How much time and money will this most likely cost me?

Tiny
KAILAYASMOM
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My vehicle had no warning or engine lights but was in need of an oil change (not low on oil) and had been making a slight ticking sound. I started it one day and got it sounded like it was idling high then I got a warning that said “power reduced to engine” then it died and would not ever turn over or start again. A mechanically inclined friend did some work on it based off the codes it through. First he changed the oil, then replaced the high pressure fuel sensor, then the high pressure fuel pump. Still no luck. Another friend looked under hood and all but one rocker arm on intake side were broken. I still owe over $5000 on this car so I’m wondering if what to do. I really afford a mechanic. My credit is not that good as it is and I’m tempted to just self surrender the car back to the loan company.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 AT 11:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,693 POSTS
I would consider the rest of the vehicles condition first. Is the body good? Suspension in good shape? No other glaring problems? If those are all good then I would pull the engine apart. IE remove the cylinder heads and check the lower part of the engine for damage. If the bottom end is OK you might be able to install a remanufactured cylinder head, put the rest back together and drive it. Or put a complete re-man engine in it and run it. Yes you would be putting 2-3K in it, but if you like the vehicle that is still far less than a few payments on a new vehicle.
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Sunday, April 19th, 2026 AT 5:16 AM

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