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Originally Posted by schadz
I took the car to a mechanic and the news wasnt good. They said it was probably a cracked piston or bent rod. They said it could cost around $4,500. Is there a less expensive way to get this fixed?
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Is this for the Saab in your profile?
I think the price is way too high.
There are several cheaper ways Each method would require the existing engine to be removed and replaced. A mechanic should charge about $500 - $750 for that.
1. You can buy a complete rebuilt engine on line. I found some in the mid - $2000 range, depending on if you have a 4 cyl or V6.
2. The cheaper alternative is to buy a rebuilt short block (this is an engine with no cylinder head or valve gear.) The existing head and gear are transferred from your old engine, assuming the head has not been damaged.
3. The cheapest route is to remove the engine, head and pan, identify the damaged rod and piston and just replace those (including new bearings, rings and hone that one cylinder.) This should be no more that a few hundred bucks, if the damage is minimal.
IMO the decision depends on the mileage and condition of the car. If its got high miles, but is in really good shape, a rebuilt engine makes more sense than #3, even if it is more money.