I bought a 1989 Nissan Maxima. I drove the car with no problems for 6 months. The timing belt went out on the car on the highway. I had the car towed and the timing belt replaced. The mechanic informed me that the valves were bent. I wanted to know if I should have the whole engine replaced, or if it's worth rebuilding the engine that is there. The car still runs, but it runs hard and it's very loud. I couldn't take the mechanics word, because he just kept wanting me to sell him the car for a few hundred dollars. I don't know if he's telling me to sell the car because it's really worthless. Or if he just wants my car!
2007-10-20 06:48:33 · 6 answers · asked by rlandryg 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the car seems to be worth the head job
2007-10-20 06:52:06 · answer #1 · answered by Herman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the valves replaced. At the very minmum get an estimate from several places. Without opening the engine you can't tell how bad the damage is. Don't drive it though. If you break off a valve and it drops into the engine you WILL need to replace the engine, no choice about it. Most of the cost for a valve replacement will be in labor as they have to tear off the head and possibly do some minor machine work.
After getting the estimates see if it's worth it to you to keep this car or buy a different one. keep in mind if you choose to buy a different one you can sell the current one, or trade it in.
Ignore runner up above. If a timing belt comes off at speed a common problem is bent valves. You can tell if there is valve damage without openeing the engine as well as it's a distinctive sound. Does the sound seem to be a very hard, very fast clicking sound? If so then because of the fact that your timing belt broke it's probably a couple of bent vavles.
2007-10-20 06:58:21 · answer #2 · answered by Adam F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that problem with my Neon a few years back . I could have killed the mechanic that told me I didn't have to change the timing belt .
Its really up to you , you may be without a car for about a week if you want to rebuild the engine , or just get a new car .
2007-10-20 06:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It purely relies upon on how a lot longer you want tochronic it. for a rapid fix replace the bent valves yet once you plan on making use of it for particularly some greater years than rebuild the engine. At 300000 miles you comprehend it is not going to run a great purchase longer.
2016-11-09 00:48:14 · answer #4 · answered by gurucharan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your car to a different mechanic. The guy who "fixed" your car put the belt on with the timing wrong. A small problem to fix for someone who knows how to do it. He faked the problem. You cannot tell if the valves are bent without taking the engine apart.
His intention is to resell your car for much more than he pays you. Take the car to someone who comes recommended.
Check your local Better Business Bureau for complaints.
2007-10-20 06:58:15 · answer #5 · answered by runner1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the total engine damage is. but probably just rebuild the head.$$$$$$$$$
2007-10-20 06:53:23 · answer #6 · answered by gearup 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋