1997 Honda Prelude Crank Shaft

DSTJOHN

MEMBER
1997 HONDA PRELUDE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
151,500 MILES

My mechanic (don't trust him one bit) said my crank shaft got busted. Here's what happened.

Driving home one night, out of nowhere, I hear a slight scratching noise coming from the driver's side wheel well. In the morning, I start the car and the scratching is very loud and I can feel the vibration. I popped the hood and saw the drive belt looked a bit worn and identified that's there the noise was coming from. I tried to get a couple miles to the repair shop. The noise was horribly loud at speeds of 5-25mph but eased at 30mph. Then, around 40mph something popped. I pulled over, popped the hood again, and saw the belt was loose (next to driver's side wheel well). It had become detached.

Mechanic wants 3K to fix, but offered to buy it from me for like $500! I think he is crooked.

Thanks.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Why do you take it to him if you don't have any trust, that doesn't make any sense to me.

Maybe he is a crook, but you need to find someone you can trust.

Was the belt broken or just off the pullies.

I assume it was towed the rest of the way in?

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 9:17 PM

DSTJOHN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It was towed the rest of the way in.

The belt was just off, not broken or split.

I did trust him until he said my car was f*cked but then about 10 mins later asked me how much I want for it. Good question though.

Apologize for my horrible terminology as I have very little knowledge of automobiles.

Bottom line, I don't understand how out of nowhere a crank shaft can get destroyed. Also, I have to think the car is worth more than $500. Tires good, brakes (rotors, pads, etc) new, tranny perfect, engine good, etc.

Ugh.

Thanks.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 9:22 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Okay, you were insulted and your venting. That's different. LOL. HE sounds more insensitive than a crook.

Hard to say why it broke without tearing it down. It would only be academic anyways. Consider putting a used motor with less miles on it or even a reman engine. IT may run you $2-3000, but generally hondas are worth it.

Problem with the value dropping like a rock is that it doesn't run and needs a motor. $500 doesn't sound unreasonable. Part of the reason I recommend a another engine. Someone wouln't take the brakes off and use them on another car, nor many of the parts except for a junkyard that would be able to piece out various things to a larger audience of buyers.

You can always get a second opinion on it. OR if you tow it home I can help you check it.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 9:32 PM

DSTJOHN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Me checking an engine is an interesting thought.I think I just pissed myself ;)

Appreciate your thoughts. I wasn't insulted, just shocked. I just have this feeling there isn't a major issue with the vehicle and I'm getting screwed. I think I'll pay $50 and have it towed to a mechanic my associate recommends.

I'll also call some salvage yards.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

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Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 AT 9:41 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Glad I could give you some warm feeling in the times of distress LOL!

Typically the shop theat replaces the engine will also supply the engine. Let them do it. If something goes sour, finger pointing can begin. Sometimes used parts can get a warranty at additional cost. Find out the waranty side of the situation before the job is done on both the motor and the labor.

What will I have to pay if the engine goes bad or has a problem in X amount of time is something you may want to know upfront.

I think I'll leave this night on a good note, Good luck, feel free to ask or post anything!