren't worth it for one swap probably, but hey if you have mechanics friends to help out for a case of beer afterwards might work. ;) Maybe email him and see how that tranny's coming along.
Who knows, maybe your tranny will become the $375 tranny in somebody else's car. ;)
IF the car is in good/great shape, I would get a junkyard engine and put it in. Rebuilding the engine isn't worth it in the labor costs. A camery has a high resale value, so the base car is worth the repair. However, having a chain shop do the entire thing could cost in the 2-3000 range. They buy the engine from the junk yard and mark the price up, then add labor. Your best bet is buying the motor yourself and striking a deal with a mom and pop shop for a set price for the exchange. If you live in the west coast and you want more help, let me know. Fix the car!
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