My first engine buy....:(

I really screwed up, my engine is shot. I need to replace the 3.8 on my Ford Windstar with 100K miles.

They are telling me it'd be around $2,600 for a used (20K) engine, and about $3,600 for a rebuilt.

Damn....I new it would be pricey...but wow!

Any advise on which way to go and how to approach this?

Thanks

 

Search salvage/junk yards. Those prices are reasonable considering the engine powers your vehicle

That lower price is a tiny bit more then my headlamps in my vehicle

 

What year is it, and what is blue book value on it in the shape yours is, and IF the engine were good with 100K on it?

 

It's a 2000 Windstar, better model in good condition other wise. CD Player, good air, nice paint, nice trim, reliable and trannyseems ok.
I am the dumb crap whole hauled HUGE loads of lumber when I was building my garage/loft getaway with the van low on oil. I screwed up the engine.
I had all Aerostars with the 4.0 for previous vehicle. Used to gettting 170 K out of them before some woman would hit me and demolish it.
I never had engine and tranny problems, and I'm 60. Can't even blame this one on Ford, it's my dumb **** fault. I was so absorbed in the building going on.

 

I see. So that said, what is that thing worth if the engine were good and nobody knew that you did all that hauling with it? Does it sag at all now?

 

does it "sag" at all now? not sure what sag is. Please tell me.

Since I did the overload pulls on low oil, the engine burns a LOT of oil now, and think a knock is starting. I feel it will blow /break in less than 1,000 miles.
Probably worth about 5 or 6 K if engine fine.

 

About $2600 for a Jasper remanned + installation.

Ecman was curious if the suspension is shot from the hauling.

 

no, it needs shocks but didn't damage frame or suspension. the trailer had duallies, but it weighed so much the strain was obvious. Would still have been ok but I was so low on oil.
I just get so pissed at myself for screwing up and now having to shell out that much money cause I was dumb!

 

just a correction I saw that picture and the trailer has or had tandem axles, not duallys, I still think low oil was after the fact, you would've still messed up the engine anyhow, you did find out about low oil after hauling right ?

 

Kelly Blue Book sez a 2000 Winstar minivan 100K Private Party sale is $3200 in excellent condition. Put 20W50 oil in it and trade it to your local dealer and let him deal with it. Have a good one. Geo

 

x2. I've wasted too much time and money on used cars and lost it everytime(but learn't alot). I would only put the new engine in assuming the rest of the vehicle is in decent shape and won't require any other costly maintenance which at 8 years starts to become unpredictable. Unless you figure you can get $2600 out of driving it in the next few years, I wouldn't... Only other cheaper route would be if you can get an engine from the wreckers and find a mechanic friend to do the swap, or rebuild.

 

ya Lou Bazooka, the oil was likely very low before the too heavy hauls. That is a point I forget to factor in. I have a personality where I always blame myself first, even in a case like this when maybe something else caused the problem heavy haul or not.
There has been a lot of good postings here, I have a decision to make and you all helped me to make a better decision.
Thanks