Originally Posted by CrackyWainwright
Originally Posted by A_Harman
Don't jump to conclusions.
Dig into it, see how bad it really is.
Maybe it's not too bad to rebuild.
You can make it better than it was.
Better.
Stronger.
Faster.
I appreciate your confidence in me, but I'm no mechanic. I can do basic maintenance, but no serious mechanic work.
The latest timing belt job was done with OEM Honda parts by the head of the auto mechanics department of our local community college. He has a good reputation as both a teacher and the owner of a private shop. He's offering no warranty, but said he would donate his labor to tear into the engine and see what part failed -- nothing more than just research and diagnosis -- if I pay another $100 to have the Accord towed to his shop.
Sorry to say this but this^^^ is why your beloved Accord is no more. You took it to a community college where the teacher may have been a great tech, but it is STILL A SCHOOL and the students are NOT great techs, they are learning. What you did was donate your vehicle to the learning experience of the students.
And I'm sure you signed a waiver saying that the school is not responsible for any and all damage that may occur during the repair (lost and stolen items, damage to the car, etc). It's a risk you take when you try to save money on car repairs - and usually it pays off in places like this - but the bigger repairs (timing belts, engine work) are usually a big risk...one that the school usually won't take on. I feel for everyone involved; the educator probably feels terrible about it, but it's not his fault, he can't watch every bolt that his students tighten and loosen...his only fault might be taking in this job in the first place. And maybe a part did just flat out fail - but even then it's tough for a school to handle this because what are they going to do? They don't have a designated person to deal with warranty claims.