My truck overheated. The cylinders were reading around 30%. The mechanic suggested removing the head and checking for damage or just replacing it with a used motor. What should I do?

 

30% of what? Did he mean 30% of what the compression should be?
I wouldn't jump right intoa new engine unless I knew whatever was wrong with the one I have is more expensive to fix than buyinganother. If the bottom end is okay, having the heads redone is probably cheaper than buying a used engine (if the heads are the problem, of course).

P.S. Probably doesn't matter in this case, but it can help a lot if you post a description of your truck (year, engine, 2/4WD, etc) in your signature.

 

thanks, i have 2 cylinders that are reading 30 on a the compression checker and the rest are 90 to 100. im not sure what i got with the head. i got a quote for a used motor and 16hrs for install time $2,500 total. the truck was driven w/out any coolant till it cut off. f&***& women

 

If 2 cylinders are at 30% then you have some serious issues. If it was ran until it couldnt without coolant than im guessing its going to be complete rebuild of those cylinder which will turn into more most likely. It is probably going to be easier to swap it out, but you may want more quotes 16hrs install seems a bit much but I could be wrong.

 

Haha! My girlfriend started to overheat in the Range, she pulled right over and cut it off as soon as the gauge left the normal spot...I've got a keeper

But that actually to me seems low on price. My roommate just blew the head gasket on his chevy 1500 pickup, and I'm not sure if the V6/V8 price diff is much, but final price for him installed is like $3200.

 

16 hours is GM's (mitchell on demand)flat rate to swap an engine in a 2000 blazer