Engine For A 2002 Elantra?
Super Moderator


Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,795
Likes: 5
From: Pflugerville, TX
Vehicle: 2000 Elantra
Having removed a head and removed/replaced a timing belt, and having removed an engine/transmission, I'm going to give my opinion that it would be less hassle to replace the head and timing belt.
Pull the head and see what you actually have in there.
... my parts car died when the belt broke and the previous owner could have had her back on the road with just a new belt and 6 intake valves ($150 in parts) but they weren't mechanics.
If you can replace an engine, you can replace the head. And if you pull the head and find the pistons are holed or the block is shot, it's not THAT much more work to replace the engine. But if all you need is a head, or a couple of valves, that's potentially a lot cheaper than a whole new motor.
Pull the head and see what you actually have in there.
... my parts car died when the belt broke and the previous owner could have had her back on the road with just a new belt and 6 intake valves ($150 in parts) but they weren't mechanics.
If you can replace an engine, you can replace the head. And if you pull the head and find the pistons are holed or the block is shot, it's not THAT much more work to replace the engine. But if all you need is a head, or a couple of valves, that's potentially a lot cheaper than a whole new motor.
Moderator


Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,732
Likes: 5
From: Leesville, Louisiana
Vehicle: 2001 Hyundai Tiburon
Yeah, usually you won't need to replace the pistons. Our pistons are pretty durable. Drain the coolant, then pull the spark/valver/timing covers off and pull the head bolts to inspect the pistons.


