So on the way to work today

Kinja'd!!! "pdx107" (pdx107)
01/15/2014 at 12:03 • Filed to: None

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 15

The timing belt went out on my 03 galant. Most likely needs a new engine because of it being an interference engine or whatnot? So 2k or so to get a sued one or 3k for a new one... I say new... what say you?

It just hit 150k miles yesterday =(


DISCUSSION (15)


Kinja'd!!! Chris Clarke > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 12:05

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How fast were you driving and how long did it run until shutdown. If your lucky a top end rebuild will be the cheapest fix.


Kinja'd!!! RacecaR > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 12:06

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Time to swap in a 6a13TT.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > Chris Clarke
01/15/2014 at 12:08

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Shop didn't mention that. Was going about 45 mph or so and it ran maybe another 80-100 yards?


Kinja'd!!! Chris Clarke > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 12:12

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The issue is when the valves contact the pistons. Did they damage the piston enough to warrant a rebuild? Did the valves only bend, or did they break and pieces fall into the engine scoring piston walls and tearing rings?

You might be on the border, but its worth asking.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > Chris Clarke
01/15/2014 at 12:55

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They don't know without opening it up, and that of course costs money, bleh.


Kinja'd!!! The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 13:30

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Avoid the legal battles and get a new engine.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
01/15/2014 at 14:31

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legal battles?

or just get a new car


Kinja'd!!! The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 14:40

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"So 2k or so to get a sued one or 3k for a new one..."


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
01/15/2014 at 14:43

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I meant used... I can't type when i am tired


Kinja'd!!! JasonStern911 > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 15:36

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Not sure where you are getting a $2k price for a used motor unless the core is being rebuilt. www.car-part.com has several for much less than that. Just make sure to replace the timing belt while the motor is out before swapping it in.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > JasonStern911
01/15/2014 at 15:46

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I just got quotes

2748 for used engine w/ Labor

3668 for new engine w/ labor

Or I go buy a used Carolla or a new Dart


Kinja'd!!! JasonStern911 > pdx107
01/15/2014 at 16:04

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And I'm just saying the used quote seems high unless it includes stripping the block, having the block tanked and decked, valves reground, crank polished, new bearings, cylinders honed, new rings, new timing belt, new water pump, etc. And if it does include all of that, you need to justify whether you intend on keeping the car long enough to justify that expense.

A cheaper option would be to check and see if the shop will allow you to source a long block. Most will with the caveat that they won't warranty it. Then, use car-part.com to find a good condition long block and just replace the timing belt, water pump, and the "cheap and easy to get to now but not when the engine is in the car" gaskets (such as the front and rear main seals). That should get you closer to ~$600 for a junk yard long block, ~$250 shipping, and ~$800 in labor/misc. parts presuming you are using an independent mechanic and not a dealership.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > JasonStern911
01/15/2014 at 16:09

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True, that does sound better in a way, just, at this point, especially with some minor (for now) transmission issues, I think it just makes more sense for me to get something new.
The worst part is there really aren't any new cars in my price range I even like


Kinja'd!!! JasonStern911 > pdx107
01/17/2014 at 00:31

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No shame in that. Something similar was how I finally sold my 200k mile 1990 Eagle Talon.

Question at this point for you then is whether you can get more parting the car out, or getting it running and selling it as-is.


Kinja'd!!! pdx107 > JasonStern911
01/17/2014 at 10:34

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I could probably get more for it running as is, IF and only IF the engine doesn't go to hell once I get the belt replaced. I am probably just going to scrap it to save me the hassle and the fact it is at a shop sitting int heir lot and not at my house