advice on new engine, A/C

[Caryl Thomas]

advice on head gaskets, A/C

My 93 XLT 4x4 V6 looks great and I love it; however it overheated and the head gaskets need doing and my mechanic says to put in a rebuilt engine or get rid of it. It's got 130,000 miles...the A/C compressor is dead, too. I've replaced the transmission in the last 2 years and replced the brake drums. Should I still keep going? What is the typical charge for the work needed? Anybody know a good mechanic or shop in Albuquerque?

 

[Robb]

How many miles on the engine? Any other problems other than just head gaskets? Head gaskets are no reason to replace an engine.

 

[BradE.]

Well if it's just your head gaskets that are blown, I see no need to replace the entire engine. What caused the gasket failure? Overheat it? How many miles are on this X? I'd get a second opinion, sounds like he's taking you for a ride to me. You could replace those gaskets for a lot, and I mean a lot, less than a rebuilt engine.

With the A/C, it's hard to say. Any single component can cause the A/C to stop working. So, it's possible you don't need an entire A/C system, just a component of it.

Sorry I can't be of more help than that without some more specifics as to the particular problems.

Good Luck.

 

[Caryl Thomas]

Okay, I'm going to get a second opinion. I've got 130,000 miles and no other apparent problems. The compressor is gone on the A/C. What I need now is the name of a good Explorer mechanic or shop in Albuquerque.

 

[Glacier991]

If, and that's IF, your compressor is shot, the real question is how much it put out into the rest of the system as it died. Pull the Orifice tube and see what it looks like. If it is black and gunked up, you are probably looking at $1000 or so minimum for an AC rebuild. If not, maybe half that give or take.

Happy Exploring

Chris