mr.motoring

Wow, I am amazed too! Can it be that us amateur weekend mechanic "joe's" here on Acurazine have outdone ASE certified and Honda/Acura approved technicians at your dealer?! That given the testimony you stated, and with that fact alone since none of us can inspect your engine through our keyboards, we were able to correctly diagnose that your problem was INDEED not a timing belt issue at all.

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.

mr.motoring

Yea, maybe a new head, and at worst, a new piston and cylinder liner.

fsttyms1

And even that may be questionable. Who knows. I think its time a different mechanic/dealer looks at teh car

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

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.

fsttyms1

so sorta like ive been saying?

fla-tls

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?

georgy_d28

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

georgy_d28

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

caha14

What dealer is the car at? Herb Connolly or Auburn? I live in your area and may have a suggestion.

acutee

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.

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?

caha14

I live in Marlborough as well and used to go to HC in Framingham, back when I had my '02 Type S. If I were you, I would try to get the car to Auburn (where you've clearly had good experiences) or to HC, which is obviously closer from A of B (cheaper tow). The service manager at HC, Jim Brown, has been there forever and is a good guy. Overall their techs are pretty good as well.

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!

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

fsttyms1

It wasnt a timing belt though that broke