I have a 1998 Ford Taurus with the duratec engine. The oil light came on and I couldn't get it to go off. On my way to work that morning, the car cut off on me and I took it to get an oil change. The light went off for a day and came back on. The car has been parked since. I was told it may be an oil intake valve and not the oil pump. It also has a small oil leak and has an exhaust leak and needs a doughnut. I don't know what to do with it. Should I get it fixed, rebuild or replace the engine? I was told I may have warped the heads (I think). Please help!!!!!!!
2007-02-02 02:01:32 · 11 answers · asked by hidentrees 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It might be worth fixing...I would take it to a diagnostic center and have them look at it...only a certified mechanic can tell you for sure what your real problem is and how to fix it...I had a Taurus and every time I drove it the damn thing would over heat...eventually this led to transmission problems...every one told me that I should just get another car...I stuck by what my mechanic told me and had the transmission and radiator (and the thermostat) changed out. The car was excellent after that and I was really happy that I didn't have to buy another car with who knows what kind of problems. In the end it cost me about $2,000 to fix, and that's probably how much I would have had to spend to purchase another vehicle. Good Luck!
2007-02-02 02:17:42 · answer #1 · answered by Shannon M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way to tell with the information you have given. Did the engine overheat? When the oil light was on (and by the way, NEVER drive a vehicle with the oil light on EVER) did it clatter and perhaps smoke before it quit?
If the answer to the above is no, if it still actually has oil in it (that's the first thing you checked, right?) it may be just a bad sending unit, and some minor repairs would get you going again.
On the other hand, if the answer is yes, if you are now completely out of oil because of a massive leak somewhere, and you got it as hot as the hubs of hell driving it, you're looking at engine replacement.
2007-02-02 02:09:53 · answer #2 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pricewise it's about the same - at the very least you will need to replace the crank kit and oil pump. This will require transmission - and likely engine - re-installation. By the time you are done, you'll end up with a questionable engine because you don't know if there is any damage to the cylinders and pistons caused by metal debris. If you get a rebuilt engine from a legit source, you also get some kind of warranty.
But the idea to get a good vehicle (i.e. not ford) somebody else has outlined sounds much better than the alternative.
2007-02-02 03:10:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may not have to rebuild or replace the engine. Get a couple estimates to fix the oil problem. An exhaust leak isn't too complicated ..... just means getting that part of the exhaust system replaced ..... new pipe, gasket whatever.
You have to estimate how much you really want to spend to keep the car running ...... or replace it. If the car is normally reliable and I wanted to keep it ... I would probably set a limit of $1000 or so to fix it.
This car saves you on insurance ..... a newer one with a loan ... you would have to carry collision. Think of what replacing this car will cost you and make a decision based on your finances and preferences.
2007-02-02 02:14:09 · answer #4 · answered by burlingtony 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't go so far as to rebuild or replace the motor. Take it to a mechanic and get an estimate on what it would take to fix it. It's a lot cheaper to replace an intake valve or an oil pump than it is to rebuild the entire motor. Oh yeah, unless you know quite a bit about motors, I would get a couple of opinions from mechanics, so you don't get ripped off.
2007-02-02 02:15:13 · answer #5 · answered by Texas Pineknot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the oil dip stick to see if the level is where it should be. It says full on the stick. Is there black smoke pouring out of the exhaust? when the car stopped, what happened? Was there white smoke? Black smoke? Any strange sounds? Any oil puddle under the car? You shouldn't need a rebuild unless the engine is frozen. How many miles on that puppy?
2007-02-02 02:13:40 · answer #6 · answered by zocko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a remanufactured engine might be better because even after you repair the original engine, you dont know what stress the engine block took. also consider # The labor of removing the engine and replacing it in the vehicle. # The cost of the rebuild or the replacement engine, in both parts and labor. # Various auxiliary parts that you will have to install to get the rebuilt or new engine running - belts, hoses, plugs, filters, oil, coolant, etc.
2016-05-24 04:58:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only want to do all of that work if you want to keep the car another 10 years, (and if the body is in good condition). If you like it replace the engine (faster to replace with rebuilt engine than to pay someone to rebuild yours) The only reason to keep the same engine is if you think it is going to be a classic and you need the VIN numbers to match to keep its value (which is what I am doing with my 1969 truck)
2007-02-02 02:09:19 · answer #8 · answered by startrektosnewenterpriselovethem 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did it overheat? if it did dont rebuild... if you can find a mechanic to put in a junkyard motor maybe. but its an old car. id junk or sell it and buy a running car...rebuilds can nickle and dime you till u spend twice what the car is worth.....car prob needs other stuff .. dont throw your $ away
2007-02-02 02:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get rid of car and get a new one
2007-02-02 02:07:51 · answer #10 · answered by bbh4r4l 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋