Junkyard engines should be relatively cheap, since they sold so many of the vans.
The flip side is the 4th gen vans are 8-14 years old now.
Still, it may not be difficult to source a relatively lower mileage engine.

 

Given how long these engines last and how many of them were produced, the number of good condition and (relatively) low mileage engines available is high, and that in turn means they're fairly inexpensive.

The above said, I replaced the head gaskets on our 1998 DGC Sport back in 2007; the job was reasonably easy and inexpensive (although it may well be cheaper to just swap in a used motor).

 

Thank you. Where does one get a good motor? A junkyard? I don't know if I could do that because I have to pay someone to do it.

 

Yes, bone yards are a very good source for motors; there are also companies or services which will find necessary parts and get them to you.

 

http://www.car-part.com/ is a good way to locate one.
Once you locate a few junkyards, sometimes it helps to go directly to their websites and take a look around
A few of the junkyards here take videos of the engine running
They also come with warranties. Of course you would then jave to pay someone to remove it again.
A good independent mechanic should be able to replace the engine for you, as well as locate one.
The engines are pretty strong, and durable

 

Your van has 170K miles, and if the trans is original, you might want to replace both the engine and trans as a package.

Some of the larger yards work with local installers. You might want to ask when you call.

 

I was just thinking of the transmission. Thanks for mentioning that.

 

If you only have a bad head gasket, and the engine is not damaged from coolant leaking into the oil, I would start out changing the head gasket. It will be a less expensive fix and you will have a "known" engine.

Do you trust your mechanic? A lot of times, the less expensive fix is not as "money making" for the shop as a complete change out.

It really becomes an issue of cost/benefit for you. How much will a "new" van cost? Aren't there used vans available that are already equipped with handicapped controls? What if the used engine you purchase fails in one/two years? Will that have been a good use of the money versus time as far as you see it?

It's a tough call when you have to pay someone else to do the work. For DIY, it's only the cost of the parts and "free" time. I suspect this job (engine change out) will cost at a minimum of 1,500 to 2,000 dollars including the engine. And that is everyone goes well. If you purchase an engine from a "recycler", don't forget to ask about shipping. Freight can be expensive.....

 

Yes, there are used vans, already equipped with handcontrols, but there are two problems with that. First, they are way overpriced. Would you buy a used 2005 with 100K miles on it, with mobility conversions, for $25,000? Me neither. Second, my hand controls are set up for driving with the right hand. Most used are left handed. So, we're in a difficult situation.

 

Sounds like it would be far cheaper to fix your current van.

 

I should add, that yes, I trust the mechanic, but I would probably go to a different one if we went ahead with the replacement. However, if we decided to just do the head gasket, we'd have him do it.

 

I'm curious what diagnosis was used to determine head gasket. What are the symptoms?

 

I posted the shop's answer to my question in the other thread since it's about that topic.

 

You should see an indication of the coolant on the spark plugs that are fouling.

Now if you're not losing coolant, and not losing oil, just missing on one or two cylinders, use a non-fouler with the bad plugs:

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-42002-...1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1429298818&sr=1-2&keywords=anti+fouling+spark+plug

Above is just an example, as you'll have to get the right one for you vehicle. Any Napa store should help you.

 

First of all, not losing coolant or oil. Second, as far as I know, no fouling of plugs. The plugs are 3 or so months old. The mechanic switched two plugs to see if it mad a difference, and there was no difference. So, I think we're not seeing that.

 

If coolant is not in the oil, and oil is not in the water, and coolant is not showing on the plugs, then why do you need a head gasket?

I'm afraid what you need is a new mechanic.

 

Shipo,

The only identification was the code which start as p0301 & p0306. Later, it was p0300, and then it was p0306 and it has been p0306 since February I think.

 

I don't remember from the first thread; did someone recommend you check to see if the wiring harness had partially melted?