Timing chain broke! Help!

[tsimpson7788]

My 2004 explorer xlt was running great, no noises/rattling. All of a sudden it just died yesterday about 1 mile from home. There was just enough time to pull to the side of the road. I had it towed to a garage I have used before (they replaced the harmonic balancer in September for <$300). I got a call from them today and he told me the timing chain broke and that I might as well replace the engine since it is probably shot. He said it would cost so much in labor to get in the engine to find out that it is cheaper to just replace it. Is this right? How much should I expect to pay to replace this (I am in the central va region)? How long does it usually take to repair? I am so upset b/c I've only had this car for a year in February and I still owe quite a bit on it. Of course the warranty is over (only had one for 6 months). I don't know what to do about this, I feel like just getting it towed to the dealership I bought it from and telling them they can keep it but I don't want to ruin my credit. Any advice you can give I would really appreciate it.

 

[swetrid]

If engine died while driving the valves are probably bent so it would be expensive to fix. Look for used or new engine.

 

[tsimpson7788]

How much should I expect to pay for an engine and for repairs? Should I buy the engine myself and take it to the mechanic or let them get one? Which way would be cheaper? Thanks

 

[rocco123]

V8? miles?

 

[EasyRhino]

V8? miles?

True.

People can't be totally helpful without knowing which engine we're talking about.

 

[tsimpson7788]

Sorry, it is a 2004 explorer v6 4.0 SOHC 4x4. It has 80,000 miles on it.

 

[miker104]

Get a quote from the shop, ask about parts cost and labor cost. Check on line at www.car-part.com to find out what a used engine costs.

Many shops won't use parts supplied by a customer and if they do they will not offer any warranty. In other words if you bring in an engine and it doesn't work after they install it you pay them for the remove and install of both the original engine and DOA engine.

If you have to pay a shop $80-$100 and hour to do work, it would be cheaper to R&R the engine. If you can do it yourself or with competent help from family or friends, it will be cheaper.

 

[brandon_matt02]

Sorry, it is a 2004 explorer v6 4.0 SOHC 4x4. It has 80,000 miles on it.

I have a 2003 v6 4.0 SOHC 4x4 and I had the timing chain break at 60,000 miles. However, it didn't die. It just ran really bad until I pulled over and turned it off. When they put it on the computer, I had no pressure in bank 4. I'm no mechanic, but about 2 months later they had it fixed. I don't know the cost or the work involved in repairing a damaged valve. I do know that the 2 months it was in the shop, it was in line to be fixed and waiting for parts, but I don't think it is a completely bad motor. Anyways, good luck. My luck sucks with my truck. It tears up constantly. I hope it works out better for you.

 

[Blee1099]

Your probably looking at $1,000 to $1500 for a used motor. I honestly would go with a remanufacturered so you can get a warranty.. But stay away from Jasper..

 

[matt0248]

Your probably looking at $1,000 to $1500 for a used motor. I honestly would go with a remanufacturered so you can get a warranty.. But stay away from Jasper..[/QUOTE]

Truer words have never been written

 

[turboeeyore]

changing an engine isn't too hard to do, check some of your areas college's or universitys to do the swap for you, alot of times they may be looking for training vehicles to teach students.... i don't know if i would trust highschool kids. they might try to put a honda motor in it.