Hi Guys, so glad I found this forum. Here's some history and why I'm here:
My brother-in-law had a nice 1996 Accord DX automatic. He died (heart attack) in 2003, and the car has been sitting in our carport ever since. Never had the money to get it up and running. When it was parked there, it needed total brakes/rotors/etc. replacements. As the years went on it needed more and more, obviously.

So, I finally saved up about $1500, and had it towed to the shop, they put all new brakes and tires, also the gas had turned to varnish so radiator shop had to boil the tank, got fuel pump, send-return, etc. and ~$2000 later, the car is running.

So I got to 48 miles after filling it up and leaving the shop, cleaning it up (looks good! 105k miles on it), and it dies on me. I don't think too much of it, it starts right back up. Then, later that day (Saturday), it dies again and now it won't start. It makes this high pitched revving noise and I think oh crap, timing belt broke.

So I had it towed to the mechanic and he said it was the timing belt and he thought there might be bent valves. I told him I know honda is interference, but I've read a lot of reports where valves didn't bend because of the spacing... I ask him to go ahead and open it up and check it out.

He calls back later and said that it didn't look like the timing belt but there's bent valves, and the engine is incredibly sludged up from sitting, and the camshaft broke or cracked and it probably needs a new engine.

I'm not a mechanic or even very well inclined for this. But I've already invested $2000 in this car. So my dilemma is should I get a second opinion? I was going just about 10 mph when it died the last time... I trust this mechanic, but I've never been in this type of situation.

So my second thought is, I love the 1996 Accord... If I'm going to need to get a new engine anyway, can I look at putting a more powerful engine in there (maybe a Prelude engine) and getting an even zippier little car?

The mechanic said that if I provide an engine, it would be about $900 labor to just swap it - but he said I'd probably want to put new seals, plugs, etc. on it which will push the cost up. Would you guys recommend me looking for someone locally that could do a swap if I get the parts? Or should I try to bring it back to this mechanic?

ANY advice/help is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!
Timbrewolf

 

The F22B2 1956cc engine (the one that is in your Accord) is very common and there are all manner of examples available used; and at some very reasonable prices.

IMHO; although not as romantic and "Ooo Factor" as the valted H22, the F22 is better suited for the Accord by virtue of it's longer stroke.
The H22 would need the associated transmission to work properly (by virtue of it's steeper gearing since the H requires rpm to make it's power).

If you bought this as a daily driver, locate a F22B2 from your local yard and let this guy do the deed. He's advising you right; I too would recommend freshening up the engine before installation. Putting a timing belt is a LOT quicker (and certainly easier) when the engines' staring you in the face

P

 

P Adams - Thanks so much for the quick response and candor!

It is just a daily driver, like 30 miles a day, and the mpg of the standard engine is really nice. I can get carried away. Hah.

Do you think I should try to pull a local engine (i'm not really experienced but a guy at work said he could help me with that)? Or should I get one off eBay? Or should I let the mechanic quote me one to save the hassle?

Price is definitely an issue, since I just spent $2k getting it all running. But this is the first time I've done any of this, so your recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Also - should I get a quote from a second shop for the labor charges, etc.? Or you think this all sounds accurate?

Thanks again!

 

What should guide your dicision should be this:
Who makes good if the engine/installation goes bad?

Whenever I did this; I set it up like this:
If I installed an engine supplied by the customer; I would warranty the installation ONLY, he (or she) would be responsible to either secure another unit and/or pay for any repairs/replacement of the engine itself.

If I both supplied and installed the engine; the whole thing would be on my shoulders. I could do this because of the relationship I had developed with three local yards. I would get good, low milage units that the yards made good on if one went bad and would send a replacement at no additional charge to me.

Your tech may offer either.

If you decide to pick up one yourself; select a venue that offers a warranty on the unit (1 to 3 years typically) such as Woodfins. If you can find an Auto Recycler locally; I would personally prefer that. He's local, isn't going anywhere and doesn't involve massive shipping expenses. If he hasn't got what you need on hand, most recyclers subscribe to locator services and can have a unit shipped in.

There are too many "if's" about Ebay engines. It's too easy to spiff one up, strap it to a pallet, take some pictures and market a piece of crap.
If you don't mind the hidious shipping charges and are seriously considering EBay; pick a vendor with the highest rating you can find. That and the use of Paypal is the only way I'll use EBay

P

 

As a side note - I sold my perfectly running motor F22B1 for under $200. You shouldn't have to pay more than that. They're far too common to pay more.

 

Awesome. Thanks again so much!

The mechanic who has my Honda right now said that the engine would be about $1000 or so, but I haven't asked him to actually get me a quote (maybe he was just estimating high).

I'll call some yards and places around town to see what they have. I'll update with my findings for more expert advice. Wish I could return the favor, but when it comes to this stuff, I'm a spectator at best.

 

Yeah if you try to buy online you'll get the $1000 or so, your transmission is fine you just need the long block, I'd hit up craigslist for your area for some part outs.