1998 Buick Regal compression problems

FLYBOYONE

MEMBER
1998 BUICK REGAL
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
15,000 MILES

The shop says that there is a bad oxygen sensor, bad plug and wire, bad coil, and the #3 cylinder is putting out 40-50 lbs less compression than the others. They want to pull the heads and see what is causing the problem. They can’t give a firm estimate until they pull the head, but they said it would be at least $650 to pull the head. The total repair could go way beyond that depending on what needs to be done to the cylinder. It is drivable, but it runs rough, uses oil and the check engine light stays on.

It is an old car, but it is in good cosmetic condition. The transmission was overhauled at 60K miles and it shifts out good.

What do you suggest? Do I bite the bullet and have it repaired? Maybe get another 75K miles out of it? Or do I just have them put it back together and drive it till it quits? Any suggestions?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,268 POSTS

Hi:
That is a tough question that you need to make based on condition, other problems, and your financial situation. Yes, if you get another 75K out of it, then it would be worth the money, but what will go next?

Check out the blue book on it. You can get it at

KBB. Com

If you have other questions, let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, March 5th, 2009 AT 4:02 PM

FLYBOYONE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Well the transmission was overhauled at about 75K. It is in good physical shape, just the engine has some problems. What do you think the top expense should be for repairs on this Buick Regal? They quoted me $650 just to look at the cylindar. Any repairs would be more. What should be costs threshold be? $1,000? $2,000? If they can get the cylinder working right, how many more miles do you think I can get out of it? Should I consider an engine replacement? Is this just a big gamble?

Sorry for so many questions.

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Thursday, March 5th, 2009 AT 4:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,268 POSTS

Hi:
It is a gamble because they won't know what the problem really is until the head is removed. It could be a simple head gasket or something more involved. Just for the heck of it, if there is a nationally recognized parts store near you, call them and ask what the cost of a remanufactured engine would be for your car. I bet you could get one for under 2K. But don't forget, the car sounds like it is in good condition, but all parts have 150K on them and they do go bad. Also, does the $650.00 include them replacing the head of it is only a head gasket? If not, that sounds really high, but I don't know where you live or the labor rate.

Let me know what you find out with the engine.

Joe

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Thursday, March 5th, 2009 AT 5:47 PM