John Newton

My 97 2.5L OB is in the shop getting the heads pulled as I type. I had the same experience you did (going about 30mph). I had a shredded timing pulley and water pump wouldn't turn - don't know which happened first. But valves are bent on both sides. But no piston damage, which I'm told is rare. Getting HG replaced and other seals. I tried putting new timing belt/pulleys/water pump myself but still got no compression due to the valves. Should be about 2k. I'm told by the experts here that I should get another life out of the car with these repairs. There is someone here with heads for sale. Check 97 OB Advice thread...

I didn't see the last few posts until now - they pulled the heads (all) to get machined over the weekend. I told them to replace the seals mentioned as well. It has a new water pump already which they'll reinstall with the new timing kit I put in. I didn't mention the separator plate though. I'll give him a call during my lunch break. Thanks for the tips guys! I finally feel some hope for my OB!

The oil filter wasn't loose and I didn't see oil stains when I removed the timing belt covers. I read somewhere else on here about the separator plate as well and thought that could be it. I really wanted to clean the engine though to see if it would have been easy to detect. But since I'm getting the engine pulled for the heads, I might as well replace the engine seals/gaskets. Man, this is adding up. But if I can get a second life on this car it will feel worth it.

I don't see it in front or on the heads, but the bottom of the engine is pretty covered. I'll need to spray wash/degrease the bottom to find out where it's coming from, but i started to notice a little bit on the ground and also have had to add a quart every few months right before the timing pulley blew. I was going to clean the engine and take it in right before that happened. Needless to say, the priority changed... I was told it could be as simple as the oil pan...

I'll have them resurface the existing heads and valve job with new hg. I'm glad to know there wouldn't be much of a chance for other damage (pistons, etc). Since the timing kit is all new, and I'll put new plugs/wires (OEM), I'll feel good about this old engine's condition afterward. After all this, then I need to find out where the oil leak is coming from...sigh. Could be oil pan I've heard. I've thought about doing engine gaskets while all this other work is being done at the same time...just more dough though...

Oh, a side note: he had said that there was no compression in ALL cylinders...

I found online $539 each side for cylinder heads (w/valves, springs, seals, guides). Guessing 6-8 hours work, getting to about $2k for that job. Head Gasket separate? I'll replace the plugs and wires too. Still beats putting in an engine for $4400 that may need that job later on. Wish I could do this myself but I'm not experienced enough and my timing belt helper said the same. Think I'll pull the trigger and ask the shop to get started today. You guys have been a great help with my decision. I really didn't want to let this car go.

Thanks for the links! I'm at work and haven't been able to search more sites...

That includes all labor costs, plus the labor for re-doing the timing belt and compression tests, and new hoses, plugs, wires. It's not just 4400 for the engine itself. Nonetheless, there's no background on it, if the hg's have been updated, and what those 80k miles consist of. Either way, didn't really think I'd go that route. I'm shopping around for genuine parts to redo the heads/valves. I see OEM parts distributers and some who say genuine but are out of stock. Harder than I thought it would be... Who's a trusted distributor to get the proper hg's from?

Thanks for the advice guys. I've been torn on what to do. I wouldn't be able to pull the engine and do hg's myself, even with the help I had. I'd have to have the shop do it and was considering the cost of that vs. the new engine vs. future expenses down the road. It's got the new t-belt, tensioner, pulleys, and water pump already. It would just need the heads and the cost of the labor involved. Sounds like that's the way to go though. I'll pass on the replacement engine. I've never had to replace heads on a car before, and this was my first timing belt. What's an estimated cost on replacing all of them and labor involved? The timing kits all new already. Just don't know about hg costs... Really appreciate the assist gentlemen. Just love the car and if I can find the cash I'd like to keep it on the road longer.

New here, but have been reading posts related to my problem below. I bought a 97 OB Wagon about 3 years ago and it served faithfully until last month when an idler pulley blew. My uncle and I replaced the timing kit but failed on compression tests for all cylinders. As you know with these engines, it's most likely valve damage. A shop quoted me $4400 hundred for a used engine with 80k on it (includes labor, new plugs, wires, hoses). No history on it though or if the HGs have been upgraded. I'm at the point to decide if I should invest in this. I don't have that cash on hand and can manage without wheels with a bike and good bus system. I'd hate to give it up since I love the car. But I don't know what I can get for my car as a non-run from a private buyer. The body's in great shape (few scratches/dings), got a new clutch, everything works (A/C, cruise, power doors/windows etc). Just needs a new engine, since getting a valve job on it (had 115k) would be risky for the money. Any advice on what to ask for it? I may part out the new water pump and timing kit to recoup some cash, then sell as a non-run. But I'd like to ask for a fair price.