About $750 to rebuild my SOHC

[Neejay]

My mechanic said it'd be $500 to replace/install a headgasket kit, water pump, and do a timing chain job. About a month ago, anti-freeze started running from my oil pan, no white smoke, no bogging on startup, just started leaking out the clear blue. I have to buy the parts though which will be about $250 (felpro headgasket kit, OEM timing chain parts, and a water pump from my autoparts store). I got 153 on all 4 cylinders when I did a compression check about 2 months ago (unless I screwed up the test some how).

If Im not gonna be doing any heavy modding, just i/h/e, do you think its worth it to fix this sohc for $750 and have a semi-new engine? People have said to chance it and get a DOHC, but keep in mind I have to pay for labor. The thing is, if I get a DOHC although its newer, nothing would be rebuilt or replaced.

[240marcuSX]

or you could just replace it with another sohc, and if you can do it yourself, itll be cheaper than the rebuild

[yellow_jacket]

Was the timing chain making noise before this happened? If so, the chain probably ate through the front cover. This is a fairly common problem for the sohc motors. A few more details like how much coolant you are loosing and how quickly would be useful in helping you diagnose your problem.

[IveBeenBad]

have your mechanic do the DOHC head swap for you. This will yield you a fresher motor, higher compression, and a big *** smile on your face.

[Neejay]

Was the timing chain making noise before this happened? If so, the chain probably ate through the front cover. This is a fairly common problem for the sohc motors. A few more details like how much coolant you are loosing and how quickly would be useful in helping you diagnose your problem.

Yep, thats what I think happened too. Like I said, there wasnt any warning. I let the car idle after installing a CAI, and the anit-freeze started running from the oil pan seal. Theres a new puddle everyday. I havent started the car since.

have your mechanic do the DOHC head swap for you. This will yield you a fresher motor, higher compression, and a big *** smile on your face.

Thats a little more money and effort than Im willing to dish out right now.

[Arrow]

personally, I would say to rebuild your SOHC. I would believe a DOHC swap would cost you more since you would have to buy the engine and pay for installation.. and sometimes there are some problems that are encountered in doing the swap... to do the DOHC head swap would be more trouble for you IMO. And by rebuilding your SOHC at least you will have the peace of mind knowing that most has been replaced or at least checked. Just my two cents, hope it goes well for you!

[Neejay]

personally, I would say to rebuild your SOHC. I would believe a DOHC swap would cost you more since you would have to buy the engine and pay for installation.. and sometimes there are some problems that are encountered in doing the swap... to do the DOHC head swap would be more trouble for you IMO. And by rebuilding your SOHC at least you will have the peace of mind knowing that most has been replaced or at least checked. Just my two cents, hope it goes well for you!

Bingo, Bingo, Bingo. You're the first person to note EVERY point of my argument versus doing a dohc swap. lol. Thats weird.

[sdtouge]

iwouldnt rebuild your sohc. mine had a blown head gaket, and i felt the same way. rebuild it (sorta) and it will be all fresh and stuff. it blew another hg.

it is very likely that you also have a warped haed, that will be almost 200 bucks to get shimed down.

a dohc swap wil be about the same pice, if not maybe a little cheaper.

[Neejay]

iwouldnt rebuild your sohc. mine had a blown head gaket, and i felt the same way. rebuild it (sorta) and it will be all fresh and stuff. it blew another hg.

it is very likely that you also have a warped haed, that will be almost 200 bucks to get shimed down.

a dohc swap wil be about the same pice, if not maybe a little cheaper.

How long in between rebuilding it did it blow another HG?

I dont see how I could have a warped head, it never overheated and I never drove it when it started leaking.

[sdtouge]

i was like 4 weeks sitting, then like three days of driving.

really wack.

if you havnet driven it much, it might not be warpeed, but even if it is a little of you need to fix it. but definantly get it checked. mine was 7/1000th off, i think normal blown hg are 3/1000 (around there).io would say if your heads warped go dohc, if its not then replace the hg, water pumpmand stuff. you should tra and do it youraelf though, youll save about 350 bucks...

[sdtouge]

153 on all 4 your hg might not be blown...et a leakdon test, that will give you a better idea of if you have a blown hg.

if you dont have a blown hg why would youm replace it? i beleive you do have one bc of the coolant in the oil, but if its not overheating you never know.....

[Neejay]

Well my mechanic said that the engine is flooded now (I guess basically the coolant has soaked into the the engine).

It is possible right?

[sdtouge]

well flooded would noramally be concerning fuel, but its probably possible....

what can happen though is the pistons can start to corrode an almost rust...

i dont trust mechanics, for the most part they are pretty shady, some are aewsome though.

do you have any friends that are local and know about cars???

you should give them a 6 pack and some pizza and have them help you take off your head, then inspect for yourselves...

[Neejay]

I should hope I can trust him, Ive been going to him for years now. lol

I dont know anyone here in Atlanta that has car knowledge. I never have hookups or friends into cars.

I just talked to my mechanic, and like you said, he said if it sits too long it can rust. Thanks man for bringin that to my attention.

[sdtouge]

i bet hes trustworthy then...

good luck on it!