Big End - are they expensive????

[Munchkin]

Driving along tonight (very carefully in the fog) in my Traveller called Woodie, I suddenly heard an alarming clunking noise . I slowed down for some traffic lights and the engine died on me . A very friendly man pushed me round the corner and I called the RAC. A very nice man came out and told me that my big end had gone.

Woodie is now sitting on the forecourt of the Moggie garage. Going to have to ring in the morning to let them know he's there and to look after him - it being cold and foggy.

Am I likely to have to take out a second mortgage/sell my cats/possibly even sell my husband to pay for Woodie's "health care"????

[James - St. Helens]

Iam not that sure what a garage will charge you. But I get the feeling it is going to be expensive. Part are about £60. Your extra cost will be labour. Depends how many hours they recon it will take what other problems they come across.

I maybe worth asking them to check the bottom end first to see its viable cost wise but have alternatives already in mind. Make sure that if you go for an alternative that you do not pay them to tell what you already know.


May it would be worth thinking about alternatives -

Do you know some one who could do the job instead of a garage cheaper.
Rebuild Engine
An upgrade to a more powerful engine ( Marina 1275 ect )

James

[Kevin]

Hi Its a little unusual for Big Ends just to go they normally give a bit of warning, also if you have left it at a minor specialist they should soon be able to tell you the problem, also most specailists generally have a spare seconhand engine or two so this may be another alternative to either a rebuild or a full recon engine, however you will probably have to include the cost of a new clutch ( parts £70.00 + vat ) as it has to come apart anyway so there is no extra labour involved, the cost involved labour wise will probably be £200.00 but will depend on their labour charges, which in my area vary between £25.00 - £40.00 an hour so make sure you get a firm quote if this is the case. Let us know how you get on

[rayofleamington]

If it is the big end, there may be a wide variety of other parts that need replacing - or just the big end shells + a sump Gasket.
As already mentioned, they should look at the 'bottom end' (ie remove the main bearing caps and inspect the main bearings for wear and also measure the crank big end diameters + the con rod-to-piston) - all can be done with the car on ramps and taking the sump off, rather than 'engine out').
If it needs more work, weigh up the cost verses a new replacement engine AND consider taking the risk of a second hand engine. There are a lot of rotted cars about with sound engines - the engines can be bought for a pittance - (if you are willing to take the risk that is the most cost effective way.)
And get a firm quote for the work - Garages round here vary from £20 an hour to £65 an hour + VAT!!