How do you know your engine is blown on your 2008 dodge nitro
Asked by she17 Dec 08, 2016 at 01:27 PM about the 2008 Dodge Nitro
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My car recently was running hot, and broke down. I was
told by a mobile mechanic that it was because my water
pump was bad and I needed a new one with a thermostat
and gasket. So he changed that and cranked up my car to
a shaking and rattling noise and told me it was either my
time chain tensional or val lifters. Without looking under
the hood. The next day he told me he did some research
and it's my engine that's gone bad. I don't know anything
about cars and I really don't think I need a new engine,
but yet I don't know what could it be. Do you have an
idea?
4 Answers
First, get a second opinion. This guy should have looked into the timing chain at the time he was replacing the water pump, I don't know what engine you have but on many, the two jobs are often done together because of their location and labor involved to open the front of the engine. So find another place and get another opinion. If the engine is shot, it may not be worth the cost or repair, either get a replacement engine or consider unloading the car as a "mechanic's special" or part it out. I use a mobile mechanic too on occasion, he's pretty honest and will tell you he does not have the diagnostic tools to evaluate a motor (or transmission) for serious problems like timing chain issues. I mean at the least your mechanic should have pulled the valve covers and checked timing.
Can i put the motor from a dodge nitro in a dodge durango
same thing just happened to me but only after a $17,00 bill (the so called mechanic at Leons in NH they put in a new water pump - starter- and other things then told me it needed a new engine. I took it to the dealership for a second opinion they said 100.00 diagnosis fee then called said it needs a new cam shaft $550.00 after a 650.00 bill the dealership concluded Yes I do new engine. This all started while on my way to work I noticed the car was overheating so I pulled into a gas station shut the car off (all lights came on) so had AAA tow it.I did open the hood and noticed the car engine was wet which I later learned was the water pump. I am the only owner of this car it is a 2008 so old but not elderly-1004 miles- I am 57 yrs old again old but not elderly-but now I am out allot of money only To hear I need a new engine and NOBODY call tell me why or what caused this.
I have a 2008 Nitro. I brought it new got all the regular maintenance done to it. It has 134,000 miles mostly high and they other day out of no where. I turned the key and heard a load noise (my lifter) my husband signal for me to cut it off. He is a licensed mechanic and he looked under the hood check the oil. Everything look good. Hit the key it was fine. Made my run and came home the next day same thing. He said, I need a motor! He said, when the top goes out the lifter the bottom usually is next.
