Quote:
Originally Posted by bjh
Got a more detailed first hand explanation from the mechanic today:
The water pump seized up.
The timing belt is not slipped off, but mechanic thinks the engine has been overheated. Thinks the, I forget, cylinders (?) have been warped.
Price for water pump and timing belt is $650. But he thinks that it's a 50/50 shot that if the water pump and timing belt was repaired the engine would be crap anyway.
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He suspects the cylinder head has warped, I would guess.
This can be confirmed, probably, by testing the coolant for combustion products. This is not going to spot 100% of all head warping/head gasket issues, but if the coolant does not have combustion products in it, and there is no sign of water in the oil, my guess would be the head is not warped and the head gasket is OK.
How long have you had this car? If you have had it a long time you should know if it's been overheated or not.
All this said, these cars are not that great even when working right, and have a bad overall history of expensive problems.
At the end of the day, you pays your money and takes your chances.
If the car is in good shape body and interior wise, this would be a good "mechanic's special" IMHO.
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