Topic: good rebuilt engine for a honda

[jimbo74]

can anyone help out? my sister's 99 honda civic ex has engine problems... it is still running... but the shops say it needs a new engine, clutch and a catalytic converter. they said she ran it low on oil.... it is a 1.6 liter SOHC VTEC.

i wouldn't be against doing the work myself.... but time is of the essence..... and i don't have the equipment to do it.....

anyone know of any reliable shops in the bay area that aren't going to try to rob us blind, and have good engines?

i know the 2 usually don't go hand in hand, but if you never ask, you will never find the answer

[junya92toy]

why are they saying it needs a engine and clutch and cat?

[IronClad]

why are they saying it needs a engine and clutch and cat?

because thats what shops do

[bigarms23]

i would try ebay or a honda junkyard

[junya92toy]

because thats what shops do

Well I know, but did they just say that or give a "reason" for them to be replaced

[jimbo74 [OP]]

she did have a CEL on it previously

not sure why it would need a new clutch, maybe jsut a lot of miles? but... a clutch is cheap, and to do it while the engine is already out, would be almost no extra work

here is some more info on the engine

D16Y8

4543428

that is from the engine id plate on the block to the passenger side of the header

[junya92toy]

A cel isnt a big deal, prob just a emissions code, gas cap or something stupid.
Is it knocking, did it run low on coolant, blowing smoke, valve noise etc. How many miles are on the clutch, saying it needs a clutch and recomending it needs one are way different ones is respectful and one is dishonest.

[jimbo74 [OP]]

it was a cel for a o2 sensor code if i remember correctly... i know it does have a few miles on it though

my mom said, that my dad said, that my sister ran it low on oil.....

i will try and find out a little more

[BLACKDOG]

I'd even consider taking it to a shop for a second opinion if thats all they said.  Sounds like a money grab to me.

If you do go the route of a new engine, check the yards in sac, there's quite a few out there in Rancho Cordova.  They used to have decent prices, and had complete motors just waiting to be picked up.  Dunno any more though

[jimbo74 [OP]]

ok, here is what my dad said..... he said they did take it to 2 shops....

According to the shop sh took it too for a diagnostic, this is what they said:




Complaint: Check Engine Light On / RPM fluctuates / lugging in 2nd gear and up




Diagnosis:




Fault code P0420 Cat Efficiency

Low Bank 1

P0302/P0302/P0303/P0304 All

Cylinder Misfire

P0300 Random Multiple Misfire detected.

Performed Engine Compression Test

#1 120 PSI

#2 50 PSI

#3 55 PSI

#4 105 PSI

Low compression #2 and #3 cylinder

Advise engine replacement





here is what my dad's take is on this:

The clutch, we think is original, and with 180k+ miles, might as well change if the motor is out.

I don't think the timing belt has ever been changed, but am not sure if this is one of those motors that really needs it changed.

I don't think the motor is fried, but it is definitely on its way out.

Seems your sis makes sure the oil gets changed, just never checks it. I found it  to be 1.5 quarts low one time, don't know how many times she has done that.




We've got estimates for about $2000 or $3000 (2 different shops)




I figure, at a minimum, the heads need to come off, get sent to a shop to make sure its straight, rings replaced, pistons checked (maybe replaced)

[BLACKDOG]

are those 2 and 3K prices out the door?  or just for the new engine.  If thats out the door, thats not a bad price, depending on what their engine source is.

What is the rest of the cars condition?

Considering the cost of the repair, its going to be almost the value of the car.  (KBB, private party for a honda civic coupe ex, not knowing details of the car, at 180K, in san jose).  range is 2800-3800. 

If your sister is in a position to finance a newer car, I'd say sell this one for 1500 or so, and go get a newer car.

[junya92toy]

Pour a little oil in the cylinders and check to see if the psi comes up.
And yes it has a timing belt that needs to be changed at 90,000 miles or 9 years.

[jimbo74 [OP]]

what is a good source for parts? i think we might be rebuilding it, ourselves..... fun.... but really shouldn't be too bad, and at least we can make sure it was done right.... also, can do some performance stuff here and there.....