Ford Escort engines

Hi, I've just discovered this site and I was hoping for some advice about an Escort engine with a broken head gasket, which went when we were on the motorway last week.

The gasket has been sent away for skimming, but the garage (who we trust) have found that the engine got so hot that some parts began melting lower down in the engine.

Our dilemma is this: Is it more cost-effective to replace the melted parts and have the repaired head gasket put back in, or to get a decent second-hand engine to replace the original? My partner is really upset and feels like scrapping the car and just getting a new one, but I think we should give the garage a chance to fix it.

Cost is an issue. The car only cost £1500, so you get to the point of repairs costing more than the car is worth.

It will be the head that has been sent away to be skimmed - if parts have melted (presumably the alloy pistons) then the block will be damaged as well, plus possibly bearings etc. - a secondhand engine is an answer but how do you know what condition it is in?, labour charges for rebuilding your engine will be LARGE in addition to the cost of parts. Alternatively looking for a secondhand car which you could test drive and assess would be a very good idea!

MikeD

Thanks Mike. It is a 1.4 LX engine. We are having to balance up the costs, as I said.

My girlfriend just feels like going for a new second-hand car.

you could always fit a re-con engine in BUT trade in as car never the same with re-con stuff

Sent the head off, THEN discover than things have melted,,???

And you trust the garage, stunk of fish straightaway

Ive repaired some "cooked" engines in the past, but never seem things melted, not saying it's never happened.

get a photo if you will, thanks.