Hey, so my 2001 S2K suffered severe engine damage due to low oil. I'm a normal driver (ie. don't read up on S2Ks, don't push it hard, commuter vehicle, etc), and it wasn't until after I did some forum searching that I learned these things consume quart of oil/1k mi or more.

What really irks me is that I've always taken my car to a dealer for servicing and it was just in for a 90k service 3mths ago, and this happens now. Never was I informed I should be diligently checking and replacing oil in between service intervals.

Regardless, it looks like I have a few options:

1) Replace with a new/used engine
2) Overhaul engine and replace damaged parts
3) Sell the car for parts

Anybody have opinions on overhauling the engine and replacing whatever was damaged? Is this risky or an ok way to get the car back to working order?

Any info on how/where to sell the car for parts? The rest of the car is in very decent shape, so I can see some value in the parts. Anybody experienced in this and how much could one get for that?

Given that the car is 9 yrs old and worth maybe $10k (with a good engine), I'm not sure if it's worth repairing. I've been quoted $11k to install a new engine, which makes no sense since it's more than what the car is worth.

Input, experiences, or references to previous threads appreciated!

 

If you can find some qualified buddies, I know someone was selling an engine for $3500 on here in a part out thread.

 

most shops should charge around 1000 to remove and replace the motor. a used engine with low miles can be had for around $2500.

To rebuild it you would e looking at around 2500-3000 + remove/reinstall engine.

where are you located?

 

What kind of engine damage are you talking about here?

 

Thanks for the quick feedback guys.

The $11k was for a brand new engine installed by a Honda dealer.

I'm in Bay Area, CA (where everything seems more expensive..) and I'm getting quoted $3500-4000 for a used engine with prob ~60k mi on it. Mechanic is telling me there's prob $1500-2000 on top for parts/labor to swap and I'd be at about $6k for new used engine assembly.

Hmm.. I think I'll investigate more costs for replacing the engine. I did a google search and found a few sites with engines. I'm assuming I could have that shipped to CA. Recs on particular places to look for parts?

As for mechanics, any Bay Area ppl have recommendations on reputable place who could do the swap? Would be good to compare prices with what I've been quoted already.

 

www.car-part.com you can usually find one for a decent price with a warranty.

I want to say book time for r&r engine is around 12 hrs

should be around 1000bux labor at 80/hr

figure you'll want to replace the fluids and clutch while its apart. they should do that for ZERO extra labor cost. it has to be done anyway.

Replace the spark plugs as well. Nothing else should need to be replaced.

 

There was/is some severe knocking, which got bad to the point the engine won't turn and start.

I had it towed to a shop and the mechanic there says based on the symptoms there's definitely damage to the engine, but he can't assess exactly what is wrong unless he takes it apart - which is a 2 day job.

Given the work involved just to take it apart, inspect, repair, and rebuild, I'm getting recommendations of a new engine altogether.

 

no need to take it apart and inspect..

it spun a bearing and seized up. crank and rods at minimum are toast

 

Should be able to have a low mileage used engine including install and all parts in there for less than 5 grand. used engine 2500-3000 at most and install 1000 ish. figure money for fluids and some other stuff here and there.

 

C'mon. It's a matter of personal responsibility.

It's clearly stated in the Owner's manual to check fluids including oil weekly.

If you bought the car used and didn't get a manual and didn't purchase a replacement manual, American Honda provides free information online.

Again, clearly spelled out (note this is general, so no cracks about automatic tranny or power steering fluid... ):
http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Maintenance/m..._prev_maint.asp