'99 TL Timing Belt Snapped :(
#41
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Originally Posted by case80
It turns out now that it was'nt the timing belt at all. Apparently a spark plug overheated and melted in the cylendar. The dealer never looked at the engine until I got the service manager involved. It still requires and engine replacement, but it's amazing at how unresponsive they were to me.
Are you also saying they were going to perform an open-hood surgical transplant based on their assumption only? This is actually an Acura dealer, right, and not really a used car lot with a big 'A' covering their real name?
Granted, you still need a new engine (they DID do a visual diagnosis this time right?). But I couldn't trust them for any repairs or maintenance after this, which is why I never trust any mechanic, except myself. And hell, if I end up breaking it attempting a fix, at least I learn from it.
Just remember, we're here to look out for you, not your money.
#42
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Originally Posted by fsttyms1
Have the even inspected that? Sounds like they dont know what they are doing. And makes me wonder if maybe all you need is a new head or something easy?
#43
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Originally Posted by mr.motoring
Yea, maybe a new head, and at worst, a new piston and cylinder liner.
#44
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I think we're all making the ASSUMPTION that the dealer is being honest and not trying to pull the wool over his eyes to make a buck. I would tell the dealer you want to have it towed to your "friend the mechanic". I bet they change their tune.
#45
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Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
I think we're all making the ASSUMPTION that the dealer is being honest and not trying to pull the wool over his eyes to make a buck. I would tell the dealer you want to have it towed to your "friend the mechanic". I bet they change their tune.
![Agree](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/agree.gif)
#46
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Yeah - they're saying a spark plug actually "melted into the engine?" I know if you have a spark plug that's pretty loose it will allow blow-by to heat it and perhaps melt it (or the aluminum of the head). I've even seen pictures of spark plugs affected like that, but I've never actually heard of it happening in real life.
Who changed the spark plugs on that thing last time?
Who changed the spark plugs on that thing last time?
#47
David McDavid Acura in plano wanted to charge me almost 2k for the timing belt...but i ordered a warranty for 1200 from a friend for 19 mo. 19k miles that actually covers the timing belt so
#48
I bought another warranty another 19k miles of protection 1200 dollar investment...awesome and it covers all engine, trans, electrical (except sunroof) brakes (incl. abs/tcs), even the timing belt!!! so if it goes i only pay 100 dollars like always, PLUS rental reimbursement. i bought after david mcdavid acura wanted to charge me over 2k to change it
#49
Originally Posted by case80
It turns out now that it was'nt the timing belt at all. Apparently a spark plug overheated and melted in the cylendar. The dealer never looked at the engine until I got the service manager involved. It still requires and engine replacement, but it's amazing at how unresponsive they were to me.
#50
From what I read, using a Colder spark plug is not efficeint, but it is safer than using a Hotter spark plug since the plug can be melted into the cylinder causing damage. I think that is why on 03 tl-s, acura change the spark plug to #6 (colder plug) rather than the orginal # 5.
#51
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hey caha, where do you live around here? Acura of Auburn is great, they have service my Acuras for the last 10 years. When my car broke down, it was a mile from Acura of Boston (where I have had problems in the past) so I thought it would be easier to get a diag there. What a mess. What other suggestion did you have?
#52
Originally Posted by case80
hey caha, where do you live around here? Acura of Auburn is great, they have service my Acuras for the last 10 years. When my car broke down, it was a mile from Acura of Boston (where I have had problems in the past) so I thought it would be easier to get a diag there. What a mess. What other suggestion did you have?
As far as A of B, I never experienced their svc dept, though I walked out on sales people twice back in '00 and '02. I thought they were pushy and rude. Needless to say, I never bothered with their service department, but it doesn't sound like you're sold on them. So, if possible (and sorry for stating the obvious), I'd try to get a 2nd opinion elsewhere... Maybe you can at least call your friends at Auburn or call HC and ask.
Good luck!
#53
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its a 50/50 shot whether or not u bend the valves which is what happens when u break a timing belt the piston it the head....U can easlity find a TL motor fro under thousand dollars so thats what u should do and then check the old one when u get it out and see how bad is the damage u might can part it out make some money back
#54
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Originally Posted by honda_inspire99
its a 50/50 shot whether or not u bend the valves which is what happens when u break a timing belt the piston it the head....U can easlity find a TL motor fro under thousand dollars so thats what u should do and then check the old one when u get it out and see how bad is the damage u might can part it out make some money back
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