On my commute to work last Friday, my cruise control suddenly shut off and VTM-4, VSA, check engine lights all came on. I tried to limp into town, but a few miles later I saw that the engine temperature gauge was pegged. I pulled off the interstate & shut down. After the engine cooled, I tried starting my car again. It cranked, but would not start.
According to two separate mechanics, the water pump probably failed, which broke the timing belt, which bent the valves. Because the water pump went out, the engine quickly got extremely hot, melting one ignition coil in place and possibly damaging piston rings. Both mechanics have told me to scrap the car, because they would have to replace the engine before they could even check for other damage.
So I'm left with a $7k loan on a chunk of metal that I'll be lucky if I can sell for $1k.
On my commute to work last Friday, my cruise control suddenly shut off and VTM-4, VSA, check engine lights all came on. I tried to limp into town, but a few miles later I saw that the engine temperature gauge was pegged. I pulled off the interstate & shut down. After the engine cooled, I tried starting my car again. It cranked, but would not start.
According to two separate mechanics, the water pump probably failed, which broke the timing belt, which bent the valves. Because the water pump went out, the engine quickly got extremely hot, melting one ignition coil in place and possibly damaging piston rings. Both mechanics have told me to scrap the car, because they would have to replace the engine before they could even check for other damage.
So I'm left with a $7k loan on a chunk of metal that I'll be lucky if I can sell for $1k.
- Chris G., W Lafayette, IN, US