2002 Nissan Sentra engine dying.

My car refused to start today, and I called a known mech. It was just a battery terminal problem. Since I got the car recently, he then went on to check the engine. He removed the Engine oil cap, and the oil was being thrown all over the place. He says the engine is dying, and will have to be replaced soon. Is that correct? Btw, I do get a slight oil smell sometimes, esp. during longer rides. The mech. says I shouldn't be riding long distances as it could stall anytime. But, I've done slightly long distances. One 120 miles round trip, and another 70 miles round, and another 50 round. Nothing has happened so far. Of course it doesn't mean nothing won't.
When driving, one thing I notice is that the transmission struggles changing from the first to the second gear, esp. at the university campus, coz its got a 20mph limit, and I guess that's where the gear changes.

All he did was open up the oil cap while the engine was running. Oil was throwing up all over the place in minute droplets. He says thats a sign of a 'dying' engine. He then did the same act on his car, and this didn't happend with his car. He then said it'd be about $500 only for the labor of replacing the engine.

Btw, he uses the term Motor, and not engine. Is that different from the engine? I'm sorry, but I'm a real n00b with cars.

If its true that the engine is dying, how much approx would it cost me to get a new motor? If its a lot, I'll just try getting rid of this car for whatever price.

Thanks for reading.

All he did was open up the oil cap while the engine was running. Oil was throwing up all over the place in minute droplets. He says thats a sign of a 'dying' engine. He then did the same act on his car, and this didn't happend with his car. He then said it'd be about $500 only for the labor of replacing the engine.


thats a dumb move right there. i wouldnt trust him with my car for anything. get a second opinon. you might have an oil leak or something. make sure after every trip, that you check all your fluids.

and only 500 to replace the engine? that doesnt make any sense. a sr20de is 500 bucks about, a qr25de is around 800 if your lucky, and a qg could be around there, but thats including labor? i dont believe it.

He was talking of $500 as labour. He said he didn't know how much the engine would cost.

do you mean it revs really high before changing gears even at moderate throttle? if so you may want to look at your engine vaccuum and your throttle position sensor, do you have any problems with your speedo at all? get with us on here before you let that con artist try and steal your money, any moving camshaft will kick oil out of the cap if its off

It doesn't rev too high. It just jerks sometimes, when I'm trying to move at 20mph, since it doesn't understand which gear to use at such low speeds. I think its due to the age of the tranny.

oil spewing from the oil cap = too much blowby. there should not be enough oil pressure under the valve cover to spray oil.

well if thats the case a pcv valve/hose is hardly enough to replace a whole motor

You mean the engine IS dying?

could be, but its very early to jump the gun like that

Ok... Another bad news. Today while returning from a 30 mile drive, I suddenly noticed the "Service Engine Soon" warning light turn on. :banghead:

Sounds like this guy has know idea on what is going on with your engine. For your engine I would pour in a bottle of Auto-rx at the next oil change and drive it for 2500. Change the oil & filter
With your transmission I'd replace the fluid and filter. Fairly easy job <$50 if you DIY. While you are refilling it pour in 6oz of auto-rx and drive it 1000 miles and change the F/F again.

www.auto-rx.com

service engine soon = not check engine light. i doubt its related. get it scanned and see though.


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