One of my co-workers just stopped by and said he's having issues with his car so I figured I'd ask you guys since some of you work in shops or do your own wrenching. He's got a 2003 Crown Vic and needs his gaskets replaced and a new water pump. Stealership quoted him a price of $1900.
1) Does this sound legit?
2) If not, can any of you recommend a decent place in the area he can take it to?

And no, it's not the typical Pimp My Ride, stuntin' on 22s Crown Vic just his regular DD. Guy has to commute in from B'more to DC so I'm guessing if he doesn't get it looked at quick something worse will happen. Any help would be much appreciated.

thanks!

 

What gaskets?

 

Id guess head gaskets based on the price and WP also recommended.

 

Pretty sure head gaskets because he mentioned when the water pump went he figured something might've cracked in the block?

 

If he cracked the block than it will be considerable more. 1900 seems a bit pricey for HG's and water pump with install, but not excessively so.

 

The block may be cracked, so could the heads in addition to being warped. If it overheated badly (loss of coolant,, air pockets, whatever) AND it was still driven even if only a few miles home, it could be past repair.

That would mean a head resurface from the machine shop if possible, salvaged block, etc.

 

Well the block is cast iron and the cylinder heads are aluminum so the heads are def gonna need to be decked.Find out how long it overheated while he was driving it and also the mileage cause if its high mileage engine not many tech's will touch it.They will prolly rec a used motor which can be had for cheap.

 

Any area shops you guys can recommend for a fair/decent price or should i tell him to stick with the dealer price?

 

Caton auto clinic on rt 40 by 695 does good work.

 

Thanks Keith!

 

Clay let me know how many miles are on this engine cause the 4.6 is a tough engine and i have not seen a lot of blown head gaskets.

 

He says about 78K, bought it used from the dealer.

 

Have a second opinion done.There are test kits out there that use a special liquid and mix it with antifreeze to test for combustion gases in the antifreeze to check for blown headgaskets.I do know of a tech who can check this for you if he still works there.

I used to be the service manager at the pepboys at rt 40 and this is an awesome tech....which im gonna steal as soon as i look for a job...i quit this stinking fuking company.Ask to have it checked by Rob at the pep boys on catonsville rt 40......trust me he is a hella tech and tell him i sent you.By the way if its a high mileage motor he will rec the same thing i did.
If he is wary tell him to meet me there....contact by PM.