1998 Isuzu expensive misleading advise

DAVID BIBEL

MEMBER
1998 ISUZU
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
20,000 MILES

After the truck stopped running, I took it to an autorepair facility and was told that the vehicle would not run due to loss of compression. I was told that I could replace the head or the engine. I am not an auto technician but I was concerned that replacing the head only would leave the rest of the engine vulnerable, due to its age. The advisor responded that if the engine ran well before, the lower end of the engine would not be effected.
Because the cost of replacing the head was half the cost of the engine, I chose that option, which was $1200.00. Shortly after completing the repair, the engine will not run. The repair facility has completed a diagnostic and has determined that the rings are worn and the engine needs to be replaced. If I was not led to believe that the engine block would be fine, I would have not considered replacing the head as an option.
Please advise what you would do.
Thank you,
Dave

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

If you intend to keep the vehicle, you have a few options. Firstly unfortunately I don't think that there is much you can do about the unsound advice. But all is not lost. You have a new cylinder head, so you will only have to purchase a "short engine"This is a re built Bottom end only. Your head can be re used and this may save some money, You may be able to negotiate a deal with the repairer and come to an amicable financial arrangement for the extra work, They may feel a happy customer will be better for business than one with a grudge. Talk to then in a calm manner and things may work out for you.

I hope that this helps.

Mark (mhpautos)