I was driving down the highway and i'm assuming my engine is blew out. There was lot of smoke coming inside the car through the vents and there was smoke coming from the muffler and underneath the car. I'm seeking some advice from fellow Honda owners about what my next step should be.

The car is a 2001 honda civic ex sedan. The body has normal wear and tear, approximately 176,000 miles on the blown engine.

I guess my options at this point are to:

a) replace the engine and transmission (any ideas on total cost of this?)
b) sell the car as is. (a junk yard wants to give me 500 for it, is that reasonable?
c) Buy a new/used car.

Obviously i'm not wealthy, i wouldn't be driving a stock 2001 civic if i was. Just seeking some constructive advice, so i don't get owned in trying to deal my car. Thanks.

 

Sounds to me like you may have overheated. it is fixable.

 

I don't know i haven't had the chance to take a look at it. There was a weird fast clicking noise that i was hearing for about a 30 seconds before it happened. all the lights turned on in the dashboard. a ton of white smoke came from underneath the vehicle, after pulling over it came inside my car. They towed it to my house.

 

Did the smoke smell like burnt fuel, carbon, etc. or like burnt antifreeze?

 

I wish i could say i have experienced all those, but to be honest. I have no idea. it didn't smell like gasoline. maybe something else with a hint of burnt oil.

 

Do you have water? Do you have oil and does it look good (not milky)? Pull the plugs. What do they look like? If all those look good, try to start her up and see what happens.

 

You don't need to replace a trans if you blew the motor. If yours is manual tho its 865 from synchromesh

 

Had the mechanic take a look at it. Needs new motor. Any ideas on cost? Best places to buy? good experiences? What am i looking at for an install. I was quoted 800.

 

$800 just for labor? Average price.

Ask the mech what he can get an engine for or check here for salvage listings near you: http://www.car-part.com/ Everything I've got off of there has been from a legit business. Looks like you're gonna have to pay at least $800 for an engine with under 100K miles. You may find something cheaper near you. Also, check local craigslist for rebuilt ones, although I'd careful just because it's craigslist. They run about $1000.

Notes:

- Make sure to take someone who knows something with you

- Try to find one with as many sensors as possible because you may need them in the future and that stuff gets expensive fast.

- Any engine you get needs to have the timing belt, tensioner and waterpump (and maybe even a valve lash adjustment) done before it goes in. I know it's another $200-500 but, please believe me when I say you need this done. I've paid for another engine before.

- Any EX engine from 2001-2005 will work. Make sure it's a VTEC engine from an EX, not HX.

It'll have an EGR valve:


a VTEC solenoid:


and have D17A2 stamped into the block right here:


- Last but, not least: Blowing an engine usually ruins the catalytic convertor/O2 sensors so, you need to prepare yourself for that.

 

Excellent information, and yes it was 800 for the installation. I have found a few engines that are JDM. If i bought one of those would i have problems with the install? What about trading in the car later on? I would like to get as much information as possible before i make this initial investment, as if i had a choice anyway. At this point purchasing a new engine is the lesser of the two evils. the other option being another car purchase

Thanks again Lazong.