What is your question?
Suddenly, check engine light, 30 seconds later I pulled over, very rough engine, checked oil, was ok. Tried to drive 11 miles home, power diminished, bad smell.
Mechanic found:
Cat. blown, needed Tuneup, (repl. fuel filter, coil, plugs, wiring, temp. sensor) and Cat. Conv.
Now spent $1500, but with what I have read unsure which way to go now.
Do I replace engine with a reman.$2000 labor $1300 or what? Have a Home Equity Loan for remodeling old house, so can't get a loan for new auto? Please God save me, help me, guide me. Amen. SWF (single white female) and I have tried to take good care of the engine, int./ext. look great! Except failed to get a tuneup at 125k. Replaced Alt. and something that was causing it to 'not breath/intake without balance, but it now seems to to that again, and I read someone's blog it 'collapses' due to weak material?
Car now starts, sounds better, but #2 has 115 press. and #4 125 press, running 'rich' exhaust and smoke comes out the tailpipe. Mech. said it would not have enough power to go up the hills 55 mph here where I live.
Would the new engine fix everthing? Cheap car replacement for $4000, and the stereo is brand new (touch screen, cd/dvd)
Any kind words of advice are appreciated.
(I also think all mechanics should read these blogs every morning for 1 hour)
