Should I rebuild or replace?

[bgscott]

I too have had the issue with this engine burning up oil. And after I let my brother have the car for a couple weeks, he informs me that after making a sharp turn, it started knocking hard.

Sure enough, way low on oil. I've got what sounds like one piston knocking inside. Not much of a gear-head myself, but should I try to repair this thing or have it done? It's in a 99 SE with about 107K miles.

Anyone know how much this could run me?

Thanks,
Scott

[tenspeed]

I had a 2.4L in my 96 Achieva. It burned/used a quart every 1500 miles. Instead of rebuilding, I would check and top off the oil every 1000 miles and changed every 5000 miles. The engine was still running when I junked the car with 186,000 miles on it.

Rebuilding is expensive and if a bearing is gone, it's necessary. Run it, keep oil in it and it will let you know if it needs rebuilding. Dumping a quart in every 1000 miles is a lot cheaper.

[bgscott]

Well, putting more oil in it would've been then thing to do. But now that something in there is broken, I'm between a rock and a hard place.

[2K SE]

dropping a new or rebuilt in would make the car almost as good as new. that's gonna cost 1 to 2 grand (if you're a good shopper). rebuilding is a option too. but if that's your daily driver the time it takes could be a prob. you got to weigh out the options. my car is at 85000 and I hope it goes another 100 thousand but if not I MIGHT drop a built motor in. is the rest of the car in great shape (oh wait it's a GA you're talking about, haha) then it may be worth the time and money, otherwise you might be better off cutting your losses and looking for another good used car. good luck with your choice.

[bgscott]

Thanks for the advice. I have honestly not been very happy with this car (maybe this is the wrong forum to bring that up ;)). The wheel bearings have gone bad twice, the springs in the drivers seat are about to poke through the back fabric, and the power window cable went bad.

Nonetheless, it bluebook's at $3700 in fair cond. so if I can fix the engine, I might be able to sell it or get some more use out of it rather than give it away to the junkyard.

We'll see what happens.