Replaced thermostat, temp sensor and filled radiator with antifreeze. A few days later code came back and engine died. Will not start and has no compression. One mechanic said he could not recommend a tear down on a car this old and a new engine would be $5-6000.
1. Are there some basic checks or tear down i can do myself to diagnose
2. what could the possible reasons be why the car won’t start and what is the most likely damage.
3. This is my sons college car and i don’t have the money to buy a replacement car right now with used car prices so high.
Thank you,
Will not start and has no compression.
No compression? In all cylinders? (Broken timing chain?) There is no expectation of an engine starting under those conditions.
Does the engine turn over?
Should I scrap this car or try to fix it?
what are the potential problems I am looking at if I fix it?
The problem is due to the car overheating due to low or no antifreeze and damaging the engine. The timing chain is not broken.
Very likely the engine is shot, though it would need to be carefully checked to see how bad it is. There's overheating and then there's OVERHEATING.(Cylinder head warped? Block cracked? Pistons burned? Other damage?) If the engine is severely damaged and the car is otherwise in good condition a low-mileage JDM engine might be a viable way forward.
Thanks Chuck!
Do a compression to confirm that the engine is blown. Hopefully, you'll only need a new head gasket and a rebuilt head.
No the engine does not turn over only a high pitch sound.