ymol

(Just on a limb)
I Purchased a 2008 MDX a couple of months ago. W/ 140k miles approx. The person who sold it to me chose to NOT tell me it was way overdue for a timing belt. And this past weekend, It finally failed, my car that is. My mechanic informed me that it was the timing belt. I need a new engine now, of course. And I don't want to spend another 10k+ on another car. Any recommendations on where I can purchase a new engine, at a reasonable price? Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I live in MD.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market
input year, make, and model, location and what part you need..(engine)

and it will spit out junk yards in your area with the part you need (engine)
this is what I did for my 2006 TL when I needed a used engine...
after locating the engine, I called the junk yard to double check the engine was there....when I got to the junk yard, there were SEVERAL engines that I could choose from. I picked one and had them load it up in the truck bed...
I then delivered the engine to my mechanic where he installed it

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

You can also purchase used engines on eBay. There are several salvage sellers that have good reputations. Keep in mind; some shops will insist on only using an engine that they purchase, especially if offering a warranty. They may also want to replace a number of items such as spark plugs, thermostat, timing belt set (belt, tensioner, water pump etc.). You can work with some of them to mitigate costs. Just make sure you have an agreement before you deliver the engine to them.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^i moved most of the accessories over from old engine to newer used engine to mitigate cost...
can't swap over fluids tho...lol coolant, oil, power steering fluid was pricey all in one shot

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, they insisted on using only Honda "blue" coolant when I had mine done, which wasn't cheap. I had them reuse the spark plugs and all timing components, which they did without charging me for removal/replacement from the old engine to the new.

I had them source the engine. It was more expensive that way but it came with a 60K warranty with labor costs included. So far it's been 35K and all's well.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

interesting! I had went to a friend that just opened his shop. so, while I was left sourcing the engine while dude sourced machines for his shop. the junk yard gave me a 30 day warranty on the engine
it's been 4 years since I had mine replaced and everything is rockin and a rollin!

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

What has been left unsaid in this thread, and by your mechanic as well, is when a timing belt fails, at least 90% of the engines I've seen were fine on the lower end and the head(s) simply needed rebuilding/replacing. I would press your mechanic for why he didn't present you with this option.

97'CL2.2

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

But what if the piston heads were damaged? Would that even be an issue?

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Short of a catastrophic failure of the bottom end of the engine, I don't think I've ever seen damage to the head casting; especially following a timing belt failure. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but if it does, it is very rare. Either way, buy a new/rebuilt set of heads and you're good to go.

Carpayment4life

If you do decide to buy an engine, hopefully, with fewer miles, make sure you run the VIN and know what year the engine is.
Avoid the years 2010 thru 13, to stay away from probable oil burning issues.
Each motor has a VIN stamped on it.

Put the motor's VIN in to the blackbook web site, with any trim level, and it will tell you the year, of that VIN

WWW DOT CUDLAUTOSMART DOT COM
then the research tab
then scroll down to blackbook.

97'CL2.2

ECRD

You can easily pull the heads off and revalve it and you be up and running.

I'm in NJ tow it to me and I will fix it for you at a amazing price...

Very unlikely the pistons or block was damaged but can;t tell until you pay to have heads removed first.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Or borescope the cylinders.

wilsel

Ouch man...that sucks
I just replaced my 2009's timing belt and water pump 5k miles early. I was already on year 9, and as you probably just found out, it's supposed to be done every 7 years or 105k miles. I was going to try to hold out until I hit 105k. It spent it's early life in Colorado, so I started getting concerned with it being in such a dry environment and temps below zero in the winter, that it could cause the belt to breakdown early. I'm glad I went ahead and did it after reading this.. Good luck to you!

When I was trying to find a Pilot for my neice earlier this year, I was surprised how many people gamble not doing it as recommended. Many driving 40, 50, 60k miles past 100k. Then, they want to trade-in/sell the car instead of having it replaced. Others didn't even realize their Pilot had a timing belt. Which tells you they haven't gone to the dealer for a while, because they will not miss an opportunity to remind you it's time for a timing belt.

Carpayment4life

Yes, so many don't replace the timing belt.
The dealerships don't replace them either.
Dealers want to wash the outside, change an air filter, and sell the car.

qqzj

It is almost common sense to be careful about timing belt with so years and mileage. A lot of owners sold their cars just to avoid that tb expense. It is not really the previous owner's fault. But he/she did luck out that the buyer was not aware of it.

2000ACTLIMINATOR

Just saw this post. I am in NJ and need a head for my 07 MDX. A mechanic friend of mine said he'd replace it with a j35 head. Just curious to know if you think that woul be right. Please email me at jonshivprashad@gmail.com