1994 Dodge Intrepid '94 Dodge Intrepid (3.3) Timing Belt Br

REMOTEPORTAL

MEMBER
1994 DODGE INTREPID
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

(I think it's a V6.)

Engine stopped and towed to mechanic. He says only way to find out if engine destroyed is to pay $600, THEN we'll see the real cost. I only paid $500 for the car and it always felt like it was barely running anyway.

Should I pay $600 or junk it?

I've already paid $1.000 in registrations, fees, repairs, and gas for only 10 months of driving this beast.

Pete

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi:
What does he need 1K dollars to check the engine? What does he expect to find? If the timing belt is broken, open the oil cap and crank the engine. If the belt is broke, the valves won't move.

Let me know what is going on or other questions you have.

Joe

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Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 AT 10:24 PM

REMOTEPORTAL

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Thanks, Joe.

He asserts he's already determined the belt is broken. I guess the question is whether or not the engine values are smashed (or whatever happens). Doesn't he have to take the whole engine apart to determine that? Is the '94 3.5 an interference situation? I talked to a friend and he says the values open up very little and he'd be really surprised of the engine is toast. Yet the mechanic is speculating that it's totalled.

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 AT 4:53 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi:
did the engine still turn over (not start just crank?) If it did, it isn't toast. As far as the valves, to check if they are burnt, he will need to replace the belt so the valves close at the tight time to check compression.

I recommend calling around to other shops to ask what they would charge to check the engine. A thousand is way too much.

Joe

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 AT 10:22 AM

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I found a guy who will it for $600. But, that seems to be a lot since I only paid $500 for the car. Seems like a gamble to me.

It will crank (ra-ra-ra.) But won't actually start.

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Thursday, January 8th, 2009 AT 4:15 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi:
I don't think that is an "interferance" engine, so the valves should be ok. Here is how I would look at it. If the car is repairable for a reasonable price, chances are I would do it unless I knew something else major was wrong. My reasoning deals with the fact that to replace the car for the same amount as the repair would buy me junk.

As far as the man who offered to do it for 600, is he reputable? Has he been in business for a long time?
If he has a good reputation, I would go with him.

Let me know how it goes for you.

Joe