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 06:53:58 · 7 answers · asked by rlandryg 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Depending on the mileage on the engine, you may be able to get buy with replacing the bent valves, or having the head rebuilt. If the car has over 150,000 miles I would consider putting in a used engine, rather than having the head replaced. When you redo the head, you can increase the compression and this may cause a failure of the rings or rod bearings!
Either rebuild the engine or put in a used one. with th car being 19 years old, I would put a used engine in it if I were going to have the repairs done!
2007-10-20 07:16:50 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would do a cost comparison. How much will it cost to replace the engine vs a top end rebuild vs replacing the valves. Any of those would work, but you have to find out if it would be more practical and cheaper to just get a nother car.
2007-10-20 08:11:05 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if the valves are bent then you need a new head. and when you pull the head off make sure that there isn't damage to the top of the pistons . if there isn[t get another head and replace the head gasket and install the head and you should be fine .
2007-10-20 08:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I recommend checking kelly book on this car first .Consider repair cost verses replacement of the car and what might be owed on it and consider selling to the mechanic and buy a different car.Work the numbers and win.
2007-10-20 07:02:11 · answer #4 · answered by (A) 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think I would just try to sell it and get newer car that is in better condition.
To pay somebody to fix it may be more than the value of the car.
2007-10-20 07:04:00 · answer #5 · answered by Evgeni 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if it's an interference motor the pistons could be damaged. make sure if it's an interference motor. if not heads... or even having the valves replaced would work fine
2007-10-20 07:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by mopar 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The heads need top be rebuilt.
That is all.
2007-10-20 06:59:43 · answer #7 · answered by cgriffin1972 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋