Hi. This is my first post, and I could really use some knowledge and advice. I have a 2002 Accord with the 6 cylinder engine that I've owned since 2009. I've been diligent about getting all the maintenance done at the dealer where I bought it, and it's always run well for me. On the day after Christmas, the check engine light came on and it started running rough. I had it towed to the dealer where I've had all my other work done, and to cut to the chase, the mechanic's report said it was caused by a burned exhaust valve, and the fix was to replace the engine with a used one for about $3500.

I never got to talk with a mechanic, but I asked the service rep if that was a typical fix for a burned valve. I was assured that the mechanic was very experienced, and that this was his recommendation. I'd been thinking about getting a new (used) car for a while, and since this one only had 130,000 miles on it, I decided to get a newer car and let one of the younger family members pay for this repair, and give them the car. They would get to replace a Civic with 285,000 miles with the Accord for less than $4000,

As long as everything else holds out for a few years, I think it works our for everyone. But I can't help feeling that replacing the entire engine for a burned valve is overkill. Are there conditions that would warrant this fix, or have I possibly been a victim of invoice padding?

Thanks!

James

 

I'd get a second estimate. You should just be paying for the parts and labor to have the head removed and the valve replaced. New head gasket, valve adjustment, (might as well change the timing belt and water pump while you're in there if it hasn't already been done) IDK why they'd suggest a replacement engine, unless this is a used car dealership in which case I wouldn't trust their mechanic unless I knew them personally.

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This is a highly respected and long-time Honda dealership. We have bought several new and used cars from them, so it's difficult to believe they would sell me an entire engine when some valve work would do. Maybe he thought that in the long run it would be more cost-effective to do the engine (and timing chain and plugs).

I'm going to stop by today for a chat and get his thoughts on the matter.

 

Dealers will replace your motor no problem bc they don’t pay for it because in reality they don’t not care about your wallet in the least. That’s why your getting that diagnosis. In their defense tho it will probably fix the problem. Getting a second diagnosis might find yourself with that one mechanic that says it’s just this and that. So you replace it and it’s not. then you try this and that and it’s not then this and that etc etc. you’ll think back to when you could have just replaced the whole motor.
you should sign it up for the government but back program instead of having it as a lawn ornament until someone saves up to fix it. That’s if they don’t wisely buy a different vehicle. Do you know what a white elephant gift is. I bet its white too.

 

Are they putting in a new longblock (heads+block) or sourcing a used replacement engine?

Parts+labor from the dealer may be more expensive than a whole longblock and that may be why they are suggesting a replacement engine.

 

Yeop.
Last time I checked a JDM J30 runs ~$800-1600 depending on where you get it.
Put on a new timing belt and WP along with a few other things and having to switch over all your USDM parts and gaskets to the JDM engine will eat up a few hours as well, not to mention installation, so a 3500 quote is fairly easy to expect on such an endeavor.

 

someone thinks the dealer gets their motors from a jdm engine warehouse lmaoooo

 

On a vehicle this old a repair shop desnt want to get "married" to the vehicle. Meaning they dont want to have to deal with other issues that may come up down the road, were they to replace the head only. They safer option is for them to replace the entire assembly and thus try to avoid a customer complaint down the line.

IMO 130,000 is fairly low for a Honda engine. I'd Google shops in your area and get a quote on a valve job.

I just did a valve job on a Civic with 285,000 miles. I sent the head out to a machine shop for the grunt work,I put new rings and bearings in the bottom end and sent him on his way. He is a regular customer of ours who's been coming to us for 20 years, so if any issue arise,well know about it.