View Poll Results: Used engine or head rebuild?
Used engine
3
50.00%
Head rebuild
3
50.00%
Voters: 6. You may not vote on this poll
Used engine vs head rebuild?
11-21-2013, 03:04 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-18-2013
Location: Bessemer, Alabama, USA
Posts: 18
Used engine vs head rebuild?
2008 HHR LS with 130K: CEL P0303, 70 psi compression in #3, failed leak-down test.
About $500 for parts and having head machined...
---OR---
Used 2008 engine with about 45K for $750...
Thoughts/comments/questions?
About $500 for parts and having head machined...
---OR---
Used 2008 engine with about 45K for $750...
Thoughts/comments/questions?
Last edited by bhamsoxfan; 11-21-2013 at 03:26 PM. Reason: Additional info
11-21-2013, 06:23 PM
#2
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg,VA
Posts: 25,326
It is NOT recommended to machine the head. New valves etc. is OK, but I understand that there is no tolerance for removing metal. New head is not that expensive IIRC about $500 on eBay.
You do intend to replace the timing chain sprockets and guides, I hope.
You do intend to replace the timing chain sprockets and guides, I hope.
11-21-2013, 10:59 PM
#3
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Join Date: 11-18-2013
Location: Bessemer, Alabama, USA
Posts: 18
Yes, the chain, sprockets, guides and water pump were mentioned by others, and I'll have all that done if I do the rebuild instead of the used engine. Does this mean your vote is for the rebuild?
11-22-2013, 08:34 AM
#5
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Location: Fredericksburg,VA
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Depends on capabilities and wallets. Hassles and time probably favors used.
11-22-2013, 10:26 AM
#6
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Join Date: 11-18-2013
Location: Bessemer, Alabama, USA
Posts: 18
I am pretty much a maintenance level guy, but the mechanic who has been working with me wants his shop painted, and we are both willing to pay for our own supplies and trade the labor of each other's job.
11-22-2013, 11:19 AM
#7
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Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 37,612
check that replacement motor over very well, you could have the same issues on start up or in a couple of months, but then again maybe it'll run well for a long time, you just have to ask yourself, do you feel lucky, well do you!??
11-22-2013, 11:25 AM
#8
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Join Date: 11-18-2013
Location: Bessemer, Alabama, USA
Posts: 18
Right. My father-in-law brought up the same point, and the mechanic working with me said the shop that has the motor is reputable, that he and others have long memories for shops who have sold bad engines. I guess it's the same as buying a used vehicle - some things you just never know unless/until you get inside it.
11-22-2013, 11:35 AM
#9
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Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 37,612
the shop may have a great rep for selling used engines, but they did not use this engine or maintain it, so again comes the question.
Unless you tear it down to inspect it and add the cost of new rings, bearings, gaskets, timing chain and tensioner, oil and water pump.
I buy used engines as a base to a rebuild, not to use as is in my daily ride, to much of a risk, but I'm sure that it could be a great motor, it's your decision
Unless you tear it down to inspect it and add the cost of new rings, bearings, gaskets, timing chain and tensioner, oil and water pump.
I buy used engines as a base to a rebuild, not to use as is in my daily ride, to much of a risk, but I'm sure that it could be a great motor, it's your decision
