Discussions

Timing Chain: [2007 Kia Optima V6]:  
 
Sounds like a major rebuild. I am guessing chain is cheap - labour is not. Should I spend the $1500-$2000 quoted by local garage or just buy a new car/motor?

I had mine changed on an 07 Spectra, before the factory recommend 90,000. I had it changed at about 80,000, because a messed up timing chain isn't worth the troubles that come with it. If it isnt changed in time, it can affect your whole motor, and yes, at worst case, cost a total rebuild, which is what it sounds like you need. Kia has factory trained technicians, so I wouldn't take your car to any other shop for a "new"(really, just a rebuilt) motor, unless it is from a certified engine rebuilder. If you have to rebuild, keep in mind the age and condition if the vehicle. An 07 was built in 06, making it a ten year car. Oxygen sensor(s) will need replacing soon,as well as shocks, brakes, and possibly starter and generator within the next few years. So if you rebuild, keep in mind that you will be putting another grand into it for upkeep shortly anyway. It all depends on your financial situatuon, and whether you want to commit to new, and less maintenance, but monthly payments, or drop money into the old vehicle now. Honestly, I personally dont like Kia's service shop at all. But then again, I have heard of people who have had engine rebuilds from certified mechanics elsewhere on different vehicles, and the newer engine still ran horrible. If you go for a rebuild, you have every right to ask specifically what is being rebuilt, by whom, and what experience they have had with engine rebuilds. There is nothing worse than hearing that someone who just started and doesn't have a lot of experience is doing your build, which is what I find too often in Brandon. I am no mechanic, I am studying online as a repair tech, so believe me, experience is vital on saving you from long term frustration.  
 
Edited by Mr B, 2016-02-16 12:57:04

It needs a major rebuild why? I'll look at the book time at the shop tomorrow if you let me know what you need done..  
 
$1500-2000 for a timing chain you'd be getting hosed... We do entire engine swap with a used motor for lessZz

Totally that you are getting overcharged...let me know if you want a reasonable quote.

Interference engines which means valves will contact piston when a belt or idler pulley fail. If the manufacturer recommends timing belt, pulleys, water pump replaced at 60 or 80,000 kms (whatever they say) just do it. Otherwise you are completely gambling that it won't fail. Most of the time the belt does not fail. The water pump or idler will most likely go first. If you are "lucky" you will only bend the valves. If you are unlucky you will also damage pistons, valve seats, valve guides, etc. I just did this repair on my daughters Chevy Aveo, and it was awful. Parts here were going to be well over $1000. Had to buy them from the US for $650. She was VERY"lucky" it was only the valve that were damaged. Labour would have been brutal so I would say that price is probably normal for the job. Preventative maintenance $500. Reactive maintenance $2000  

Dugr71 is correct. The engine mentioned in the OP is an interference engine. If the belt failed it's not just possible that the valves have hit the pistons, it's more than likely that it has happened. That by itself would justify the cost mentioned in the OP.  
 
It's pretty easy without having all the facts, to suggest someone is being overcharged. I don't have any of the information regarding the vehicle in the OP. I don't know if the timing belt has failed or not, but I have fixed a number of vehicles with interference engines where the timing belt has failed. By the time you replace the belt and possibly idler pulleys and or belt tensioner, and maybe a water pump, it gets to be a very expensive repair. Add to that pulling the cylinder head and replacing bent valves and correcting any other possible damage ...

Timing belt is expensive job as I am finding it these days. It looks like OP's belt failed, so the higher estimate. If I were you, I would rather put that money as a down payment towards a new/used car. Because chances are you may need more money towards other repairs as the car is 10 years old.  
Any recommendation for a backyard mechanic here who can do timing belt?  
 
 
 
Edited by SJN, 2016-03-10 14:25:16

Does some auto mechanic work on the side: 204-724-2590