# Engine death: how was I supposed to prevent this without indicators?!? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 13, 2024, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707 "2024-10-13T04:24:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/61 "2024-10-16T16:00:44Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Just a general note, but it’s pretty rare for a modern engine to catastrophically fail with no warning. Again, it does happen (it happened to me once), but it’s rare. And also to note in this case, the engine did not _melt_ and possibly can be repaired. I had car that overheated when I foolishly let an even more foolish friend borrow it. I had the head planed and the car kept running for several more years before I got rid of it as other problems built up. After that incident it never ran as good as it had before, which wasn’t that great anyway, but it was good enough to get around in. I don’t recommend it for the OP, it will be costly and there’s a chance that won’t be the only problem, but the cost of installing a low mileage used engine replacement is a possibility, though that could run at least $4000 which might be better applied to another car altogether. Depending where you are you might get more $1000 or more for the car as is, of course you might get much less also. I have seen indications that car is popular though and there are plenty of places that will give you an estimate online. ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/62 "2024-10-16T16:07:47Z")
Oh, so now I have a new layer of consideration…earnings are much better with “comfort ride” vehicles, but from what I can tell their standards for qualify are arbitrary and obnoxious. But if it makes a difference in earning dammit… I’ve been on the horn with the dealership and turned in my application and good thoughts all around, please. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/63 "2024-10-16T17:27:04Z")
Responsible car ownership involves preventive maintenance. Regularly checking fluid levels, tire pressure, etc., is part of preventive maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/64 "2024-10-16T17:59:42Z")
_Especially_ if someone is piling on the miles as an uberlyft driver. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/65 "2024-10-16T18:35:09Z")
Just to add my own anecdote, the OP sounds exactly like how I killed my 2009 Corolla. Back in 2019 I was driving to San Francisco, which is about 2 hours away. As I was getting close to the Bay Area I notice the “check engine” light was on, but based on past experience I didn’t consider that to be a “pull over **now** ” level warning, and all gauges seemed normal (but as discussed previously if the temperature gauge is measuring the coolant temperature, and the coolant is all gone, that’s not going to give a useful reading), and the engine seemed to be running ok at that point, so I pressed on. I mean, I had plans to see Hamilton and I didn’t want to miss it, plus I didn’t want the hassle of leaving the car at a mechanic that far from home. When I got off the freeway I noticed the engine seemed to be running poorly, but it was running, and I made it to the BART park and ride lot where I caught a train to the city, went to a museum, saw the play, and didn’t think about the car. That night I returned to the car and it started up, albeit it still ran poorly, but I hoped I could at least limp back home and deal with it there. Like I said I didn’t want to have to leave it with a mechanic that far from home. But about halfway home it started losing power, so I took the next exit, and it died on the off ramp. So I called AAA for a tow, and left it at a garage just 1 hour from home, and called an Uber to take me the rest of the way home. It turned out I’d been driving with no coolant and toasted the engine. I ended up selling the car to the mechanic for $200. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/66 "2024-10-16T18:42:04Z")
My Toyota coolant was a little low after 30K miles. There are two reservoirs and two coolants so I went on the forum to ask questions and was told that I should have the car looked at by the service center under warranty. Well two things. One is if it keeps dropping I’d like to have some sort of measurement of it has dropped X amount in Y miles. Two is it is never a bad idea to top of your coolant/oil first then worry about the problem. ---
**Author:** ![Nightaudit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nightaudit/32/17181_2.png) [@Nightaudit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightaudit)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/67 "2024-10-17T15:56:43Z")
Why Walmart? They are not real mechanics… ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/68 "2024-10-17T19:44:37Z")
The question “why Walmart?” Has 1 answer: 💲💰💸💵💲🤑🤑💰💲💰🤑🤑💲 ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/69 "2024-10-17T20:52:44Z")
How did that work out for you? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/70 "2024-10-17T21:28:51Z")
It is very expensive being poor in the USA. ---
**Author:** ![Nightaudit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nightaudit/32/17181_2.png) [@Nightaudit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightaudit)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2024, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/71 "2024-10-17T23:17:32Z")
There are other shops that are altogether more competent. Christian Brothers, PepBoys, Firestone, Midas, any Asian specialist mechanic … ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/72 "2024-10-18T00:10:04Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > There are a lot of other failures that will result in an engine suddenly not working, but they’re usually not catastrophic, e.g. a failed crankshaft sensor or failed camshaft sensor. I drove Hondas for 25 years, a CNG Civic and later two Accords. Twice the spark coil failed – it’s apparently their weak point – and while not a catastrophic failure and a relatively cheap fix, it’s startling when the engine quits cold without warning. I feel fortunate both times I was in the right-hand lane on a surface street and had enough momentum to get out of the way. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/73 "2024-10-18T00:48:10Z")
Later, after the car is repaired. I suggest getting a temp gauge and oil gauge installed. They give much quicker warning than an idiot light This would be mounted on the bottom edge of the dash. Any handy car person can install gauges. Instructions explain the two connections under the hood. Oil pressure indicates how well oil is circulating throughout the motor. The motor has to be turned off quickly if the oil pressure is low. That will ruin a motor quicker than the water over heating. AUTO METER 2392 Autogage Black Oil/Water Gauge with Steel Console, Regular, 2.3125 in. [Amazon.com: AUTO METER 2392 Autogage Black Oil/Water Gauge with Steel Console, Regular, 2.3125 in. : Automotive](https://a.co/d/dvxfdVT) ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/74 "2024-10-18T01:17:11Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > It is very expensive being poor in the USA … and outside and the US ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/75 "2024-12-12T07:22:56Z")
In case anybody was curious… I said my final goodbye today. And I sing it a little song, a little warping of Elton John. As I understand it, rather than being “parted”, it will probably be auctioned off and someone else will pay more than I got, likely a mechanic who will find it relatively cheap to replace the engine. But I don’t think I could’ve done much better as a private Jo vs. a pro auction joint. ($1600. Depending on your point of view, since the dealership that gave it the definitive diagnosis of “dead without transplant” ultimately waived about the same amount in storage charges, so maybe you can say I made 3200 on a dead car that was only worth 8k when it was alive.) [Watch on Videy | Free and Simple Video Hosting](https://videy.co/v?id=8R2EkwrL1) [moderator note - link spoilered due to NSFW advertising] ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2024, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/76 "2024-12-13T04:49:27Z")
[![](http://www.42fordgpw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mauldinjp.jpeg) ](http://www.42fordgpw.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/mauldinjp.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/77 "2024-12-16T11:31:32Z")
i get lots of NSFW pics at this video site the post links to… ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707/78 "2024-12-16T12:06:52Z")
**Moderating** > [@Al128](#): > > i get lots of NSFW pics at this video site the post links to I spoilered the link. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/engine-death-how-was-i-supposed-to-prevent-this-without-indicators/1008707.md?page=3)