Think I purchased a lemon. :cry:

[daisy]

I purchased my 2003 P5 in May, and finally after lots of paperwork and hassle I was able to drive it in June. Anyways, I had a mechanic check it out before purchasing and overall it checked out well. The guy who sold it to me also supposedly had the top end rebuilt under some kind of extended warranty (no proof though) and the timing belt at the same time. I was going to put a clutch in the car so the belt wasn't much of a concern, but I think what he meant to tell me is that top end NEEDS REBUILT. (pissed) I've put a little over 1000 miles on it and now on cold starts (like first thing in the morning after sitting all night) it shoots out a plume of white smoke. Smells strongly of oil, so I suspect valve stems. Car has @ 95k miles on it. Pretty sure it's not the headgasket, having it double-checked by the same mechanic next week to be 100% though.

So here's my question, has anyone had the top end rebuilt in their P5, and approximately how much did it cost you (so I can add 50% for Hawaii market adjustment, )?

 

[drgnzadiel101]

if by top end you mean the head then just buy a new head. $500 max. while you are at it a new head gasket, valve gasket, cam seal , etc. get some decent retainers and springs too. thats all i can really say

 

[HKPRO5]

Haha 50% sounds right! lol

Hope everything goes well.

 

[daisy]

Well, do you have any suggestions on where to take it to for the work, HKPro5? WrenchWerks (specializes in VW/Audi) is across the street and checked it out for me, they were going to check it out but they said if it is the top end they don't have the equipment to do the repairs. Oddly enough if it were a headgasket, they could.

 

[HKPRO5]

Not sure. lol I have done all the work myself. I never really outsourced labor so I couldn't tell you where to go. =\. I would try Tandals in Waipahu from what I hear they have a pretty good turnaround.

 

[CulRidr]

Sucks to hear about your dilemma
There are some heads that come up for sale here around the 200$ mark. That's where I would spend the money. You'll already have to spend 100$ on the head gasket, and a few other gaskets while the exhaust/intake manifolds are off so save where you can.

 

[flash75]

Usually white smoke is caused by water getting into the combustion chamber. Oil smoke from valve guides should be blue.

"if by top end you mean the head then just buy a new head. $500 max."

A new head for $500? I assume you mean it's new to you and from a used
engine. I wouldn't install a used head without going through it and replacing the
worn out parts.

Clifton

 

[daisy]

Not sure. lol I have done all the work myself. I never really outsourced labor so I couldn't tell you where to go. =\. I would try Tandals in Waipahu from what I hear they have a pretty good turnaround.

Yeah, that's typically what we would do, but unfortunately we don't have any workspace here; military frowns on you working on cars in base housing. (sadbanana)

 

[Dropped]

Your base doesn't have a hobby shop?

 

[HKPRO5]

Yea they have a hobby shop nar the nEX and one in schofield.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

I have a head FS if you are interested...can have it there soon...PM me if interested...

 

[daisy]

Your base doesn't have a hobby shop?

Hickam, yeah, we're in Pearl City though and it's just a pain to do it somewhere else - if something goes wrong, you can't exactly tie up a lift at the hobby shop.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

So, you need a head...lol...

 

[daisy]

Gah, typical man, always thinking about head (silly)

Seriously, I'd hate to know the shipping from there to here....how many miles and what's the condition on yours? If I'm going to go that crazy, while don't you just ship your transmission with it? lol

I've found a used engine locally, and am half tempted just to swap it in there and spend my spare time building the current block for boost, sourcing a lsd transmission and eventually tossing that in there. I love my car, but a couple extra horsepower never hurt nobody. (cheers2)

 

[ScratchNSniff]

Head, I am sure I could get it there for $200 shipped, which I don't think is that bad...especially since it is going to HI...the tranny is a LOT...lol...but if my current deal falls through with it I could probably get it there for around $900 shipped...70,000 miles on the head...no known problems...

 

[daisy]

Let me think about it. Damn shame we're not in Sumter anymore, I'd just come purchase both from you.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

I wouldn't of even made you come pic them up, I would of delivered them to you...just let me know something...

 

[dandan2]

Let me think about it. Damn shame we're not in Sumter anymore, I'd just come purchase both from you.

200 isa great deal man. u should do it. just replace the valve seals atleast so it freshens up the head alittle.

 

[ScratchNSniff]

Yea, just let me know if you don't find something local...and as you know living in HI...most will **** you on shipping charges...I am shipping an intake mani there and it is $50 just for shipping...

 

[daisy]

I know, it's a really good deal - just trying to weigh my options at the moment. I'll have answer for you soon.