And why is it so expensive?So after many months of trying to figure out why my 93 Mercury Cougar V6 has been breaking down chronically, I was recently told it needed a valve job. At 21 years old and just over 83k, l suppose that's the big issue.What exactly is replaced/fixed with a valve job? Will my car run like new AND STAY THAT WAY? Thanks :)
I think your tech is adressing valve system deposits from your description. It can be done chemically, or with a shell blaster. Dirty injectors can be removed and sent for repair. Your car is pre OBD II, there is some experience and expertise required with cars before this because some of their problems won't set a code and require a real tech who had daily exposure to their habits, the fuel quality you can buy, your maintenance and repair records etc. Try the ford dealer for an evaluation of your current part usage and diagnosis of your symptoms. they should have your answers within the first hour. or, they may suggest a few tests. Getting aftermarket parts on your car over a period of years can make a diagnostic soup for a tech to pick-a-part.
The valves (located in the cylinder head) allows fuel/air into the cylinder and burned exhaust gases out. Valve jobs can be expensive if they have to replace the valves, and/or valve guides, valve seals, valve seats, valve springs, etc. A car with 83k miles should not need a valve job unless is was very poorly maintained. I think your mechanic is looking for some money from you. Although it's possible that one or more of those items you've listed had failed, I've NEVER had to replace a single one of those items in ANY car I've ever owned. All of my cars have lasted over 200k miles and not once have I had to replace any of those items. I've been driving for over 48 years. Find another mechanic before you go broke.
a vale job is nothing it means nothing you dont get a valve job you get new heads... are rarely do they cause actual not functioning of the car. you have an old car that has seen better days. and age is catching up to it. the car itself is not the best made car and at best im surprised it hasnt hit the junk pile yet.
Oh your mechanic sounds a peach! But then again your not exactly clear! Define breaking down, Testing valves is a relatively easy job,if the mechanic owns a leak down tester, and results are conclusive! Using one I can narrow valve faults to specific valves, no question. But you need to know exactly what is happening. is the engine hot/cold, short distance or long, after re fueling or when going up hills, take notes, good ones, the more you can tell a tech about what/when it happens the better they can get to the bottom of it. Just saying it broke down is less than useless.
