Car had been losing coolant only when car was on. TL was ran dry for about 15 miles and begin to lose acceleration when j stepped on the gas. Finally cut out completely and would not restart after I allowed it cool And added coolant. No knocking noises I can remember.

I'm assuming something is seriously warped or seized.

should I take the head off and have it checked? I owe about 2k on it and have never had a problem this severe. I do not need the car immediately so I'm in a scenario where I can tear it apart and weigh my cost vs. time vs. loss. Any advice is good advice. Thank you

 

I'd be surprised if anything on that block is worth salvaging.

The best bet is likely to find a junkyard motor. If it's a base 04-06 the engines are cheap and easy to get. That'd be my move. I don't think trying to salvage whats in there now is worthwhile compared to the relatively low cost of a direct swap.

What year and transmission?

 

Auto 04 base model

 

I'm sure you can find a junked one. Just take time looking.

 

Ugh - probably worth tearing into it based on your time vs. cost vs. loss scenario. Hard to say too much else until you know what you are dealing with but 15 miles running dry...... ouch!!

 

Sorry I'm incompetent. It ran with no coolant and overheated. The car did have oil in it. I got quoted 650 for a new motor and I'm thinking tearing head off may be a good scenario to check prior to swapping motor. 650 sound right on a 85k motor?

 

Why would you drive it without water?


Why would you begin replacing the engine when you don't know what's wrong with it?


Does it turn over on the starter but not start?


Does it turn over faster than normal?


Is it "frozen" so the starter can't turn it over and it dims the hell out of the lights?


If it's frozen, does it have a little give or can it be rotated backwards by hand?


"Tearing a head off" is getting way ahead of yourself. It's best to check compression first if it turns over.


Chances are you're best off getting a used engine since it's all aluminum but at least verify the engine is toast first. It probably butted the rings together and broke all of the ring lands if it's not frozen but won't fire.


Too bad it's not a manual, I've freed up frozen engines by pushing the car up to 60mph and popping the clutch in 4th or 5th gear. No go with the auto though.


15 minutes, really?

 

Not 15 minutes, 15 miles.........