Import Engine Repair and Replacement in Athens, GA
A bad engine noise makes your stomach drop. The good news is that many engines can be saved. Athens Import Auto Repair handles import engine repair and replacement in Athens, GA. We have worked on engines from BMW, Audi, Subaru, Porsche, Honda and more.
Engine Repair and Replacement done right, by people who know imports
Engine work needs care and time, so we test first to learn what is really wrong. Then we tell you if a repair or a replacement makes the most sense. We do not rebuild engines. When one is too far gone, we install a quality replacement instead.
James Miner is an ASE Master Technician, and he has worked on foreign engines since 1972. Call 706-353-3880 and tell us what your car is doing.
Subaru 2.5 liter engines from about 1999 to 2011 are known for head gasket leaks. Audi and Volkswagen 2.0 turbo engines from 2009 to 2012 can burn oil. Worn piston rings are the reason. BMW inline six engines are strong, but they hate to overheat. A warped head can follow one hot day. Porsche 944 engines need a timing belt on time, or the valves hit the pistons. Honda and Toyota engines go far, but they still need clean oil. We repair and replace all of them in Athens, GA.
Signs of serious engine trouble
- You hear a deep knock that gets louder as the engine revs.
- White smoke that smells sweet comes from the tailpipe. That points to coolant burning.
- You see blue smoke on startup. That means oil is getting past the rings or valve seals.
- The oil level drops fast between changes.
- You find milky brown oil on the dipstick or under the oil cap.
- The engine overheats and then runs rough.
What our engine service includes
Compression and leak down test
These tests show how well each cylinder seals. A cylinder is one of the chambers where fuel burns, so a low number points to the problem.
Head gasket replacement
The head gasket seals the top of the engine to the bottom. When it fails, coolant and oil mix. So we replace it and check the head for warp.
Timing chain and belt repair
Timing keeps the valves and pistons in step. A slipped chain can bend valves, so we fix the timing and repair any damage.
Oil consumption repair
Some engines burn oil past worn rings or valve seals. We track down the cause and fix it.
Engine replacement
When an engine is too far gone, we install a quality replacement engine. We do not rebuild engines. A good replacement is often faster, and it costs less.
Leak check and break in
After a big engine job, we check for leaks and run the engine. Then we tell you how to break it in.
How an engine repair works
Tell us the story
Describe any noise, smoke, overheating or oil loss. Every detail helps.
We test the engine
We do compression and leak down tests. Then we scan and inspect the engine bay.
We give you a clear plan
It comes down to repair or replace. We explain the cost and reason for each path.
We do the work and break it in
We finish the job and check for leaks. Then we run the engine and tell you how to break it in.
Why drivers trust us with engine repair and replacement
We test before we decide
Engine work is a big job, so we run tests first. That way you know it is really needed.
Decades with import engines
Porsche 944, BMW inline six or Subaru boxer, we know how each comes apart.
Clean and careful work
Engine work is all about clean parts and correct torque. That is why we take no shortcuts.
These guys are amazing and great at what they do!!!! I had a problem with my mercedes E320 wouldn't start, AFTER leaving it here to be fixed I'M NOW ABLE TO START IT WHEN I'M READY TO GO. THANKS A MILLION AND I WILL RETURN FOR FUTURE SERVICES!!! GOD BLESS THIS BUSINESS!!!
Scott, J., customerEngine Repair and Replacement FAQ
Do you do import engine repair and replacement in Athens, GA?
Yes, we do. Athens Import Auto Repair repairs and replaces engines for imports only. That includes BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Porsche, Honda and Toyota. We do not rebuild engines. Call 706-353-3880 to talk about your car.
What is a head gasket and why do Subarus have trouble with it?
The head gasket seals the top half of the engine to the bottom half. Subaru 2.5 liter engines from about 1999 to 2011 used a gasket that leaks over time. When it does, you may see coolant loss or oil seeping near the heads.
Is it worth replacing the engine in my older import?
Often, yes. A replacement engine can cost less than a new car. It also keeps a car you love on the road. It depends on the body, the transmission and the rest of the car. We look at the whole car before we say yes.
Why does my Audi burn so much oil?
Some Audi and VW 2.0 turbo engines from 2009 to 2012 burn oil. The piston rings are the cause. The rings are what seal the piston in the cylinder, so fixing it means new pistons and rings. We can test to confirm it first.
What does a compression test tell you?
A compression test shows how well each cylinder holds pressure. Low pressure in one cylinder points to a valve, ring or head gasket problem. That is why it is the first test we run on a sick engine.
What happens if I keep driving with an engine knock?
A knock usually means a worn bearing inside the engine. If you keep driving, the bearing can fail and ruin the crankshaft. Stop driving and call us. Catching it early saves the engine.
Related services
Let's take a look at your engine
Call us or book your visit. We will test your engine, then give you honest options.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.