Junk yard engine installation Honda Accord 2000 question

Asked by hondaaccordowner88 Apr 23, 2015 at 05:23 PM about the 2000 Honda Accord LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This question is for everyone in a similar
situation to learn from, here's the whole
story.

I bought a car last year and within two
months the engine was overheating badly
and was diagnosed by a certified mechanic
to be the head gasket.  I replaced the
radiator, hoses, head gasket, water pump
and Thermostat.  One month later the
coolant was full of oil again and
overheating bad.  It was than determined
that this was a defective engine (common
from 98-02 and no longer covered by
Honda) and the engine block was cracked.  
They recommended a new car or a new
engine.  

From here I spent about 6 months finding a
"junk yard engine" with low miles.  Let me
warn you that this is a shady business.  
They will lie if they think your incompetent
enough or they will just lie anyways
because there that crooked.  There are
honest people, find them.  After a bad
experience with one engine, I got a engine
for $460 including shipping with 135,000
miles -30,000 miles over what they quoted
but nevertheless- checked up on and
verified.  I was encouraged by the
mechanics I know, the one installing it and
vast online research to replace these parts
during the install:
Water pump, Thermostat, Timing Belt,
Upper and lower radiator hoses, 5/8 inch
hoses, Wires and Spark plugs.

There were other parts that I saw during my
online research that were recommended
but these were most consistently named.

My question is what other parts are VITAL
to giving a "better chance" for this engine to
not have problems, considering prior
overheating on the last engine?  Thank you
so much for any responses.

1 Answer

13,105

If I were rebuilding it myself, I would replace every part on it except possibly the cam shafts and crank shafts. I know it costs more, but do it once and do it right! I would also bore the heads and block to the next size over and replace the rings and pistons and rods. Your biggest problem here would appear to be taking a chance of rebuilding an engine that supposedly has design flaws so is prone to failure due to cracking.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    JP1956
    Reputation
    6,880
  • #2
    Fredbrillo
    Reputation
    5,320
  • #3
    Jonathan Ford
    Reputation
    3,850
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
47 Great Deals out of 1,118 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
188 Great Deals out of 3,999 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Corolla
132 Great Deals out of 2,268 listings starting at $103
Used Honda CR-V
192 Great Deals out of 4,984 listings starting at $440
Used Honda Accord Coupe
6 Great Deals out of 53 listings starting at $4,500
Used Nissan Altima
28 Great Deals out of 677 listings starting at $3,795
Used Lexus IS
23 Great Deals out of 426 listings starting at $4,400
Used BMW 3 Series
59 Great Deals out of 1,213 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Maxima
11 Great Deals out of 198 listings starting at $1,450
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 3,035 listings starting at $3,900
Used Hyundai Sonata
44 Great Deals out of 822 listings starting at $1,543

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.