97 SOHC Engine Help

Dealer says when they pulled the bolt to the cam tensioner on the rear of the engine, the threads came with it. They said this bolt goes down into the engine block with oil ports. They said helix coils won't work and drilling and tapping a larger bolt won't work. Bottom line, I now have a severe oil leak that fouls the Oxy sensor. Won't pass emissions test and they want 300 to replace sensor which will just get fouled again. I found a salvaged 98 engine for 950 with only 30K miles but it was from a wreck in 99 - engines been sitting 5 years. Should I avoid that engine? A rebuilt will run 2.5 times as much.

Go back to the dealership and ask them what kind of insurance they have that will cover them damaging your vehicle while in their repair facility? Tell them they must assume responsibility for the damage, and correct it. I once had a tire facility break off a lug installing tires. They told me it was going to cost me to get a new hub assembly. I told them they would do it for me, and I would not pay for it since they broke it. Bottom line...they broke it, they fix it.

I would have to agree - it sounds like they owe you a new cylinder head.