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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Brenspart on January 04, 2005, 10:56:14 AM

Title: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Brenspart on January 04, 2005, 10:56:14 AM
Hi guys,

I own a white '95 Sidekick w/ approx. 120,000 miles on it.

I don't know much about cars in general but I love this car.

Over New Year's weekend the car broke down and I've been told by my local machanic that coolant was getting in the cylinders. He says the engine is shot and must be replaced and that it's going to probably cost somewhere around $4,000.

Since the car isn't even close to being worth that much he suggests I junk it.

I 'd hate to do it as everything else on the car is working smoothly and I've had absolutely no problems with it. new brakes, battery, belts. we changed the oil every 3,000. power windows, ac, and all that works perfectly.

I guess I'm turning to you to see if anyone has any advice or if anyone wants to buy it? I'd hate to just junk it.

If this is the wrong section to post to please let me know. The car is located in Staten Island, NY

thanks
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: TN_Tracker on January 04, 2005, 11:03:40 AM
Find a new mechanic and if you need a engine a used one can be had for a lot less money than that.
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: 95xl7 on January 04, 2005, 11:05:02 AM
You can get a good used engine for less than 700 bucks if you look around,find someone you know who works on cars to put it in for you.
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: 1bigtracker on January 04, 2005, 11:28:57 AM
i have never took a 1.6 out but i can't be very hard.  but at 55+ dollors an hour it racks up farly quickly.  i think 2500 max cash for a used engine and an install.  

also on another point that they engine might not be bad.  it sounds like this guy was trying to give a ride.  if coolant is only getting into the cylinders then it might only need a head gasket.  i would try another garage. ;)

stu
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: wildgoody on January 04, 2005, 11:37:42 AM
Agreed, This is a shop I would not go back to
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: adamd on January 04, 2005, 11:58:48 AM
Quote
also on another point that they engine might not be bad.  it sounds like this guy was trying to give a ride.  if coolant is only getting into the cylinders then it might only need a head gasket.  i would try another garage. ;)

stu


I was going to say the same thing....Head Gasket...  The guys probably just to lazy to do the job for a head gasket... he wants to make a killing....

Does the car run at all?
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: HotRod on January 04, 2005, 12:48:56 PM
Check the local Wrecking yards and engine builders.
Some places can import engines with  30000 miles on them streight from Japan.
In Japan I guess they swap out engines early to keep Emessions low.
I've checked around in my area and got prices from 650 bucks to 1300 bucks.
Good luck and don't give up so easily on the Zuki ;D
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Chief on January 04, 2005, 12:52:42 PM
First off, find a new garage!

Secondly, sounds like a head gasket. Not too hard of a job, and a HELL of a lot less expensive then 4K!

Does the vehicle still run?
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Zukipilot on January 04, 2005, 10:56:32 PM
I bet he made yoan offer huh. Maybe, I'll take the Truck for the cost of the tow/labor etc... Then a quick head gasket job later, you see your baby for sale in front of his shop. (FOR full retail).

Oh yea, watch letting it sit at his shop while you decide what to do with it. He is probaly adding on a $35-$100 a day storage fee.

Zig
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Bobzooki on January 05, 2005, 01:51:13 AM
Only 120,000 miles???

Sheesh!  My 95 4-door has almost 160,000 on it, and my 95 2-door has 134,000 on it, and these babies are pushed HARD.  Time to learn how to do this stuff yourself!  It's only scary the first time, and after that, you'll have no worries about cracking the engine open to work on it.  At least the 1.6L SOHC I4 is a lot easier to work on than the Grand Vitara's 2.5L DOHC V6!
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Brenspart on January 05, 2005, 04:09:06 AM
Thanks for all the replys.  I think I'll have it towed back to my house and see what I can do.  although I have no tools and seriously have no idea but maybe I can at least get some sort of education out of this.  

in defense of the mechanic - doubtful he's trying to screw me although he probably does have higher than normal hourly labor charges.  But he's been working on my wife's family's cars for a long time now and I trust he'd do what was right in his opinion.  He did state that it's beyond just the head gasket.  (something to do with aluminum wall vs. the steel walls that an older american car would have had?)  I don't know.  As I said I'm clueless here but realize I need to learn.  oh, also the engine he's offering comes with unlimited mile warranty I think.  Or at least something that sounded like a ridiculously long time to me.  He also said he found a rebuilt engine for $600 cheaper but even coming in at $3400 he thought it still wasn't worth my while.

If I succeed at all I'll post again with an update of how it went.  If anyone else has any other advice to offer or where to go for an engine in the NY tristate please let me know.

B

Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: jzap on January 05, 2005, 04:14:13 AM
I agree...  ...unless it has a cracked block or head, it will probably only need a new head gasket.  

If you decide not to fix it, don't sell it to the mechanic and don't junk it.  I am sure there are a number of people on this board who would love to give it a second chance.  

If you decide to fix it yourself, and you need help, there are a lot of good people on this board who can give you good advice and guidance.  

There are books that you can check out of the public library that can tell you step by step how to do most of this stuff.  Sometimes, you just have to look at it and say to yourself, "How hard can it possibly be?"  
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: adamd on January 05, 2005, 04:25:59 AM
Call me ignorant, but I doubt that the cylinders wore through the block to the cooling jackets.... and if it did, it would only be on one cylinder...? I dunno....
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Bobzooki on January 05, 2005, 04:36:25 AM
Quote
Call me ignorant, but I doubt that the cylinders wore through the block to the cooling jackets.... and if it did, it would only be on one cylinder...? I dunno....


Not too likely!  Especially seeing as how he did regular oil changes, etc.  I would drop in a used Kick engine in an eye-blink, if the engine was totally trashed.  That's just so unlikely, though!  How many of us are over 200,000 miles on our 1.6's?
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: ntjoe on January 05, 2005, 05:02:17 AM
Quote
Thanks for all the replys.  I think I'll have it towed back to my house and see what I can do.  although I have no tools and seriously have no idea but maybe I can at least get some sort of education out of this.  

in defense of the mechanic - doubtful he's trying to screw me although he probably does have higher than normal hourly labor charges.  But he's been working on my wife's family's cars for a long time now and I trust he'd do what was right in his opinion.  He did state that it's beyond just the head gasket.  (something to do with aluminum wall vs. the steel walls that an older american car would have had?)  I don't know.  As I said I'm clueless here but realize I need to learn.  oh, also the engine he's offering comes with unlimited mile warranty I think.  Or at least something that sounded like a ridiculously long time to me.  He also said he found a rebuilt engine for $600 cheaper but even coming in at $3400 he thought it still wasn't worth my while.

If I succeed at all I'll post again with an update of how it went.  If anyone else has any other advice to offer or where to go for an engine in the NY tristate please let me know.

B



I'm sorry but he is either clueless or he is trying to screw you.  Period.  You can find junkyard engines for 6-700 bucks and even if he charged $500 to put it in thats WAY under the 3400-4000 quote you got.  Its an inline engine so its not as much of a job swapping as a frontwheel drive car.  

Here's what I suggest.  Find a junkyard motor, then get a chiltons book and rent a cherry picker and try the swap yourself.  If you go by the instructions, you should have no problem.  If you are intimidated by that kind of job, see if a friend has done it and can help, or find a mechanic that will put an engine you find in for a more reasonable cost.

Either way, good luck.
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: wildgoody on January 05, 2005, 07:18:25 AM
These engines have steel cylinder liners,
unless you overheated the crap out of it,
it's a head gasket and you are on your way.

Top end set from most autoparts should be
less than $100, and a few tools and a book
you can do this.

Also if you don't know what you are doing,
and a mechanic knows it, it's ride time for
you, sorry to say, but I would be taking the
wife's car someplace else too.

Get the Trucklet home, and save it's life,
it won't take long, and less than $200 in
tools and parts, a far cry from $3000-4000
:o

Ohh, and I have 275,000 miles on my engine,
rebuilt at 240,000 they last longer than your
has miles on it, you got lots of good miles left

Wild
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: jagular7 on January 05, 2005, 07:49:22 AM
How did the mechanic determine coolant was getting into the cylinders? How did the mechanic determine the steel sleeves were bad enough and the engine was totally shot?

The intake manifold, exhaust manifold, all the vacuum hoses, wiring, engine drive belts, bolt heads, etc should show some kind of removal and reinstall. The grease and grime would show something of use. He would have had to, MINIMUM!!!, remove a spark plug wire from the spark plug to pull the plug out and check that for signs of water/coolant in the cylinder.

If the engine is basically still evenly dirty, I'd take it to another mechanic for another 'review'. Don't tell him what your first mechanic told you.
To be able to claim a total on the engine, the mechanic had to get his hands dirty on the nut and bolts.

To add, without knowledge and understanding of how the combustion engine operates, and without a work place and tools to learn, then you are basically left up to the 'wolves'.
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Brenspart on January 05, 2005, 08:32:09 AM
spoke with a friend's brother who owns his own garage and he seemed to agree with the assesment of the problem and the estimate.  Possible that I'm not explaining the situation here entirely or being clear?  Possible that I'm the only one in NY and prices here are completely out of whack with the rest of the country?  wouldn't be the first time...

Seems like pretty widely different views from what these mechanics are telling me and the opinions of site members.  

Well, I have a small piece of property and can't really have the car taking up the whole yard for the amount of time it'll take me to try this repair on my own.  I think I'm gonna see what I can get for it.

Are members on this site in the Staten Island area?  In need of parts?  I'm going away for the weekend and will post something in the garage sale space on Monday most likely.  Again, thanks for all the advice.

oh - and I guess I'll be selling my Chilton's book too if anyone is interested in that.

Brendan

Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Speedracer7c on January 05, 2005, 09:30:19 AM
Well, I guess your just takin the easy way out. The people here are the ones to listen to. Between everybody on this board, there isn't anything about these vehicles that somebody doesn't know. Unless new york has a different exchange rate, ya man, you were getting screwed. But I woudln't just throw in the towel on it, get your hands dirty and try turnin a wrench, you may just like it.  ;D
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: SnoFalls on January 05, 2005, 10:44:33 AM
Quote
Get your hands dirty and try turnin a wrench, you may just like it.  ;D


Look at it this way, if you pull the head you'll know for sure what the deal is. I doubt that the mech you've talked to has pulled the head, so he's full of it. (and since he spewed that "aluminum sleeve" crap he OBVIOUSLY hasn't done his homework).

When it broke down, had it overheated? That may have cracked the head, but I agree it's probably a head gasket (if it REALLY does have coolant in the cylinders).

P.S. I really hate seeing mechs rip people off. My MIL took her car in to have a "routine" maintenance done before she was going on a 2k mile trip, 50 miles in (right after the "tuneup"), the rad hose bursts. I KNOW the bastard had knicked it with a knife so he could get her back in for an "engine replacement". The SOB stranded a 60 ish lady on the interstate so he could get his "good customer" to spend more money ... he deserved a baseball bat to the balls for that.
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: ntjoe on January 06, 2005, 08:14:48 AM
Quote
spoke with a friend's brother who owns his own garage and he seemed to agree with the assesment of the problem and the estimate.  Possible that I'm not explaining the situation here entirely or being clear?  Possible that I'm the only one in NY and prices here are completely out of whack with the rest of the country?  wouldn't be the first time...

Seems like pretty widely different views from what these mechanics are telling me and the opinions of site members.  

Well, I have a small piece of property and can't really have the car taking up the whole yard for the amount of time it'll take me to try this repair on my own.  I think I'm gonna see what I can get for it.

Are members on this site in the Staten Island area?  In need of parts?  I'm going away for the weekend and will post something in the garage sale space on Monday most likely.  Again, thanks for all the advice.

oh - and I guess I'll be selling my Chilton's book too if anyone is interested in that.

Brendan



I originally from Long Island, I know about that stuff and he is still gouging you.  Look,  you have to understand, you come to an enthusiast site, where most people here have learned to work on their own cars.  You know about as much as most of us did when we started learning, so we have all been there.  We just cant stand seeing a mechanic screw someone so blantly as they are trying to do you.  Most of us have seen it and thats why we have learned to do it ourselves.  Honestly for a $500-1000 you could put a running junkyard motor, or motor from someone on this board in there.  The chiltons book will tell you how, all you will need is a cherry picker and some tools.  I'd say you might even find some members in that area that might be willing to help.

If you decide to get out thats your choice.  Just dont expect us not to bust on this "mechanic" with what he has said.  He has already given you false info (aluminum sleeves??) and is trying to gouge you on price.

Good Luck...
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: TN_Tracker on January 06, 2005, 12:38:03 PM
I think it's time we all move to Staten Island and become mechanics. We'll make a fortune. ;D
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: wildgoody on January 06, 2005, 01:55:48 PM
Ya, I could charge 15 Grand for a turbo setup
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: tOnKa TrAcKeR on January 07, 2005, 02:44:56 AM
Changing the head gasket is its an easy job back when i was 16 i had to change the head gasket in my 89 tracker with little to no knowledge and the help of the gm service manual
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: tOnKa TrAcKeR on January 07, 2005, 03:03:42 AM
the book calls for 7.5 hours to r&r headgasket on 8vlve with ac
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: Bobzooki on January 07, 2005, 03:20:54 AM
Quote
the book calls for 7.5 hours to r&r headgasket on 8vlve with ac


So is that two or three six-packs of barley-pop?
Title: Re: '95 Sidekick - engine shot?
Post by: adamd on January 07, 2005, 04:35:50 AM
Take 1000 bucks and pop in an engine... you'll get way more for it..

http://members.cox.net/aftermarket4x4/off_side.html