Engine replacement necessary

Tiny
NESBITT1977
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE INTREPID
  • 209,563 MILES
My dealership is telling me I need an engine replacement because two cylinders have low compression. Do I need to do that or is the dealership trying to make an extra buck? What needs to happen for the car to be driveable?
Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 11:47 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

If you have two cylinders down, then it needs major engine work. It depends on why you have no compression.

If it is a burned valve, then they could replace the heads but that is expensive. If it is a piston, then it is an overhaul.

It does make better sense to replace the engine. I would ask them if they can price you a used engine. That would be a lot cheaper to perform.

Roy
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
JONNYB1963
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I agree with Roy, if you are showing low compression on two cylinders then it is time for an overhaul at some level. What needs to happen now is to determine if the problem is worn out rings, valve problems, cracked cylinder head, or a blown head gasket. If it turns out that it is just a blown head gasket, valve issues, or cracked cylinder head, then it would probably be much cheaper to do the top end. Rather the remove and replace the whole engine. Is that a 3.5L EGE engine in that car? Which cylinders did they say had low compression? Same Bank right next to each other? That could indicate a blown head gasket for instance.

Jon
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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I would consider a used engine rather than fixing the other one. You may find more damage when taken apart and that will still end up replacing the motor.

Roy
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
NESBITT1977
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  • 6 POSTS
It is a 3.3 V6 and I do not know which cylinders they are.
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
NESBITT1977
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  • 6 POSTS
I have asked the dealership if there is something else that can be done other than an engine replacement and they have said there is not. I am trying to find a way to avoid this if I can.
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Wednesday, October 31st, 2018 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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A compression test will tell which cylinders are bad.

You need to get it out of there to a shop that will give you other options.

Roy
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 12:52 AM
Tiny
NESBITT1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Should I tow or try to drive it?
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 5:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If you can drive it, yes, drive it out. It will not run well but will get you to the next shop for repairs.

Roy
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Thursday, November 1st, 2018 AT 5:50 AM
Tiny
NESBITT1977
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It is cylinders two and six that are the worst.
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Friday, November 2nd, 2018 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, the options are still the same.

You can either attempt to have it repaired somewhere or swap out the motor with a used engine.

Roy
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Friday, November 2nd, 2018 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
NESBITT1977
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What do you recommend?
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Friday, November 2nd, 2018 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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As I stated before, I would consider a used engine to keep down the cost.

The engine replacement is the same if it is new or used.

The engine, a used one, could be purchased for about $500.00 to $800.00.

Roy
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Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 AT 3:41 PM

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