Googamooga wrote:

> OK guys I finally broke my timing belt on my 90 integra LS while driving home

original belt? how many miles? just curious...

> from work. Mechanic wanted $650 for new timing belt and water pump with no
> guarantees since there could be more engine damage. According to the mechanic
> the only way to see if there is further damage is if I paid for the replacement
> of water pump and timing belt to diagnose serious engine damage which could
> cost around $2000. Is there a way to find out if the engine is worth
> repairing before I waste $650?


well, since youre at *that* point?

ask how much to take the head off and look. should be trivial since the
belt is already off, etc.

then you can decide of you want to:

junk the car
rebuild the head
get a used head
get a used low mile japanese engine


and if its good? you can have em clean it up a bit, put a new head
gasket on and reinstall... THEN do the belt and water pump.

shouldnt be more than $300 to take the head off to replace the head
gasket. maybe $150 just to get the head off and look?

why your mechanic didnt suggest this option suggests to me he either
really doesnt want your business, doesnt know what hes doing, or wants
to make the most money possible. or he just isnt very bright...