My truck broke down and I can't get a straight answer

[luthen]

My 1996 S-10 broke down, and the mechanic just says I burned it up and need a new engine (worth it, he says) when it stalled, there was oil on the road behind it, it turned but wouldn't catch. I pulled the spark plugs, they were covered with oil (threads and all) and there was oil pooling in the spark plug sockets, can I salvage this engine, and if not, what parts should still be ok?

I don't know if there's a hole in anything so don't ask please

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by luthen

My 1996 S-10 broke down, and the mechanic just says I burned it up and need a new engine (worth it, he says) when it stalled, there was oil on the road behind it, it turned but wouldn't catch. I pulled the spark plugs, they were covered with oil (threads and all) and there was oil pooling in the spark plug sockets, can I salvage this engine, and if not, what parts should still be ok?

I don't know if there's a hole in anything so don't ask please

We would need some good info to help you.


But.
Proper testing will led you to the answer.

What engine?
Did you lose oil pressure?
Did it lose all oil?
Did it make any noise?
Where is it leaking oil?
Will moter crank over good?
Did it get hot?
Blue smoke out tail pipe?

What did mechanic say was burned up?

[luthen]

2.2 L4 5 spd Mechanic said it (engine) was burned up and no good, Oil gauge went a little screwy before it died, a little rattling, it was pretty hot but not unusually so, only tried to start it once it turned but didn't catch and need to check to see if all oil is gone do not know location of leak, again Mechanic says replacement is the only option, but I've been talking to some friends who think that is not the case and mech. says replace will cost about 2k (replacement engine would cost 1k plus about 1k for labor) heard head gasket from 4 sources now because of oil on the spark plugs

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by luthen

2.2 L4 5 spd Mechanic said it (engine) was burned up and no good, Oil gauge went a little screwy before it died, a little rattling, it was pretty hot but not unusually so, only tried to start it once it turned but didn't catch and need to check to see if all oil is gone do not know location of leak, again Mechanic says replacement is the only option, but I've been talking to some friends who think that is not the case and mech. says replace will cost about 2k (replacement engine would cost 1k plus about 1k for labor) heard head gasket from 4 sources now because of oil on the spark plugs

Oil gauge going crazy does not sound good.
Rattling does not sound good.
How could it get pertty hot but not unusall hot?
Are your friends mechanics?
May need some testing and checking out.
Or have another repair shop check it out.
Let us know how it goes.
Good Luck

[luthen]

ok, it was hot, it was a while ago, I don't really remember everything, it must have gotten hot though to burn up the engine, I really just want to know what the oil on the spark plugs could mean. Friends are not mechanics but are pretty knowlegeable, having my little sister's bf (He's getting an internship with a local repair shop) look at it and see what he can see, other than that, truck is sitting dead in yard and can't afford a tow truck

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by luthen

ok, it was hot, it was a while ago, I don't really remember everything, it must have gotten hot though to burn up the engine, I really just want to know what the oil on the spark plugs could mean. Friends are not mechanics but are pretty knowlegeable, having my little sister's bf (He's getting an internship with a local repair shop) look at it and see what he can see, other than that, truck is sitting dead in yard and can't afford a tow truck

Where is the oil?
In the cylinders and on the firing end of plugs?
Or just on outside of engine in plug well?

Did it throw all of the oil out of it?
Was there blue smoke coming out tail pipe before it quit?

Did it lose any coolant?
Is any coolant/water in engine oil?

[Rick Norwood]

From what you are telling us, it could be a blown head gasket. However, as MT2500 says, the over heating and rattling is not good. Replacing a blown head gasket is not cheap, and is certainly not worth the cost, time, nor the trouble if the rest of the engine is toast.

How many plugs were covered in oil when you pulled them out?

You said that the spark plug sockets had oil in them, how many? Which ones?

Could the oil on the threads be a result of the external pooling?

How much oil is on the dipstick now?

We cannot hear nor see your truck but we can give you a lot of tips and pointers to look for.

[SuperTen]

The Problem with Oil on spark plugs mean your head gaskets under neath the Pushrods arent sealed good or they are blown.. Need new ones.

[riverat440]

Originally Posted by SuperTen

The Problem with Oil on spark plugs mean your head gaskets under neath the Pushrods arent sealed good or they are blown.. Need new ones.

Looks as if you may be better at making donuts instead of working on automobiles

[SuperTen]

Originally Posted by riverat440

Looks as if you may be better at making donuts instead of working on automobiles

Best Look Again Mate!...

[534BC]

I'd guess that your mech is correct with diagnosis. It sounds like it has been overheated and ran out of oil. It's hard to pinpoint exactly which parts are hurt badly, but a complete rebuild or replacement is what they are advising. Either way will take care of the trouble and $2000 sounds very reasonable.

Without much more detail it seems likely that you will need pistons, bearings,crank, ect. (A new engine) All parts are done toothier during rebuild. If by chance it has over 200,000 miles then most parts are probably worn out anyways.

Hope this helps you make a decision. It would be a nice project to at home as well if you have the tools/experience.