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ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS & REPAIR · COLORADO SPRINGS
ENGINE REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Misfires, leaks, timing chains, head gaskets and full engine replacement on cars, trucks, diesels and fleet vehicles. We find the actual cause, show you what we found, and give you clear options before any work starts.
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✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
✓ ASE-certified technicians
✓ Female-led, family-owned
What we do
MAJOR AND MINOR ENGINE REPAIR
From a loose gas cap to a full engine replacement, one shop that diagnoses before it repairs.
01
Diagnostics
Factory-level scan tools and real-world experience to pinpoint what is wrong. No parts swapping.
✓ Check engine light codes and live data
✓ Smoke testing for vacuum leaks
✓ Misfire diagnosis plugs, coils and injectors
✓ Photo and video of every finding
02
Minor repairs
Small problems rarely fix themselves. Catching them early prevents the big failures.
✓ Spark plugs and ignition coils
✓ Sensors oxygen, MAF and throttle body
✓ Belts and hoses before they strand you
✓ Thermostats and coolant service
03
Major repairs
When the big stuff is needed, we lay out honest options: repair, replace, or let the vehicle go.
✓ Head gaskets and cylinder head work
✓ Timing belts and chains tensioners and guides
✓ Oil leaks pans, rear mains and covers
✓ Engine replacement used or remanufactured
GAS ENGINES · CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS
KNOWN ENGINE PROBLEMS WE FIX
Most engines have one or two weak spots that show up over and over. These are the ones that come through our bays. Find your engine to see what it’s in, what it does when it’s failing, and how we handle it.
FORD
What goes wrong with the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost?
The 3.5L EcoBoost is a strong engine with a timing problem. Early engines stretch timing chains, and later ones wear out cam phasers.
FOUND IN
F-150 (2011 on), Expedition, Navigator, Explorer Sport, Flex, Taurus SHO.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Rattle at start-up and cam timing codes (2011–2016): timing chain, guide and tensioner wear. Old oil makes it worse.
A 2–5 second rattle on a cold start after sitting overnight (2017–2020): worn cam phasers. Ford released a bulletin to replace all four phasers on engines built through October 2019.
Stumble or misfire on hard acceleration after highway driving in wet weather (2011–2012): condensation in the intercooler. Ford has a software and air-deflector fix.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing chain and phaser replacement, bulletin lookups by VIN, and oil service on schedule.
FORD
What goes wrong with the Ford 5.4L 3-valve?
The 5.4L 3-valve has two known problems: spark plugs that break during removal, and cam phaser noise.
FOUND IN
F-150 (2004–2010), Super Duty (2005–2010), Expedition and Navigator (2005–2014).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Plugs that break off during a tune-up: a two-piece plug that seizes with carbon, on engines built before October 2007. It needs Ford’s extraction procedure.
Ticking or knocking at a hot idle, often with cam timing codes: worn cam phasers or a sticking cam timing solenoid, plus timing chain guide wear. Low or dirty oil is the usual trigger.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Plug removal to Ford’s procedure, and cam phaser and timing chain repair.
FORD
What goes wrong with the Ford 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost?
These small EcoBoost engines can leak coolant into the cylinders. Ford has acknowledged the problem on some vehicles.
FOUND IN
Escape, Fusion (1.5L and 1.6L), Fiesta ST, Transit Connect (1.6L).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Low coolant, white exhaust smoke and misfires (1.5L, 2017–2019 Escape and Fusion): coolant leaking into a cylinder. Ford runs a program that covers the short block for 7 years / 84,000 miles on covered vehicles.
Overheating (1.6L, 2013–2015): low coolant lets the head overheat and crack. These vehicles have safety recalls.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Coolant-loss diagnosis and pressure testing, recall and program checks by VIN, and engine repair or replacement.
GM
What goes wrong with the GM 5.3L and 6.2L V8?
The most common failure is a collapsed lifter in the cylinder deactivation system (AFM or DFM). We also do the permanent fix.
FOUND IN
Silverado and Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Ticking, then a misfire on one cylinder: a deactivation lifter sticks or collapses and often damages the camshaft.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Lifter and camshaft repair, and the permanent AFM/DFM delete: a hardware conversion plus a computer reprogram to match. AFM is a fuel-economy system, not emissions equipment.
Also check: 2021–2024 trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L are under a GM recall for connecting rod and crankshaft defects. That’s a bearing problem, not a lifter one. We check recall status by VIN.
GM
What goes wrong with the GM 3.6L V6?
The 3.6L V6 is known for timing chain stretch, especially in 2007–2012 models.
FOUND IN
Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Equinox, CTS, SRX, Camaro and more.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Check engine light with cam timing codes, rattle, rough running: stretched timing chains. Long oil change intervals and low oil speed it up.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing chain replacement, and oil level and interval advice to keep it from coming back.
GM
What goes wrong with the GM 2.4L Ecotec?
The 2.4L four-cylinder is known for burning oil. GM acknowledged it on many vehicles.
FOUND IN
Equinox and Terrain (2010–2013), Malibu, Regal, LaCrosse, Captiva.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Adding oil between changes, low oil pressure warning, fouled plugs: stuck piston rings. GM issued special coverage for piston replacement on some models.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Oil consumption testing, coverage checks, and engine repair or replacement.
CHRYSLER · DODGE · RAM · JEEP
What is the Hemi tick on a 5.7L?
The “Hemi tick” is a lifter failure. A roller in a lifter seizes and wears down the camshaft.
FOUND IN
Ram 1500, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Charger, Challenger, 300. Most reported on 2009–2016 models.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
A tick that doesn’t go away when warm, a misfire on one cylinder: a failed lifter roller and a worn cam lobe. It happens with and without the cylinder deactivation system.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Lifter and camshaft replacement, with the oil checked for metal before and after.
CHRYSLER · DODGE · RAM · JEEP
What goes wrong with the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar?
The Pentastar V6 has three known issues: the oil filter housing, the rocker arms, and the left cylinder head on early engines.
FOUND IN
Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Durango, Ram 1500, Charger, 300, Challenger, Pacifica, Grand Caravan and more (2011 on).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Oil or coolant leak at the back of the engine: the plastic oil filter housing and cooler crack.
Ticking and a misfire on one cylinder: rocker arm bearing failure and lifter wear.
Tick and misfire on the left bank (some 2011–2013): valve seat wear in the left head. Chrysler extended coverage on affected engines.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Oil filter housing replacement, valvetrain repair, and coverage checks by VIN.
HYUNDAI · KIA
What goes wrong with the Hyundai and Kia 2.0T and 2.4L engines?
These engines can fail connecting rod bearings. Hyundai and Kia recalled them and added a lifetime warranty on the affected parts for many vehicles.
FOUND IN
Sonata, Optima, Sportage, Sorento, Santa Fe Sport, Tucson (about 2011–2019).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Knocking, stalling, oil light, metal in the oil: machining debris starves the rod bearings until they spin.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Diagnosis and documentation, and a check of recall and lifetime-warranty status. If it’s covered, we’ll tell you where it needs to go.
SUBARU
What goes wrong with the Subaru 2.5L?
Older Subaru 2.5L engines are known for head gasket leaks. Newer ones are known for burning oil.
FOUND IN
Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Baja.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Slow coolant loss, sweet smell, oil and coolant seeping at the head (about 1999–2011): the original head gaskets leak with age. They’re replaced with multi-layer steel gaskets.
Overheating and bubbles in the coolant (about 1996–1999): internal head gasket failure.
Burning oil (newer engine, about 2011–2015): a different problem. Subaru extended coverage on some models.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Head gasket replacement with the heads checked flat before reassembly, plus cooling system repair.
TOYOTA
Why does my Toyota 2.4L burn oil?
The 2.4L four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) is known for burning oil from stuck piston rings. Toyota acknowledged it on many models.
FOUND IN
Camry, Solara, RAV4, Corolla and Matrix (2.4L), Scion tC and xB (about 2006–2015).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Adding oil between changes, blue smoke: piston rings stuck by carbon.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Oil consumption testing and engine repair or replacement.
HONDA
What goes wrong with the Honda 3.5L V6?
The 3.5L V6 with cylinder deactivation (VCM) is known for fouled plugs, oil use and worn engine mounts.
FOUND IN
Accord V6, Odyssey, Pilot, Crosstour (about 2008–2013).
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Misfire and fouled plugs, often on the rear bank: oil fouling from cylinder deactivation.
Vibration or shudder at idle: worn engine mounts.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Misfire diagnosis, plug and engine mount replacement, and oil consumption testing.
VW · AUDI
What goes wrong with the VW and Audi 2.0T?
Earlier 2.0T engines (about 2008–2014) can fail the timing chain tensioner. When it lets go, the chain jumps and the engine is damaged.
FOUND IN
GTI, Jetta, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Eos, Beetle, Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5, TT.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
A rattle for a second at start-up: the warning sign. Don’t ignore it.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing chain and tensioner replacement before it fails, and module programming with our factory-level tool.
BMW
What goes wrong with BMW N20, N54 and N55 engines?
The N20 four-cylinder is known for timing chain guide failure. The N54 and N55 six-cylinders are known for oil leaks.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
N20 (about 2012–2015 328i, 428i, 528i, X1, X3, Z4, 228i): a whine from the front of the engine is plastic timing chain guides breaking down. Left alone, the chain jumps.
N54 and N55 (335i, 135i, 535i, X models): oil smell or smoke from leaks at the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover and oil pan.
N54 only: long cranking or limp mode from high-pressure fuel pump failure, and a rattle off-throttle from wastegate wear. BMW extended coverage on both for some years.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing chain and guide replacement, oil leak repair, and module programming.
MERCEDES-BENZ
What goes wrong with the Mercedes V6 and V8 (M272, M273)?
Some 2005–2008 Mercedes V6 and V8 engines wear a timing gear. Cam timing drifts until the check engine light comes on.
FOUND IN
C, E, CLK, ML, R, GL, S and SLK models built before the 2008 fix.
WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY
Check engine light with cam timing codes, rough running: worn balance shaft gear (V6) or idler gear (V8).
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Timing and balance shaft repair or engine replacement.
DIESEL & RV ENGINES
DIESEL ENGINE REPAIR
Diesel repair is a big part of what we do. Here’s the short version for each engine. Each one has its own page with the full story.
We repair emissions systems. We don’t delete them.
FLEET ENGINES
ENGINE REPAIR FOR FLEETS
A truck in the bay isn’t earning. We diagnose before we tear down, so the repair is right the first time and the truck goes back to work.
The engines fleets run most
WHAT GOES WRONG
Ford 6.8L V10 and 7.3L gas (Super Duty and E-Series work trucks): plug breakage on 3-valve V10s, and lifter wear reported on 2020–2023 7.3L engines.
Ford Transit 3.5L and EcoBoost: timing chains and cam phasers.
Chevy Express and GMC Savana 6.0L and 6.6L: exhaust manifold bolts and misfires.
Isuzu NPR, Power Stroke, Duramax and Sprinter diesels: see the diesel cards above.
What wears out fleet engines
THE BIG THREE
Idle hours: a truck that idles all day racks up engine wear the odometer doesn’t show.
Short runs: diesels that never get hot enough to clean their particulate filter.
Stretched oil intervals: the number one cause of the timing chain and lifter failures on this page.
TEST FIRST · REPAIR OR REPLACE
HOW WE FIND THE REAL PROBLEM
How we find the real problem
THE TESTS
Scan and live data: codes are a starting point. Live data shows what the engine is doing right now.
Compression test: measures how well each cylinder seals. A low cylinder points to valves, rings or a head gasket.
Leak-down test: pressurizes each cylinder and listens for where the air escapes: intake, exhaust, crankcase or cooling system.
Combustion gas test: checks the coolant for exhaust gas, the clearest sign of a head gasket or cracked head.
Cooling system pressure test: finds leaks that only show under pressure.
Borescope camera: looks inside the cylinder without taking the engine apart.
Oil consumption test: measures exactly how much oil the engine uses over a set number of miles.
Repair or replace your engine?
We repair engines and we replace engines. We don’t rebuild them. After testing, we lay out the options plainly:
YOUR OPTIONS
Repair when the damage is contained: a head gasket, a timing chain, lifters, leaks.
Replace with a used or remanufactured engine when the block, crank or bearings are damaged, or when the repair would cost more than a replacement.
Let it go when the vehicle isn’t worth either. We’ll tell you that too.
Every repair and replacement is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
COMMON JOBS
ENGINE WORK WE DO EVERY WEEK
Every engine has its known weak spots. These are the jobs that come through our bays most often.
HEAD GASKETS
Overheating and coolant loss
• White exhaust smoke
• Milky oil
• Coolant loss with no visible leak
• Heads checked flat before reassembly
TIMING
Belts, chains and tensioners
• Belts at the maker interval
• Chain stretch and rattle
• Tensioners and guides
• Belt failure can destroy an engine
OIL USE AND LEAKS
Burning or dripping oil
• Oil consumption testing
• Valve cover and pan gaskets
• Rear main and timing cover seals
• Turbo oil leaks
REPLACEMENT
When repair no longer makes sense
• Rebuild versus replace, laid out plainly
• Used or remanufactured engines
• Installed and road-tested
• Covered by our warranty
FREE INSPECTION
BOOK A FREE ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION
Hear a knock, see a leak, or staring at a check engine light? We scan it, inspect for leaks and noises, and give you a plain-English answer. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743.
ENGINE QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK
Straight answers from our techs
IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?
A steady light usually means something needs attention soon. A flashing light means an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and call us.
Warning signs
Steady light · Flashing light · Rough running · Loss of power
What we do
We read the codes, study live data and test the part before recommending a repair, so you replace what actually failed.
Colorado Springs: Cold mornings and thin air are hard on weak ignition parts. A misfire that shows up in winter is worth a scan.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET?
Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil or coolant that keeps disappearing can all point to a head gasket. Other problems cause some of the same symptoms, so it has to be tested.
Warning signs
Overheating · White exhaust smoke · Milky oil · Coolant loss
What we do
We pressure-test the cooling system and check for combustion gases before anything comes apart.
Colorado Springs: Climbing Ute Pass or towing up I-25 is when a weak cooling system shows itself. Watch the temperature gauge.
WHEN SHOULD MY TIMING BELT BE REPLACED?
At the interval your vehicle maker sets. On many engines a broken belt lets the valves hit the pistons, which turns a maintenance job into an engine job.
Warning signs
High miles on the original belt · Squeal or tick from the front · Oil leaks near the belt
What we do
We look up the interval for your exact engine and replace the belt, tensioner and related parts together.
WHY DOES MY ENGINE RATTLE ON A COLD START?
A rattle in the first few seconds after a cold start often points to timing chain stretch or a tensioner that is not holding oil pressure. Low oil can make it worse.
Warning signs
Rattle on startup · Cam timing codes · Check engine light · Rough idle
What we do
We check oil level and condition first, then find the exact source before quoting a repair.
MY ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. WHAT NOW?
Some engines use oil because of worn rings or valve seals, others because of a leak onto a hot exhaust. The fix depends on which one it is.
Warning signs
Adding oil between changes · Low oil warning · Blue smoke · Burning smell
What we do
An oil consumption test measures how fast it uses oil. Then we explain the options, from monitoring it to repair.
Colorado Springs: Low oil makes timing chains louder. Check your level before a mountain trip.