QuestionGood. So I presume that the mechanic took the head off and is having it checked just to make that it wasn't(?) a bent valve and it was just a head gasket that blew?
He said he wanted to make sure that when he put it back together that there was not going to be any hidden problems.
So I am guessing he is doing this out of precaution (checking the heads and having it reworked)?
Don't know much about how this works and you always hear of someone being taken at the mechanic shop and I just don't want to be one of them. My bill with parts and labor is pushing $1,000.00. Is that about the right price?
Also, do you think it is a good idea to have the water pump replaced while the motor is tore down? I haven't had any problems but it hasn't been changed ever.
Please advise.
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
2001 Mits. Galant 2.4 engine. 120,000 miles
History: Balance belt broke, replaced balance belt and timing belt, engine firing but not starting, compression check indicated no fire on cylinder 3, thought we had bent valve, pulled head and 3 heads were leaking, mechanic said to be safe he sent head into to be reworked. Also replacing water pump. My question is could it just have been a blown head gaskets and not a bent valve? In addition, is it worth fixing? People keep telling me that I should just get new motor, but your talking some really big bucks. Please give me direction.
Answer -
No, I think your headed in the right direction. It is very likely that some valves would be damaged if the timing belt broke and it would cause the head to leak in at least three different places. It's not necessary to replace the entire engine. I don't know what the value of the car is, but I am sure it's better then having to buy another one that who knows what it will need. At least with your car, you know what you have. Hope this helps!
AnswerHi Terri,
A new head, ready to bolt on is $670 from the dealer, I would imagine the a remanufactured or rebuilt one would be half of that for the part. The book calls for 9.8 hours to install it. Plus the head set (gaskets). I charge $85 and hour just FIY. I think he is right in the neighborhood especially if that includes the other work you had done, the belts and stuff. My pet peeve is woman getting ripped off at a garage, so I would be going ballistic if I thought he was waxing you as I have done in the past! LOL No, Terri, I think you found a pretty honest, good mechanic that is actually trying to help you. I know it's a ton of money, but it sounds fair.
