Engine or balance shaft?

959 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by cowboyt, Jul 29, 2020

shadowbethesda

Discussion Starter · Jul 24, 2020 (Edited)

I recently acquired a 2006 E350 AWD for $740. The interior and body are in great shape. The car needed a new secondary air pump, an upstream oxygen sensor, and tires. The transfer case (Car shudders on low speed turns) is low on oil or gone. The SBC and cam magnets were done at the dealer a year ago. Everything works on the car aside from the mentioned problems.

It’s been garaged (and dealer maintained) for most of its life and has 78,500 original miles.

My question is should I start saving for a used engine or the balance shaft replacement? Can someone please give me a definitive number on the cost of either the replacement or balance shaft fix? Or should I just dump the car? It looks and drives beautifully at the moment aside from the shudder.

Also would a dealer install a used engine? I’m going to talk to independent shops as well but wanted to see if I could negotiate if need be.

Save

1 - 2 of 7 Posts

cowboyt

· #2 · Jul 25, 2020

Not all VIN's were affected by the messed-up balance shaft, but yours is in the time period when that was a problem. I'd first check your VIN to see if it's got the problem. If it does, then yes, start saving up. A dealer would probably install a remanufactured engine, at high dollar; an independent shop would do a used engine from, say, a 2009 or 2010 car.

How did you score this car for $740?

Save

cowboyt

· #7 · Jul 29, 2020

OP, you got a smokin' deal. If your userID relates to your actual location, then I kinda understand why; the area I'm thinking of is very affluent, indeed. My mechanic buddy likewise got an E320 4Matic, with good bones, at a really good price because a well-off family didn't want to be bothered with the maintenance.

Definitely follow up on the above advice you got about the YouTube videos.

Save

1 - 2 of 7 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month