Should I replace intake manifold and serpentine belt in my Camry?

Question

A Toyota dealership told me that the noise overriding my engine noise and the result of my car skipping was my intake manifold and serpentine belt were broken. My questions:

* Should I trust what my mechanic is saying

* What if I don't get these two parts replaced? Will it damage my car further?

* Any idea on how much this should cost?

Thanks,

Answer 1

I'd get a second opinion quickly!

I don't know what type of engine noise you were hearing, and I'm not sure what you mean by the car was skipping. (was the engine jumping? Did it seem like one of the pistons wasn't firing?)

A serpentine belt drives the accessories. Your battery light should be on in your car if the serpentine belt broke because it would mean the alternator is no longer charging the battery.
You A/C wouldn't work and you wouldn't have power steering.

Not sure on the justification on replacing the intake manifold. This isn't a common replacement item, but usually an intake manifold leak would cause a HIGH idle situation. You would hear a vacuum leak and a good mechanic would explain it this way.

If your engine seemed jumpy? Ready to stall? Have the fuel filter checked and injectors cleaned.

If it really seems like it's missing (skipping?) get a compression test done to analyze the condition of the engine. Make sure all cylinders have good wet and dry compression ratios. (No worn rings or valves) and make sure the plugs aren't fouled and wires are in good condition.

Please get a second opinion before doing any work!

Answer 2

loll OK the serp belt being broken. the alt would not run nor would power steering and the ac. yes is will damage more stuff if you don't fix it. this is the part of the net that scares me. if you don't trust this guy for what ever reason then take it to some place else. but this doesn't sound to far off. i would bet that you haven't had much of you maintenance done. and you probably always say no to when some one tells you that some thing is about to break and don't ever have it fixed. And if you don't have it fixed that will be a nice 2000lbs jap paper weight.

the belt should not be more then 150$
I need more info on the intake. cleaning replace etc.
but just fix it.
that is one of the best cars on the market. very rarely do anything happen to those car use less the customer refuses to keep up with it.