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Hey everyone,
Just getting some input, figured this would be a somewhat common question though I was surprised not to find much about it in my threads search.

I have a Honda Civic 97 LX, today while on the highway it sputtered to a stop. This was not before it made some serious clanking noises. There apparently was an oil leak, and one quick observation from the towing guy said a valve was bent (pretty much all the oil was gone), and that the engine was done and needed to be replaced. Of course I started doing research about it when I got home, some people talking about it on line say it isn't over for the engine (but serious work needs to be done, parts replacement inside it), others say it is done. Anyway, any thoughts or input are greatly appreciated. For a used engine it looks like about 600-700.00 at the lowest, another 1000.00 or so for labor. Would rather fix the current engine if it can be done...
Alex

 
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to one alex, from another, get a replacement. it's way cheaper, and takes less time than having to attempt a rebuild of the current one.

 
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Thanks for the advice, I have a very good mechanic buddy who will end up assessing the engine. I am just trying to get a better idea of it. You're saying it is less expensive to change the engine that fix a bent valve (if that is what it is). I am sure in the long run a replacement engine (or simply calling it quits on the car) might be more cost effective. But in the short term, when I think replacing an engine, it is around 1500.00-2000.00$. The idea of isolating the problem and fixing it would seem cheaper, unless that one problem completely takes the engine out for good. The car already has 120,000 miles on it, I figure I would rather go for a more inexpensive fix and get another car in two or three years (can't do it now unfortunately). That sucks though if dealing with a bent valve or the like is the same $ as replacing the engine completely. Thanks again for the input.

 
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well, look at it from this side, yeah, the valve may be bent, but there is the labour involved with trying to pull it out, and that will run ya more than the labour for the removal/install of another motor. then there is the question "how hard did the valve get hit?" did it leave a mark on the piston? chances are, you would end up buying another piston as well, and replacing that would mean tearing apart the bottom end of the motor (and that gets pricey). Then you may want to put a new valve spring and keepers in, and again, more cash. all the posibilities have to be factored out. My shop does the simple thing, valve is bent, something in the motor is not working right, just replace the motor altogether, and be done with it.

and yes, i am a mechanic, and have done motor swaps AND rebuilds before

 
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Thanks for the input. Guess the next step it to have the amount of the damage assessed, then decide. It will be major no matter what, but to what degree and cost is yet to be known. The car has 120,000 miles on it, but Civics can go another 100,000 beyond that. May go for the engine change as opposed to calling it quits on the car and get more use out of it. But if the amount exceeds 2000.00$, then I will start thinking of another car, but that purchase wouldn't be immediate. Much appreciated again for the info. What would be average labor charged for an engine switch?

 
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every shop differs. the shop i am at is $97/hour