So I have a hole in my engine block. Would it be better to rebuild the engine that only has 80k on it or scrap the car?

 

What year is the car? Replacement engines can be reasonable, especially if you do the work yourself.

Just a thought.

 

Its a 2007 S

 

Rebuild costs will be really close to book value. I'm rebuilding my '07S 'cause it's such a kick to drive when it's running. I don't expect to ever recoup my investment.

 

i rebuilt few minis and currently rebuilding a NAM member's car. His vacuum pump seized and snapped the exhaust sprocket. i think it will be close to 2500 parts and labor and car shipping one way.
the question is, where is this hole and what is it doing to your engine?

 

its on the bottom of the case the it dumped all my oil on the freeway. The mechanic said the car needed a new engine. I was in more shock then asking questions.

 

I recently did a top end rebuild and during my search for parts I found some used engines on Craigslist that were fairly reasonably priced. That might be an option. Sorry man that stinks!!

 

Mechanics will always tell you you need a new engine so they wont waste time trying to figure something that will only make them look dump. I'm fed up with these kind of mechanics.

the hole could be in the oil pan!!! need pictures to properly assess the damage!

 

An actual hole in the block? Dump it. You can't assure integrity without a complete shop exam (proably need it Magnafluxed or equivalent) and having it welded up isn't any guarantee.

The point isn't just the hole - it's what CAUSED the hole. That often means a broken connecting rod, which also can warp the block when it hits, especially if it jams the engine in place.

Buy a short block and transfer stuff.

 

Time for a new engine, no doubt.

 

hole?! Where is this hole?

 

Agree with MiniToBe. You need pictures. At least the mechanic who gave you that advice had the advantage of eye sight.

If your block is indeed cracked, it would typically cost as much to open the engine up enough to get to that point as to simply transfer the good parts to a new engine and replace it. In addition, "what cracked the block" in the first place enters into the picture? Did you throw a rod or did it overheat? Obviously, if there is other extensive internal damage than the crack could be just a tip of the iceberg.

On the other hand, if you just need a new oil pan or oil pan gasket/seal, they are cheap. If your front seal to your oil pump blew, and dumped all the oil, that will probably cost more but still be a lot less than a new engine.

I don't trust most mechanics hiring gen X mechanics...not even the supposed Mini experts at the dealer. When I pull in and a 20 year old says he'll be working on my car, I get the shakes. Every time they do anything, they break something else that was fine before hand. Or, I find "extra parts" laying around in the engine bay that weren't there before.

 

At what point while you were driving did you realize you had no oil? Did you keep driving with no oil pressure? IF so for how many minutes?

Even if this HOLE is fixable, you may have compromised the motor by running it with no oil.

I changed the motor in my 2008 R56 S recently. Had 153k miles on it when the valve train failed. I did a how-to thread (link in my sig).

Mini has new S motors with 2 year warranty for $4200 if you can find a special. Thats how I got mine.

Get a new motor put in. Dont buy a used motor. These motors are too unreliable for a used motor.....as you have personally experienced at only 80k miles.

 

did you guys notice the OP was in 2016? lol

 

Oh lord...no I didnt,