Since I've gotten answers that indicate I should have my engine rebuilt or replaced rather than repairing a blown head gasket on a Dodge Caravan with 150,000 miles, can anyone give me an idea what that's going to cost, so I'm prepared when I talk to the dealer tomorrow.
Thanks for all your advice everyone!
2006-12-03 11:08:50 · 6 answers · asked by Audrey H 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
What size engine do you have? Make sure that whatever caused the coolant leak is repaired also. You may want to look into a good used motor (lower miles) to save some money!
2006-12-03 11:11:52 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WHY?
if the head gasket has blown just fix it
If it has not caused other damage there is no advantage to rebuilding the engine
ask some Q's
before the head gasket failure did the engine run ok? YES
did it have plenty of power? YES
did it burn excessive amounts of oil? (did you top up with oil each week?)NO
were there any strange noises?NO
when the HG failed did you drive a long distance when over heating?NO
if your ans are as I have indicated just fix the gasket
I am in the UK but guess your Dodge is the V6 3200 or similar
The H gasket replacement is expensive
rebuilding the engine will be 3 - 4 times the cost or more
rebuilding the engine will probably exceed the value of the van
Don't use a dealer for the repair
ask friends of a good local repairer and speak to them
if you have not driven the van whilst of heating excessively you are unlikely to need an engine rebuild
My advise is save your money just fix what is broken!!
dont spend more than the value of the van
2006-12-03 19:28:16 · answer #2 · answered by benji 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Either fit a reconditioned engine or get a good one from a reputable breaker, take someone with u who knows about engines.
If ur vehicle is in excellent order and u wish to keep it, then I suggest u fit a recon engine but beware of garages who do shoddy repairs. Do u have a decent local garage u use? if so take their advice.
Good Luck Jimmy Essex England
Let me know how u get on.
2006-12-03 19:28:34 · answer #3 · answered by DIAMOND_GEEZER_56 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
considering you have a dodge caravan, I would buy a new or used one. The dodge caravan has very little resale value and is basically worthless. The money involved in rebuilding an engine is quite costly and may be cheaper to buy another used one...
2006-12-03 19:21:25 · answer #4 · answered by jamesdperrino 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rebuilding an engine form scratch is a big job and very complicated. But to rebuild an engine from scratch would cost about $1500-$2000.
2006-12-03 19:26:27 · answer #5 · answered by Mr Otter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you have to ask, you cant afford it.
2006-12-03 19:36:42 · answer #6 · answered by mehboobahmad 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋