$3500 estimate to repair broken timing chain...need advice QUICK!

[ND4ZPD]

OK guys, I really need some quick advice. You've read about the saga...2005 C230K M271 engine, timing chain broke... I got an estimate of $3500 out-the-door to repair the broken timing chain, valves, and whatever else needs to be fixed/repaired, and he said that would include degunking the sludged up sh*t in the engine due to the neglect of the previous dumb*ss owner. I don't know exactly what all needs to be replaced...timing chain, chain tensioner, valves...what else could have broken/bent/or just needs to be replaced while the top is off the motor? Does $3500 seem reasonable for this type of repair, or does it sound like a ripoff? I need to get an answer or advice quick, I have to give the shop owner a yes/no to go ahead on the repair on Monday! Obviously I can't have it towed from one shop to another getting multiple estimates, so help me out guys. Thanks! Brent

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[C230 Sport Coup]

>>degunking the sludged up sh*t in the engine due to the neglect of the previous dumb*ss owner.<<
Really? All the more reason to get another engine from a wrecked car.
But just depends if you got da dough laying around and just want the car running.
If the guy never changed the oil, the timing chain is likely only the beginning.

His price sounds about right...1500-2 grand in parts as we've seen previously (and that's with the owner shopping on the cheap) and about 8-20 hours in labor. I think 8 would just be to change the head gasket.
If you go this route, check the thread from my good friend Bubba Watson who simply bought a head ready to bolt on for 750 with exchange and shipping.

[phister]

for 3500 you can find a used engine and drop it in there.

[mtnman82]

How many miles on the car? Even though I take very good care of my car, this still has me very worried now...

[carbizindio]

Originally Posted by ND4ZPD

OK guys, I really need some quick advice.

You've read about the saga...2005 C230K M271 engine, timing chain broke...

I got an estimate of $3500 out-the-door to repair the broken timing chain, valves, and whatever else needs to be fixed/repaired, and he said that would include degunking the sludged up sh*t in the engine due to the neglect of the previous dumb*ss owner.

I don't know exactly what all needs to be replaced...timing chain, chain tensioner, valves...what else could have broken/bent/or just needs to be replaced while the top is off the motor?

Does $3500 seem reasonable for this type of repair, or does it sound like a ripoff? I need to get an answer or advice quick, I have to give the shop owner a yes/no to go ahead on the repair on Monday! Obviously I can't have it towed from one shop to another getting multiple estimates, so help me out guys.

Thanks!
Brent

go to www.car-part.com and find the lowest mileage engine you can find. ask for the vin from the salvage yard so you can run a report to make sure they are not lying about the mileage and also tell them to compression check the motor

[Glyn M Ruck]

See Hogger's thread. What mileage on your engine. Sometimes better the engine you know brought up to snuff.

Otherwise lowest mileage engine you can find. Remember if the miles are up on the replacement engine you might have to do the chain on that one day.

[phister]

he can also buy an engine and doing the chain while its out to make sure its a new one from the get go.

[Glyn M Ruck]

+1^

[ND4ZPD]

106K miles on the engine, so it should have a lot of life left in it, especially if a lot of the major pieces are updated through this repair. My biggest problem is that I don't have the time to search for and replace the motor, trust me, I wish I did. I'm using my parents' SUV as temporary transportation, but I need to get it back ASAP.

It sounds like the general consensus is that this is a fair price for this type of repair job, so I think I am going to give the go-ahead for the shop to repair the damage. The one comment about "knowing" the current engine is a valid one...if I get a used engine, I could run into a whole new set of problems. I intend to have the shop give me every last detail that they find with the engine and go take a look for myself as they repair it so I know what general condition the motor is in other than just the damage from the timing chain disaster. A used motor could have me right back in this position in a month. Better to have a cleaned-up 106K engine that I'm familiar with than a used one that I don't know has been taken care of or not, right?

Thanks guys. Wish me luck.
Brent

[carbizindio]

Originally Posted by ND4ZPD

106K miles on the engine, so it should have a lot of life left in it, especially if a lot of the major pieces are updated through this repair. My biggest problem is that I don't have the time to search for and replace the motor, trust me, I wish I did. I'm using my parents' SUV as temporary transportation, but I need to get it back ASAP.

It sounds like the general consensus is that this is a fair price for this type of repair job, so I think I am going to give the go-ahead for the shop to repair the damage. The one comment about "knowing" the current engine is a valid one...if I get a used engine, I could run into a whole new set of problems. I intend to have the shop give me every last detail that they find with the engine and go take a look for myself as they repair it so I know what general condition the motor is in other than just the damage from the timing chain disaster. A used motor could have me right back in this position in a month. Better to have a cleaned-up 106K engine that I'm familiar with than a used one that I don't know has been taken care of or not, right?

Thanks guys. Wish me luck.
Brent

You can get a motor with 40-60k miles for 1200 and the install is faster plus you have extra engine parts for future use

[edgarinho10]

I would advice getting a weekly rental and start looking for cheaper options

[phister]

Most used motors give a warranty and if they are good they do all the compression checks and what not

[LILBENZ230]

If your time is worth more to you than the money you might save, then you've got a fair shake. Although the whole situation sucks.

After the repair the engine should be fine. Personally I would not want a used engine put in my car. I just wouldn't be comfortable with it.