An engine that has set for any length of time needs to be looked over thoroughly and have fluids changed immeadiately before you begin driving it. Of course that is water over the dam for you now. Maybe a junk yard engine swap? BUT, be aware that you might find other problems with a 13 year old ride. Radiators, brake lines, bodies and frames rust; wheel bearings rust. Rubber belts and rubber tubing hardens and cracks. I would try to find someone that can give you a complete checkout of the vehicle before you decide to spend any more money on it. This would probably be best accompllished by a local garage/mechanic in or near an inner city. Some urban mechanics look at more aging vehicles than suburban mechanics and I believe they will be better prepared to look for vehicle age-related problems and be better able to give you more affordable solutions for problems they find. After you get a better idea of what you have to work with, you can decide how you want to proceed. Don't take one opinion, go for two or more of the OVERALL condition of the van before spending too much more on repairs. Good luck!

 

Ok well,the thing is the "check engine light is now off. and "put black tape on my check engine light" really dude. Thats your advice?! next time please just don't answer, how does that help me at all Asshat?!

 

there is a different Logic between Dealer and local mom and pop Mechanic.
some mom and pop mechanic would charge you less up front, but they use the trial and error method, which didn't work out very well for the guy.

When you got low compression on a cylinder, you really just have to Open up the engine and see what you find. If they found a burnt valve, they can just put some new valves in and lap it.
However, If they found out something catastrophic like a drop valve seat, crack block, a hole in the piston, you have to buy a new engine. with such an old car with a reliable reputation the B van has, you do not know what you'll find.
The dealership does NOT want to open up a can of worm if you are not ready to buy a new or Used engine. And have the disabled car park on their lot for weeks waiting for the owner to come up with the money.
there is No reason for the dealership to lie to you, because they know the chance that you buy a new engine from them is slim to none. It makes no sense for them to send you out of their door.


to OP:
I am sorry to hear your story, but there are really not much you can do right now. I honestly think this Van is the least of your priority right now. Because your car can't really get any worse than it is now. And the Car should still get you from Point A to Point B safety with a dead cyln. There really isn't many mechanic that would give you a deal because we all hate working on conversion vans.

with the economy and gas price right now, I recommend you to Just save your money. park the van for now, drive it only when it is necessary. if you find a Job and things get better, just go buy a used Neon or Corolla for the sake of fuel economy and cheap repair. If you do come up with more money in the future, then fix the B-Van.

It sounds to me you need a reliable transportation right now, But sorry to tell you, Conversion Van are not on that list.

good luck!

 

Screw you,

I wasn't the one who believed a previous owner that only minor work was needed, and bought a gas guzzler when I had no job.

You are the asshat, and you know it.

As if I needed reminding why I left NJ in the first place.

Freaking douchebags abound. FU