Cyber-begging

[HeadachesAbound]

If this is not allowed on (didn't see anything specifically stating that it wasn't) then may the mod gods strike me down.

On my way home today (After Hours) my mode of transport chose to abort it's normal operating procedure.

First thought was timing belt, it's still under warranty, take to dealer. Took to dealer, dealer says that the timing belt is no longer under warranty, but it's not the timing belt, it's the camshaft and that's gonna cost me $3000.00 (yes, that's american).

So I started thinking (this really makes my head hurt) and the best thing I can come up with is to do one of the following:

a. Cyberbeg
b. Cybertrade
c. Call the in-laws :eek:

I really don't like the idea of (a) cause I would rather to give something in return for the money. (c) is an absolute no-no. So I'm opting for (b).

I'll trade 1 year of web-design for a $30.00 paypal donation.

You can send your donations to payments@snowprods.com

I can code php, mysql, asp, html, css, xml, xslt, etc.
------------------------
But just to make this more like a true after-hours conversation, What is the overall concensus / opinionn when it comes to cyber-begging?

Thanks for your time.

[ZURKE]

You wish to trade your services for needed money.
What better place to find it but on a PC forum.

It is not like you are asking for a hand out for wifes breast enlargement.
(I have seen it)

Good Luck:)

[HeadachesAbound]

Used natural enlargement methods. 3 kids in 4 yrs.

[ZURKE]

I forgot to tell you, get a second opion, It might be worth it.

[Steve]

HeadachesAbound,

What the heck kind of car you got, anyway? $3,000 for a camshaft? I second the idea of a second opinion.

Dealerships are the most expensive way to go. You might want to look for a good local mechanic. :)

[Whyzman]

Yep, I'd get a second! For that kind of money you should be able to drop in a complete rebuild for most vehicles!

[HeadachesAbound]

Currently looking into just getting a new car. The one with the issues is an 89 Honda Civic DX 4 Dr Sedan. It's not even worth the cost of repairs at this point.

If the new car doesn't pan out, then I will be making lot's of phone calls to friends / relatives / co-workers to see who they consider a trusted mechanic.

EDIT---

whyzman - From what the mechanic said it is a complete rebuild of the engine.

[kayofcircles]

I add my "get a second opinion". If you don't know much about car repair, do you have a friend that does? Maybe someone could go with you to get that second opinion? I could tell you horror story after horror story of people we know that have paid outrageous amounts for car repair..like 90% of total bill was "labor"..and the problem was NOT fixed, or a new problem was created. There are good mechanics out there, but you have to look for them. Someone you know may have gone to one of the "good" ones and been satisfied with work done. If possible, also read the fine print and make sure they are going to give you some kind of warranty on the repair work, and not going to keep raising the initial "bid" until you're broke.

Edit: I see you posted while I was composing. My husband has replaced entire engines for far less than $3000..so. The little Mazda GLC I drive cost less than half that used, and is still going strong. I wish my beloved could look at it for you...because I think you're getting bad info.

[Whyzman]

"89" you might be able to get a used engine dropped in for about half or less...

Used vehicles are great deals these days. With all of the 0% financing going on in the recent past, used car lots are full. Or, private sellers can provide excellent options just because the market for used has become so flooded.

I was just looking the other day at Dodge Caravans in the 90-93 range and they can be had fully loaded with around 125-150,000 miles for around $1500.00

Many have had new transmissions dropped in and I'd bet you'd be able to get another 100,000 if they've been well maintained...just the run the wheels off 'em!

I would look for the one owner vehicle and pay the $50.00 for a diagnostic. A good shop can pretty much tell you exactly what issues you face...

[YODA74]

Boy talk about a rip.. $3000.00 I can have a hole new factory rebuilt for that just got thru with a 351 Cleveland bored and stroked pushing 800 horse pwr.Only paid $5000.00. And thats from mechanics... think about where i live N.C. near the Charlotte Motor Speedway.That build engines for racing all the time so SECOND OPINION YES not only that a Honda 1989 isn't worth more than 3000.00 to begine with and thats top shape.really think this thru.Go thru some junk yards and see if you can find an engine for around 1500.00 or call an auto crusher company they usually have enginins on hand --They can't crush them so if there good they sell at a resonable price..

[Mark Miller]

3000 as everyone is saying is a total rip. For that much get a new-used car.
Mark

[HeadachesAbound]

New car options are a no go. Can't come up with the 3k to get the car fixed at this point. Did some checking and I can get a used engine for around 2k but then that doesn't include putting it in and all the fluids and stuff.

I don't know much about engines (more the computer type) but I recently had to fix several minor things and purchased a "haynes manual" for this purpose. It covers pulling out the camshaft so I'm considering tearing down the engine myself.

It's not like I can really make things that much worse. And if it's just the camshaft and none of the heads are bent, well it should be substantially cheaper to fix.

Of course, I'm also considering paying a visit to rip-off road and see if I can get a decent used car with financing.

[ZURKE]

HeadachesAbound,

I am not a mechanic either, but I can tell you I have changed manifolds, and wheel bearings plus alot more less intrusive things on my vehicles using the Haynes manual.

I have not gotten as far as you may be attempting, but the haynes manual is sooooo good I think I could do it. The tools needed are another thing, if you do decide to take on the task, before you start, take an inventory of what you may need.

[Steve]

HERE (http://www.nippon-motors.com/honda.htm) is a link that might give you an idea of what you can pay for a used engine.

[HeadachesAbound]

Thank you Steve. They appear to have some decent engines, but nothing specifically for an 89 Civic DX. I would assume that I could use one of the performance engines but I'm not absolutely certain. The B16A1 or B16A (2nd Gen) appear to be the right size engine. Of course, then I have to find someone who can either install or help me install it. And shipping would also play a factor (California to Oklahoma).

[Fruss Tray Ted]

..they crack. Valves bend when the camshaft or timing belt breaks.

Check compression befroe putting in the new shaft. If 1 or more cylinders doesn't have at least 125lbs chances are the valves got bent and need replacing.

But the easiest thing to do is to find a used head from a running engine and with a complete upper end gasket set, install it. Put a new timing belt at the same time and you should be able to get it done quite cheaply.

My son bought a $200 used vehicle recently that wasn't inspectable to rob some parts from for his. He took the heads off because of bent valves caused by a broken belt and now it runs fine.

Clymer and Haynes put out very good manuals, been using them for many moons.

Good luck.

[Steve]

Yep, I knew those weren't the exact one but I just wanted to give you an idea of what you could expect to pay for a used engine. :)

The mechanic I go to charges about $500 to swap an engine. Of course that's up here in the boonies...;)

[YODA74]

I would first drop the oil pan and check sift thru the oil your probobly going to find metal shavings which is a result from your connecting rods make sure you check these before you waste any money on parts.. If there at all loose or have a lot of play all the cam shafts in the world arent going to make a difference without rebuilding the whole lower end..

Were going from PC mechanics to cars now..:D

[Fruss Tray Ted]

:D Yoda, I'm trying to go the opposite direction!!! Like a signature near here.. Oops, I had it in reverse!!!

Yup. Safest to go with a used engine than rather fixing one that may have more underlying problems.

Honda: foreign = more expensive for parts and pieces... but you might luck out finding either an engine or a used car with a running engine for little money. Want ads may help, boneyards too.


Edit:
Yoda, If the connecting rods were worn, you would hear a knocking. This wasn't mentioned. The car isn't worth much so I would go with just heads if the oil looks ok. Any car with multi hundred 'k' miles on it will have some evidence of filings in the pan.

Used heads and gasket set = +/- $100 to $200 if you do it yourself.

[HeadachesAbound]

I decided to go pop the hood and see what it might take to get to the camshaft and see for myself if it was in fact broken. When I opened the hood, it appears as though the dealership didn't re-assemble the engine when they were done. This means that either they have the rest of my car at the dealership or it's spread somewhere between the dealership and my house.

At this point I'm going to see if I can get one of the family mechanics to look at it and see if the camshaft is in fact broken. If it is not, which it doesn't appear to be, then I will be taking large doses of medication before I contact the dealership and request a full refund and that they put my engine back together.

[gracious]

Of course you could maybe talk to the Click and Clack Brothers:D

Car Talk (http://cartalk.cars.com/)

Here is one snipet about camshafts that I found:

Tom: When he installed the first belt, he may have either over-tightened it, or under-tightened it. That would explain why it broke again so soon.

Ray: It's possible that incorrect installation is causing the lousy performance, too. The timing belt is a notched, rubber belt which connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. The camshaft, in turn, controls the opening and closing of the valves. If these two shafts aren't lined up exactly right when the timing belt is installed, then the valves won't open and close at the right time.

Tom: That would cause the car to run lousy all the time. Of course, since this is an '86 Renault, you're probably accustomed to it running lousy all the time. So you wouldn't have noticed any difference, except under the most extreme conditions...like climbing steep hills.

Ray: But more likely, the lousy performance is the result of damage done to the cylinder head when the first belt broke. If the cylinder head was damaged in that incident, the valves could be sticking, and that would also cause the performance problems you describe.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

... is more like it. ;)

Clickity Clack is a HORSE! :D

since this is an '86 Renault, you're probably accustomed to it running lousy all the time
... had the 'dis'honor of having to work on some of those... :o

Points,,, a coil,,, a 'Stator',, Whuzzat? :confused:

[HeadachesAbound]

I am now the owner of a Fully Loaded 1994 Buick Roadmaster (used) with a little 86200 miles. Total cost including finance changes is a little under $10,000. It has a very nice V8 and fits my 6'3" frame quite nicely. The factory stereo only has a tape player but it sounds great. It appears to have a few issues (fuses, maybe an alternator issue?) but it everything about it just screams luxury.

I just went and got groceries and my trunk was practically empty even though I purchased about the same amount of groceries that would normally fill the Honda's little trunk. I put the car-seats in the back seat (3 of them) and even with my seat adjusted for my comfort level, the kids still have room to move. When I first got the car, I didn't have time to secure the car seats so they got put in the trunk. Yes the trunk is big enough to hold 3 car seats and maybe even a couple of bodies on top of that.

I have decided to advertise the Honda for parts and see what I can get out of it since the salvage yards won't give me more than around $50 for it. Anybody in the market for a giant paperweight?

And to all of you, thank you for the advice, the suggestions, and for dealing with a few of my headaches.

----------EDIT---------------

Maybe I can put one of these (http://www.ssiamerica.com/products/neo35/index.shtml) in.

[gracious]

Congratulations on your new car!! Sounds great!!!:D

[HeadachesAbound]

I took it to a mechanic and had it looked-over. Anybody ever seen a mechanic drool?

I saw it today. I purchased the Buick from a used car dealer on the strip that is famously known for selling bad deals and such. The mechanic couldn't find anything wrong with the car.

0 to 60 in under 5 seconds, what a feeling.

[ZURKE]

Glad to hear it.:)

[Steve]

:D Congratulations!

Going from a Honda Civic to a Buick Roadmaster! Heh heh, watch out for the mpg police! :eek:

Somehow I can't picture a 6'3" frame in a Civic. Here's to comfort...;)

[HeadachesAbound]

mpg police paid me a visit just after I had a major service done in september and reduced my 35+ to around 25 or less. I would swear that the dealership did something but then again it could have been a result of actually fixing the timing after the timing belt broke.

From what I've read, the Buick should get around 20 and if it does, that means I'll fill up the tank (23 gal) once every 2 weeks. This actually means that I'll be saving money rather than spending more of it.

As for the 6'3" frame in the honda civic...Imagine me, my wife, and 3 car seats in a honda civic. No room to move there. Of course, the looks that people give you when you un-fold from a civic can be quite funny. And then again, the looks of people being left in your dust is also quite funny.