Who here knows shtein about cars?

[MadMarchHare]

I have a Chrysler LHS, 1993, with 48000 miles (shocking I know, my father-in-law owned it until 2003, put 12000 miles on it).  I was driving it last night and it went kablooey.  Quick check by mechanic diagnosed a blown water pump.  Unfortunately, I was going 65 MPH at the time, so when the engine locked up it shredded the timing belt.

Considering what a 15 year old grandpa car might be worth, regardless of the mileage, any idea what price would make sense to get it fixed vs. burning it and getting a new car?

I know this post will catch mostly abuse, which is part of the fun, but a few useful suggestions would be appreciated too.

[Rome]

Even if it costs you $500 it's still worth it considering that car should still have a few years left on it.

FWIW, the douchebags at Honda tried to charge me about $600 for a complete timing belt service that included new belts a new water pump, etc.

[MadMarchHare]

shtein, if it only costs $600, I'll do that.  I was thinking a much higher price tag.

It's kinda nice not having a note.

[PhillyPhreak54]

I'm not too familiar with Chrysler's, but timing belts/chains can be expensive depending upon where they are located. Some of the front wheel drive cars, namely imports, this is a costly repair. But in the Mustangs, at least the older ones, it was relatively easy.

A few questions though;

1. When you blew the water pump did you keep on driving? I ask because if you drove it too long, long enough for it to seize up on you then a timing belt may be the least of your worries. It could have internal issues with the rings, valves and/or pistons. You could have cracked the block, etc.

2. Where is the belt located on the car; front or side? If it is in the front they would have to remove all accessories to access the area.

3. I would estimate that you would be looking at at least $1000. Getting it fixed would be an option because of the mileage but I worry about the internal parts of the engine due to the overheating (if it did overheat to the point of seizing the engine)

[phillymic2000]

How are the tires, brakes, transmission?

If all those things are in good shape then keep driving it, anything's better then a note.

[Diomedes]

PPinDC is a bonafide gearhead. 

I'm a pretender.

Does that car have what's called an interference engine?

read here: http://www.leemyles.com/articles/interference-engines-and-timing-belts.html

what do you mean the engine "locked up?"  if you siezed the engine, you're done

[Susquehanna Birder]

I was thinking along Dio's line. I don't think Chrysler's engines are interference types. I had a Voyager that lost a camshaft, and it suffered no ill effects. Later it threw a timing belt...again with no problems. The belt replacement totaled a couple hundred bucks.

But like Dio said...if the engine siezed because of the water pump failure, you're looking at a total engine replacement. Which is slightly less than a total car replacement.

[Diomedes]

according to this graphic, it depends which Chrysler engine we're talking about..

I think the LHS has a 3.5 six, which is listed here as not interference



link to article through which I found this chart...there are similar charts for many other engines/makes

[MadMarchHare]

It is a 3.5L six.  As mentioned, I don't know shtein.  All I know, I was going 65-70 MPH, and the engine just stopped.  The Cruise control light (of all things) came on, but the engine provided no power.  Never saw the heat dummy light come on, and I (obviously) pulled over right away.

I think the original inspection was pretty cursory, so there certainly could be underlying damage.  Phreak, I'm far too stupid to know A) what the timing belt looks like and B) where it is.  I can change the wiper fluid, but that's about it.

[Geowhizzer]

Sounds like you know about as much about cars as I do.  I'd say get your wallet out.

[Diomedes]

Alright well, the engine is not interference then, which is good.  It also sounds like the engine lost power, rather than locked up.  Which is also good.  Perhaps it can be fixed without spending too much money.

Get a second opinion before you spend a big chunk of change, even if that means paying 150 bucks to have it towed somewhere else. 

Mechanics are highly skilled; the guys I wrench with work in service departments that charge 99 bucks an hour...be prepared as Geo said for a big labor tab even if the parts aren't terribly expensive.  If you're lucky, all the shtein that needs to be removed and replaced is right up front and easy to reach...if not, you might have a motor that could be repaired easily for inexpensive parts, but the labor cost to do it becomes prohibitive because it would take so much time...

Good luck, let us know what happens I'm curious

[Susquehanna Birder]

Good find with that about.com page, Dio.

[Diomedes]

about.com turns out to be a pretty damn useful site for tons of things

[SD_Eagle5]

MMH - do you have a regular mechanic? If not I wouldn't take your car to any random dick or joe, ask friends and family who they use. sheisty mechanics have ways to find other shtein thats wrong with your car and convince you its the end of the world if you don't get it fixed. Not to mention add unnecessary costs associated with what you're getting fixed, so get a price on paper and make sure thats it. Also, I helped change a pump and timing belt out before, if you're trying to save a buck and know someone who works on cars and has access to a lift you might look at buying the parts from a junkyard or even new then making it worth their wild to fix it for you.

[Diomedes]

make is worth their wild sexy thing!!