Inspection Stickers for Cars in RI (Providence: inspections, maintenance, cost)

[Ro-Dialin]

I own a 1997 Honda Civic that runs excellent, I recently had an inspection done and my car failed the emissions test. I was told by the mechanic that in order for my car to pass the emissions test I had to get a "new engine" for the car. It turns out my car has a slightly bent valve due to a timing belt snapping while I was on the highway last November. So, it turns out if I don't pay the 2K for a new engine, I will get a notice from the registry warning me if I don't get the car inspected with a passing grade within a certain amount of time, I will lose the registration on the car, as well as my "license". Anybody have any similar experience...

[mikey2]

Tough situation now that the inspection has already been done and they've failed it.

What I would do is ask around for a reliable mechanic who is willing to remove the cylinder head and replace the bent valve (essentially do a valve job). Ask around and you might get a good referral to a mechanic who is willing to work with you.

With some luck that would cost a lot less than $2000.

Then you have to take it back to the guy who inspected it to pass the emissions test.

As an aside, I've had many "run in's" during inspections with places looking to make a "fast buck" by saying I have to replace all sorts of half worn parts.

A few years ago inspection stations had to "pony up" about $5000. for the new emissions testing equipment. They are looking to recoup that money fast.

Mikey.

[equiVocal23]

Wondering if you replaced the engine...If so, which mechanic(s) did you take the civic to, and did you have good/bad experience with them?

I'm looking for a honda mechanic to do some timing belt/water pump exchange and general maintenance on my honda accord. any suggestions in the rhode island/ mass or even CT area?

[urbie]

I like D'Ambra's Sunoco on Hope St. in Providence. They're not specifically a Honda shop, but they work on all kinds of cars, and I've found them to be straight shooters -- I brought my Jeep in a couple of years ago when the clutch pedal went to the floor and all kinds of gnashing-of-teeth sounds emanated from the gearbox (ya, my wife and I like a stick shift). They took a look at it, and had it towed to a transmission shop -- which I assumed meant they were going to have to replace the transmission (which I would have gone along with, given the sounds it was making). Pleasantly surprised a couple of days later, when they called and said it just needed a clutch and a few other parts that had broken. I've had them do some other things, too (including inspection), and they've always done a good job and not charged ridiculous bucks. (Not to say they're cheap, but they're reasonable enough.)

Urb