I think my engine is fried! Please help!

bikewhorderbikewhorder New Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
Hi I've been enjoying a virtually trouble free relationship with my 89 RT wagon for about 3 years now. That is until last night when I let my roommate take the wheel on a road trip and she hit a raccoon which I unfortunately learned a few miles down the road had ruptured the coolant system. The car started running poorly and I noticed the temp was pegged and we promptly pulled over and I had the car towed home. Now the car won't start (it was running until we pulled over and shut it off) and I fear the worst for my beloved waggon. It does turn over but it definitely is struggling as it does. This is my daily driver and I NEED it to join the workforce 5 days a week so I'm kind of screwed right now. I found a replacement engine at JY about 160miles away that supposedly has 150k and a new head gasket and timing belt for $750. Does that sound reasonable? I'm open to swap options if they are truly simple but I've just taken a crash course in engine swap threads on here and they sound like a can of worms I don't have time to open. Does anyone have any advice on the best course of action. My engine was running great before all this and I'm hoping there is some way to salvage it (and my meager savings).

Comments

  • bikewhorderbikewhorder New Wagonist
    I just talked to my Mechanic Guru friend and he said it sounds like a spun crank bearing and explained what that meant. I've heard the term hundreds of times but didn't even realize that could happen. That would seem to explain my condition though. I'm still hoping someone could chime in on the swap options.
  • 503Wagon503Wagon moderator
    the cheapest way you're going to go about this is to do a direct D16A6 replacement. Preferably one of the same exact year as your wagon. Because you have an 89, there is a specific clutch needed but that doesn't really have anything to do with the engine.

    That price you said seems fair if it really has a fresh head gasket and new timing belt. That would be what I would do.
  • bikewhorderbikewhorder New Wagonist
    Thanks, that's the direction I'm leaning but those low mileage JDM SOHC ZC's on Ebay for even less money shipped sure are tempting...
  • bikewhorderbikewhorder New Wagonist
    Oh yeah and the Engine I mentioned in my first thread is a '91 supposedly. Would that matter?
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