Hey everyone,
Just getting some input, figured this would be a somewhat common question though I was surprised not to find much about it in my threads search.

I have a Honda Civic 97 LX, today while on the highway it sputtered to a stop. This was not before it made some serious clanking noises. There apparently was an oil leak, and one quick observation from the towing guy said a valve was bent (pretty much all the oil was gone), and that the engine was done and needed to be replaced. Of course I started doing research about it when I got home, some people talking about it on line say it isn't over for the engine (but serious work needs to be done, parts replacement inside it), others say it is done. Anyway, any thoughts or input are greatly appreciated. For a used engine it looks like about 600-700.00 at the lowest, another 1000.00 or so for labor. Would rather fix the current engine if it can be done...

 

1st off i wouldn't trust a random tow truck driver on advice about a motor. there is no possible way to tell that you have a bent valve without removing the head so for him just to spout off that you have a bent valve with having nothing to go by is just retarded. not saying that isn't what happened but i won't go making a diagnosis without knowing exactly whats wrong.

with that being said, take your car to a certified honda mechanic, find out exactly what the problem is, find out how much that will cost to fix, then make your decision on which will be more cost effective.

 

I agree about not going on the word of the towing guy, even though he was a mechanic as well. I certainly will get it checked out before making any decisions. Guess I am trying to get a better idea before I take it in however. If it is a bent valve, I have heard different opinions on how to go with it. Some say they can go in and work on it, others say get a replacement engine or another car. I know the estimates already for another engine, at the low end 1500.00-2000.00$ (engine and labor). That is still less than shelling out for another decent car, which I won't be doing for a few years unfortunately. I would like to think the engine can be saved, though I know even then it is going to be pricey. It's just whether it's more than getting another engine or not. Anyway, any experience with dealing with this situation again is great appreciated. Of course I will go get it checked out, but am learning all I can in the meantime. Thanks again.