QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mark - you may remember I had written you about my Ford and its cold start issue. Well I took it to a AAA certified mechanic and he diagnosed it as a failing head gasket. He refused to even attempt to repair it as he couldn't guarantee the results.
Sure enough - it's mixing coolant and oil and now the check engine light is on. <sigh>
I've been looking at used cars in teh $4K range and they basically have issues that just have made me want to ask you a question.
I love my car. It's got 70K miles, absolutely no rust on exterior and the undercarriage is rock solid. It has new tires, sound clutch, new fuel pump, water pump...the ONLY issue is the head gasket and probably the engine (due to mixing of fluids.) I would rather buy either a warrantied used engine or more likely a re-manufactured one and have the Ford rebuilt. I've found several re-manufactured engines for around 1,600...a new one runs around 2,500. I have a budget of 3000, so new is not an option. How many hours of labor is normally involved?
Would the radiator need to be replaced to?
Also, I found a used engine with 2 year warranty - it has 31K on it and runs $984. This is NOT from a junk yard - I won't go that route.
I'm thinking its safer to buy re-manufactured?
Thanks for you time!! I do appreciate it!!
ANSWER: i would definitely recommend rebuilt over used-i only use jasper engines rebuilt engines in my shop w/install kit-jasper engines are expensive but come with a 3yr-100,000 mile parts and labor warranty up to 55.00 per hour and extended coverage can be purchased from jasper-i have had very good luck with them over the last 20 years-yes every now and then we have a problem but jasper has never failed to cover it satisfactorily
the install kit includes most everything you would need when replacing an engine-plugs/wires/upper and lower hoses/thermostat/water pump/air/fuel and oil filters/pcv valve/etc.-as far as used is concerned i have replaced some as a matter of fact i have a dodge caravan at the shop now we replaced the trans in and it lasted 2 weeks-i feel for the customer (we also replaced his engine earlier in year and he has had no problems) but i do not warranty labor on used parts what so ever and i don't recommend mechanical used parts its always a gamble. note jasper is expensive but one of the best out there.
good luck!!!
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QUESTION: THANKS!! One last question - how many hours of labor should I anticipate, so I can budget? The average labor cost is $60 here...
Thank you so much!!
Answer12-14 hours of labor should cover it-radiator aren't expensive anymore-but aren't the quality they use to be either-but if you can afford it i would replace it at this time because of age and stress of overheating-but if not have it flushed good. your welcome and good luck.
