Timing components, water pumps, gaskets and oil leaks. We take engines apart when they need it, and we tell you honestly when a repair is worth it.
Walnut Smog & Repair isn't just a smog station. Our banner says "Complete Auto Repair," and our bays see real engine work: timing components, water pumps, valve cover and intake gaskets, and the oil and coolant leaks that come with age. The photos on this site are from jobs in our shop.
Many engines use a rubber timing belt with a replacement interval, often between 60,000 and 105,000 miles. On an "interference" engine, a broken belt can bend valves and destroy the engine. Because the labor to reach the belt is the big part of the cost, it usually makes sense to replace the water pump, tensioner and idlers at the same time. Tell us your year, make and model and we'll tell you if you have a belt or a chain.
Summer heat waves and stop-and-go traffic push cooling systems hard. A weak water pump, a stuck thermostat, a cracked radiator or a failing fan can all cause overheating. Driving an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head, so if the gauge climbs, pull over and call. We pressure-test the cooling system to find the leak or failure.
Burning oil, a misfire or a coolant leak into a cylinder can all cause a smog failure and kill a catalytic converter. Fixing the engine problem first is what makes the emissions repair last. It all starts with honest diagnostics.
Check your owner's manual. Many are due between 60,000 and 105,000 miles, or by age. We'll tell you if your engine uses a belt or a chain.
On many engines, yes. The water pump sits behind the belt, so doing them together saves labor.
Pull over safely and turn the engine off. Driving while overheating can damage the cylinder head. Then call us at (626) 449-6252.
Oil burning or leaking onto hot exhaust parts can raise emissions and fail the visual inspection. We find and fix the leak.
We'll give you an honest opinion based on the repair cost and the vehicle's condition.
Smog checks, failed smog repair, check engine diagnostics and complete auto repair on E Walnut St. Honest answers and fair prices.