Engine Overhaul, to Do or Not to Do
Replacing an air pump is just a walk in the park. Replacing belts & hoses, bearings & seals is a complex job but it costs little. Replacing your muffler and your alternator will cost you time and money but you can say that it is still bearable. Replacing the engine, on the other hand, will certainly crush your budget no matter how you see it. It is true that the engine will not last forever but when the time comes that it is failing you, this is the only time you will really be hit by the fact that engines do not last a lifetime. The failure of an engine will depend on how you use the car, how far you drive it and the maintenance you put into it. Studies show that engines will reach its breaking point between 100,000 miles up to 200,000 miles.
Once your engine breaks down, you only have two options to consider. You can either buy a new engine or just do engine overhaul. Before you decide, however, make sure you know the main cause of the engine trouble. It can ultimately lead you to the right decision.
A person is driving the same car for over ten years now. Suddenly, the engine fails. Now, would it be safe to say that he needs to buy a new car? Or, should he just have an engine overhaul to save money? This is not an easy decision to make. The answer will ultimately depend on the value of the vehicle, the age of the car and its overall condition. If the old car has a selling value of $2,500 and the expense you will incur in getting the engine overhauled is $1500, then repairing the car makes little sense. If the expense of the repair comes close to the actual value of the old car, better just buy a new one. On the other hand, if the vehicle retained its value throughout the years and it is still in good shape, engine overhaul may suddenly be a good idea.
If you decide to keep your car, the next decision to make is whether to do an engine overhaul or just buy a new engine. Again, the answer to this will depend on the condition of the engine as well as on the mileage. If the engine already has recurring symptoms such as piston problems and chronic misfire, plus the mileage already exceeded 100,000 miles, it would be best to just buy a new engine. The reason behind this is that the problem areas of the engine are already too costly to repair. Aside from the parts, you have to shell out more dollars to pay the mechanic since it is a labor intensive job.
If you think that the engine overhaul will take too much of your time, if you think you do not have the budget to pay for it, then purchasing a new engine will solve your problem. With a new engine, you do not have to worry about what you missed during the check up. Just remember to buy an engine compatible with your old car.
About the Author:
The author, Dan Burns, is the owner of Lloyd's Automotive located at 982 Grand Avenue in St. Paul, MN. A trusted and respected automotive repair expert in the Twin Cities for over 30 years, Dan still works on vehicles almost every day and has developed his business to handle all mechanical, maintenance and repair needs.
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