cheap fix for '94 Probe

[Jedimaster1179]

I'm looking for an inexpensive way to fix my cat and my vavle lifters and my piston rings. I've been told that it will coast around $1000.00 which I don't have that kind of money. I'm looking for something under $400.00

 

[Crazy5711]

Hey guys, help my wife out here! Think outside the box, or at least help point her in the right direction to get help! We can probably get the catalytic converter done for about 100, but we are going to have to do the welding, with no real experience.

 

[lonestar]

What's wrong with them? There is not much you can do with them other than just replace them.

 

[Alec]

Unless you can do a motor rebuild yourself the engine problems aren't gonna be cheap. Labor is the main cost.

And since you're in CA, you've gotta replace your cat if it's bad.

Sorry!

 

[Crazy5711]

We are planning on doing the rebuild ourselves, well, actually herself (I know, isn't my wife cool), but need some pointers on how to keep the costs down.

 

[Alec]

Well, lifters and rings are cheap. So if that's the only thing you'll be doing....Though new gaskets are still a bit pricey.

 

[leenjen]

if you have the 2.5 V6, the HLA tap is a very common occurance. it wont do any damage unless one is stuck and is rubbing on the cam. i dont know if this is part of your problem, i just figured i would post that to save you some money. it's too bad you live in CA, or you could drop in a KL-ZE (J-spec engine) for about the same price. an extra 45 hp and 35 tq, but no emission controls

 

[Jedimaster1179]

Thanx for the info , but I have a 2.0, 4 Cyl, 5 speed manual.

 

[lonestar]

Why do you want to replace rockers and rings anyway? It might not be so serious. And if the rockers are making tapping sounds, you may also need valves, cam (ohc) and tappets. I had a tapping lifter (tappet) on an escort that was intermitant, (figired it was sticking) so I ran some "engine flush" once. It didn't fix it immediatley, but I just drove it and changed the oil regularly and it went away. Have over 220K on it now.

You might be able to buy just those parts for $400. But with any engine rebuild, you might as well replace some other parts while your in there. Your going to need to remove the heads to replace lifters and valves. And remove oil pan, to remove pistons to replace rings.

so you will also need
valve cover gaskets
Head gaskets
Oil pan gaskets
any other little intake gaskets

I would also replace
Rear & front main seals

may want to consider more depending on condition
oil pump
other seals and gaskets
rod bearings

 

[Jedimaster1179]

I've thought of that. The reason is that I've been told that that is the problem because we did a compression test and they're supposed to run between 180-200 wet and they were only running around 120 wet. One was only running 90 wet. Also I'm losing hp especially going uphill. I've been told this by a guy I trust that works at the auto hobby shop on base. I intend to do the work myself so that will save me money but it's still a lot of money. Especially on military pay.

 

[takimanpgt]

You might be better off buying an used engine for that price and throwing it in there. An engine rebuild kit will run you $300 or so, IIRC. Check www.importperformance.net or www.flatlanderracing.com for some pricing. If you need help with the car, holla back and I can help you get in touch with some more Probers in your area.

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by Crazy5711
Hey guys, help my wife out here! Think outside the box,

I'm thinking that the car doesn't pass smog at this point. Maybe you can get finanical assistance thru the gross polluter program.

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/Smogcheck/imagp.htm

 

[whiteexploder]

due to improper wear its not a real good idea to put new lifters to an old cam ( old being more than about 25000 miles) but that all depends on how hard you drive and how much longer you want the engine to last, unless you have compression problems your rings are probably fine, if it is OHC it should be an easy job while OHV would be a little more labor intensive, but have a good time with itif its not a fun job then its just a job