Ok. I know that this is for 97-03 trucks, but my truck is an 04 heritage, so I firgured that since it was similar to an 03 to post here. My truck is a 2004 Heritage STX 2WD, 4.2 Liter V6. Here's my problem: About 6 weeks ago, my truck started to make horible noises. It was screeching to no end. So I took it to my mechanic and spent a ton of money over the past several weeks trying to figure out the problem. He ruled out belts, the fan, the pulleys, the alternator, and even the water pump. Finally, he came to the conclusion that it was a camshaft bearing. He told me that it would be at least 1000 dollars to repair (300 for the part, 700 for labor). He also told me that it wouldn't be worth it to repair my truck because it might have already messed up something else, so he suggested that I trade it in. Another guy told me to buy another engine, either rebuilt or used. I found one a used one identicle to mine for $1000 and it only has 55000 miles on it (mine has 111000). But it will also cost to install the new one since my dad I will need help doing it. What should I do? Should I fix my engine, buy the used one, or just simply trade my truck in? Please help. I'm just an 18 year old senior, trying to get to college, with little cash. I've found myself in quite a predicament!

 

Check the camshaft positioner it is next to the tube coming out of the water pump. It is hard to see when you do not know what it looks like. Just put a piece of hose or a screwdriver on it and lessen.
If you do a search in the v6 forum you may find a pic.
I used a aftermarket 1 for about $60 and did it in about 1.5 hours
Good luck

 

What do you mean lessen it?

 

Sorry listen

 

What am I listening for? And what did you do for $60 in 1.5 hours? Sorry for so many questions.

 

Trading it in would be the last resort, you will get absolutely nothing for it and be even more in debt on a new truck going in to college. From what little you have given us I am suspect of this mechanic. If it is truly diagnosed right and will be $1K then a used engine would be a very legitimate option since it wouldn't cost much more.

 

Does anybody else have any suggestions that might help me with my problem? I appreciate your help.

 

I'd say given the amount of the money at stake take it to a different mechanic and see what they say and quote. Anything over $300 and I suggest shopping around unless you really trust this guy.

 

The screwdriver or the hose acts like a stethoscope. You can put one end to your ear, and the other to any suspect part, and hear the sound if that is the part producing it.

The point is to get under there and isolate the area or part where the sound is coming from to be a little more knowledgable with your mechanic, or possibly fix it yourself.

And by all means get a second opinion.