I might be using the wrong term then...my understanding is that of the four pistons (cylinders?) only three are firing.jayoldschool wrote:Can you expand on the "frozen piston"/"I'm still driving the car" diagnosis? This is not something that I've come across in 25 years of working on cars.
There's about a ZERO percent chance that your symptoms require engine replacement. Get to a new mechanic. Immediately.eadc wrote:I might be using the wrong term then...my understanding is that of the four pistons (cylinders?) only three are firing.jayoldschool wrote:Can you expand on the "frozen piston"/"I'm still driving the car" diagnosis? This is not something that I've come across in 25 years of working on cars.
So when I'm at a light, it idles pretty rough. But when I'm at speed I don't notice a thing. My mileage isn't as good as it used to be, but it's not a whole lot worse (I get about 275-300 on a tank, 95% highway driving).
As for part of the country, I'm in Richmond, VA. Sounds like labor on a new engine (or used engine) is a big chunk of the cost.
Any ideas of what it could be? The first diagnosis came from my neighborhood mechanic, who was ok, but I was never too sure of.jayoldschool wrote:There's about a ZERO percent chance that your symptoms require engine replacement. Get to a new mechanic. Immediately.eadc wrote:I might be using the wrong term then...my understanding is that of the four pistons (cylinders?) only three are firing.jayoldschool wrote:Can you expand on the "frozen piston"/"I'm still driving the car" diagnosis? This is not something that I've come across in 25 years of working on cars.
So when I'm at a light, it idles pretty rough. But when I'm at speed I don't notice a thing. My mileage isn't as good as it used to be, but it's not a whole lot worse (I get about 275-300 on a tank, 95% highway driving).
As for part of the country, I'm in Richmond, VA. Sounds like labor on a new engine (or used engine) is a big chunk of the cost.
Junkyard would not pay more than a few hundred. I just looked at a 03 GT and the guy was only offered 187 to scrap it. I was going to by it for parts $500 but didn't. Wish I had but I didn't have a way to transport over a hour something that was overheating.eadc wrote:Any ideas of what it could be? The first diagnosis came from my neighborhood mechanic, who was ok, but I was never too sure of.jayoldschool wrote:There's about a ZERO percent chance that your symptoms require engine replacement. Get to a new mechanic. Immediately.eadc wrote:
I might be using the wrong term then...my understanding is that of the four pistons (cylinders?) only three are firing.
So when I'm at a light, it idles pretty rough. But when I'm at speed I don't notice a thing. My mileage isn't as good as it used to be, but it's not a whole lot worse (I get about 275-300 on a tank, 95% highway driving).
As for part of the country, I'm in Richmond, VA. Sounds like labor on a new engine (or used engine) is a big chunk of the cost.
The second opinion came from a local shop with a good rep, and the third time I was in for some brake work at another well-regarded shop who noticed the issue when test-driving after the brake fix. I feel that if three mechanics agree it's probably the right diagnosis, but if you think there's another way I'll look into it. One of them said you could rebuild the engine, but the cost to do so would be about that of a new engine.
As for folks suggesting I sell now while it's running: the check engine light has been on since this issue started, so I'd think my re-sale won't be all that great (more than a fully dead car, of course). Any thoughts on trade-in to a dealer vs. what a junkyard would pay me to part it out?
Any updates on this?eadc wrote:Any ideas of what it could be? The first diagnosis came from my neighborhood mechanic, who was ok, but I was never too sure of.jayoldschool wrote:There's about a ZERO percent chance that your symptoms require engine replacement. Get to a new mechanic. Immediately.eadc wrote:
I might be using the wrong term then...my understanding is that of the four pistons (cylinders?) only three are firing.
So when I'm at a light, it idles pretty rough. But when I'm at speed I don't notice a thing. My mileage isn't as good as it used to be, but it's not a whole lot worse (I get about 275-300 on a tank, 95% highway driving).
As for part of the country, I'm in Richmond, VA. Sounds like labor on a new engine (or used engine) is a big chunk of the cost.
The second opinion came from a local shop with a good rep, and the third time I was in for some brake work at another well-regarded shop who noticed the issue when test-driving after the brake fix. I feel that if three mechanics agree it's probably the right diagnosis, but if you think there's another way I'll look into it. One of them said you could rebuild the engine, but the cost to do so would be about that of a new engine.
As for folks suggesting I sell now while it's running: the check engine light has been on since this issue started, so I'd think my re-sale won't be all that great (more than a fully dead car, of course). Any thoughts on trade-in to a dealer vs. what a junkyard would pay me to part it out?