Junk yard engine installation Honda Accord 2000 question

Asked by hondaaccordowner88 Apr 23, 2015 at 05:23 PM about the 2000 Honda Accord LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This question is for everyone in a similar
situation to learn from, here's the whole
story.

I bought a car last year and within two
months the engine was overheating badly
and was diagnosed by a certified mechanic
to be the head gasket.  I replaced the
radiator, hoses, head gasket, water pump
and Thermostat.  One month later the
coolant was full of oil again and
overheating bad.  It was than determined
that this was a defective engine (common
from 98-02 and no longer covered by
Honda) and the engine block was cracked.  
They recommended a new car or a new
engine.  

From here I spent about 6 months finding a
"junk yard engine" with low miles.  Let me
warn you that this is a shady business.  
They will lie if they think your incompetent
enough or they will just lie anyways
because there that crooked.  There are
honest people, find them.  After a bad
experience with one engine, I got a engine
for $460 including shipping with 135,000
miles -30,000 miles over what they quoted
but nevertheless- checked up on and
verified.  I was encouraged by the
mechanics I know, the one installing it and
vast online research to replace these parts
during the install:
Water pump, Thermostat, Timing Belt,
Upper and lower radiator hoses, 5/8 inch
hoses, Wires and Spark plugs.

There were other parts that I saw during my
online research that were recommended
but these were most consistently named.

My question is what other parts are VITAL
to giving a "better chance" for this engine to
not have problems, considering prior
overheating on the last engine?  Thank you
so much for any responses.

1 Answer

13,095

If I were rebuilding it myself, I would replace every part on it except possibly the cam shafts and crank shafts. I know it costs more, but do it once and do it right! I would also bore the heads and block to the next size over and replace the rings and pistons and rods. Your biggest problem here would appear to be taking a chance of rebuilding an engine that supposedly has design flaws so is prone to failure due to cracking.

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