Mechanic came back with telling me 1,4 running at 120 PSI 2 running at 115 PSI, but #3 is running at O PSI. Short of replacing valve or engine, anything cheaper might work?

Also, OK to drive the car? Don't have enough for a new car and have 2 boys 4 and 5. Car now has 280K

Thanks

--tj

 

the 120 and the 155 psi are ok to run on...on the low side should be 80psi...but you are basically running on 3 cyls. your block is prob shot...or your head has bent valves in the dead cyl. hard to tell without actually seeing the engine itself.

 

Started to notice that starting the car is not as smooth as before. It hesitates sometimes takes two or three starts.

Will it continue to start, just sometimes take 2-3 starts? It hasn't stalled all together, yet. Is it just before it's harder to start the car on 3-cylinders than 4? I'm just afraid the next time I try and start it won't.
--jp

 

One cylinder has ZERO compression? It aint gonna heal by itself.

 

agreed^^^^..need to take a look at it. you can cause some more failure by not burning off the fuel that is being dumped into the dead cyl...it has NO WAY to burn it!

 

And just to speculate on the worst situation... If it burned a hole in the piston, that fuel is going into the crankcase.

 

fuel + oil = more failure!
you might can save your block...but if the gas is being dumped into your oil pan then recalculated into the engine it will thin the oil out and blow out seals..bearings and your engine will be completely SHOT

 

OK. I stopped driving the car on Friday. My mechanic gave me an estimate on a engine with 25K miles on it. Installation + tax is $1801. Not in a position to buy a new car, but have enough to pickup this engine. So, is 1801 a reasonable number for a 98 Honda Accord EX?

--jp

 

These engines are readily available for $500 and less depending on mileage, condition, etc. See car-part.com and search for engines in your area. Once you locate an engine, find a reliable installer and get quotes for installation.

Unless your mechanic is providing a 3-6 month warranty for the engine performing acceptably, his prices seems on high side to me. With a good warranty included, he may not be too high. FYI, you can buy insurance for a replacement engine, includng installation replacement. You want to be sure of what you're getting for putting that much money into a 12 yr old car w/ high miles.

good luck

 

The mechanic picked up an engine with 28K. The installation includes the timing belt replacement and a few other things. The hoses are going to cost $100. So, the engine is apx. $750. This is a competitive price to car-parts considering the millage. Mechanic says that it will be a 2 1/2 day job.

--jp