John Turner 4
Member
Hi -
First post, but I've been lurking for a long time. Just doing searches in these forums has helped me out with a ton of info about my 2001 Job One.
My truck is in the shop right now. Some history: I take good care of my truck...all recommended maintenence, etc. New battery, new brakes when needed, new shocks, new tires, regular oil changes, new thermostat.
About six months ago, the lefthand sway bar bushing in the front broke and needed replacing. While getting that done (they did the righthand side too), I had them flush/fill the trans and flush/fill the coolant. This was at about 97,500 miles. At the time, they said the timing belt/chain was rattling. True, but after awhile it would go away, so I did some searches here (thanks!) and put it down to the tensioner deal on cold start.
Last week, the rattle got louder, and more constant. Then last Wednesday, the check engine light came on. I wasn't worried...at 99,300 I figured something needed replacing, no big deal. When I took it in, I told them about the check engine light and also told them to replace the timing belt as well as whatever caused the check engine light.
Next day, I get a call and they tell me the timing belt is shot and needs replacing, and that the "upper and lower intake gaskets" are bad and need replacing, and that there is a lot of sludge built up. Then the dreaded words: "looks like you need a new engine".
I am very worried...I have no problem paying for repairs that are needed and am not trying to weasel something for nothing. I just cannot believe that a truck that was driving fine (no acceleration problems, etc) has a check engine light come on and then needs a new engine. The timing belt was making noise, granted, but it did not fail...the only thing wrong right up to the second I turned my truck off to turn it into the shop was the check engine light and the rattle noise. Oil pressure was up, temp was fine, battery was fine.
Sorry for the long post, I am just really worked up. The shop says they will "know more" on Monday after their engine tech can investigate the lower end in more detail to see "how much damage the sludge caused".
I think they are trying to steamroll me into a new engine (quoted at $3200 parts and labor, 12 month warranty). I think that all I need are the new intake gaskets, clean out the sludge, and replace the timing belt and pulleys or whatever they're called (quoted at $1700 parts and labor).
Any advice or help? The truck is paid off and in good condition...I fully expected to drive it another 2 years or so, if not more.
Again, sorry for the long post as you can prob tell I am worked up. I am pretty handy but can only do the basics so really don't know what I should do. Any help or advice is really appreciated!!!
First post, but I've been lurking for a long time. Just doing searches in these forums has helped me out with a ton of info about my 2001 Job One.
My truck is in the shop right now. Some history: I take good care of my truck...all recommended maintenence, etc. New battery, new brakes when needed, new shocks, new tires, regular oil changes, new thermostat.
About six months ago, the lefthand sway bar bushing in the front broke and needed replacing. While getting that done (they did the righthand side too), I had them flush/fill the trans and flush/fill the coolant. This was at about 97,500 miles. At the time, they said the timing belt/chain was rattling. True, but after awhile it would go away, so I did some searches here (thanks!) and put it down to the tensioner deal on cold start.
Last week, the rattle got louder, and more constant. Then last Wednesday, the check engine light came on. I wasn't worried...at 99,300 I figured something needed replacing, no big deal. When I took it in, I told them about the check engine light and also told them to replace the timing belt as well as whatever caused the check engine light.
Next day, I get a call and they tell me the timing belt is shot and needs replacing, and that the "upper and lower intake gaskets" are bad and need replacing, and that there is a lot of sludge built up. Then the dreaded words: "looks like you need a new engine".
I am very worried...I have no problem paying for repairs that are needed and am not trying to weasel something for nothing. I just cannot believe that a truck that was driving fine (no acceleration problems, etc) has a check engine light come on and then needs a new engine. The timing belt was making noise, granted, but it did not fail...the only thing wrong right up to the second I turned my truck off to turn it into the shop was the check engine light and the rattle noise. Oil pressure was up, temp was fine, battery was fine.
Sorry for the long post, I am just really worked up. The shop says they will "know more" on Monday after their engine tech can investigate the lower end in more detail to see "how much damage the sludge caused".
I think they are trying to steamroll me into a new engine (quoted at $3200 parts and labor, 12 month warranty). I think that all I need are the new intake gaskets, clean out the sludge, and replace the timing belt and pulleys or whatever they're called (quoted at $1700 parts and labor).
Any advice or help? The truck is paid off and in good condition...I fully expected to drive it another 2 years or so, if not more.
Again, sorry for the long post as you can prob tell I am worked up. I am pretty handy but can only do the basics so really don't know what I should do. Any help or advice is really appreciated!!!