Rep Power: 0

Tough decision I need to make really soon, would really appreciate some help. Stuck at a Motel 6 in the middle of nowhere.

Today, I was driving my 94 Civic (standard) and took a sharp turn onto an exit. Something banged on the bottom of the car, and when I pulled into the gas station, the steering was screwed up and it sounded bad.

Looked under the hood, took it to a mechanic. The harmonic balancer (AKA damper) on the driver’s side end of the crankshaft (the one with 2 belts running around it) is chipped, and so is the crankshaft (small chips, maybe 4mm each). The mechanic said he’ll try replacing the damper to see if it’s tight enough to drive. He says that if it’s not, I’ll have to replace the whole crankshaft (i.e. I’m screwed).

Here’s my problem: let’s say the new damper fits on. Won’t that little chip eventually wear more and more, to the point that the crankshaft will be loose again, and I’m back in may-as-well-engine-swap territory? If so, shouldn’t I sell this thing ASAP, let the person who buys it know what’s up so they can make the call? Everything else is in perfect shape, so someone who can fix it themselves could get use out of it.

If I *should* sell it, there’s another problem: I’m 900 miles from home, 100 miles from my parents’ home. I’m afraid that if I try to drive home, it could wear out and come loose again after a few hundred miles. Then I’d really be screwed and need to have it towed hundreds of miles. So, maybe I should just drive it the 100 back to my parents’ and try to sell it from there. I have no “home base” besides these 2 places from which I could sell a car.

 
Rep Power: 368

Ask the mechanic of that would be best course of action that is not common

 
Rep Power: 519

I bet someone didn't get the crank pulley tight enough during the timing belt service.


If it will run, you either take your chances driving it, or dump in on the first sucker to bite.

 
Rep Power: 0

was the banging noise the belts coming off? Were the chips near where the key fits into the slot on the pulley? Even if he gets it tight, the 900 mile drive is out of the question. The drive back to your parents is your best option. Have them put it on craigslist or research other repair possiblities.