Complete ENGINE REPAIR Services

What are the signs my car needs engine repair?

The most common warning signs are a check engine light that stays on or flashes, rough or hard starting, loss of power, stalling, knocking or ticking noises, excessive exhaust smoke (blue, white, or black), oil or coolant leaks under the vehicle, overheating, or a sudden drop in fuel economy. Any of these deserve a diagnostic scan and a look by an experienced mechanic. Engine problems almost always get worse — and more expensive — the longer they're ignored.

How much does engine repair cost in Columbus?

Engine repair cost varies widely depending on the problem. A tune-up or sensor replacement might run a few hundred dollars; a timing chain or head gasket repair can run into the low thousands; a full engine replacement is typically several thousand depending on the vehicle. At Ernie's, we diagnose first, explain exactly what we found, and provide a written estimate before any work begins — so you can make an informed decision. Call (614) 235-8037 to discuss your specific situation.

Do you repair head gaskets?

Yes. Head gasket repair is one of the most common major engine jobs we perform. Signs of a failed head gasket include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss with no visible leak, milky-looking oil on the dipstick, or combustion gases in the coolant. Head gasket repair requires removing the cylinder head, machining the head if needed, installing a new gasket, and reassembling with proper torque sequences. We handle head gasket repair on foreign and domestic vehicles in Columbus.

Can you replace a blown or seized engine?

Yes. When an engine is beyond repair — seized, thrown a rod, cracked block, or severely worn — we install rebuilt or remanufactured long-block engines from trusted suppliers. A quality reman engine typically costs a fraction of a full rebuild from scratch, carries a meaningful warranty, and restores the vehicle to reliable service. We'll walk you through the options so you can decide whether replacement makes more sense than repair.

Is it worth repairing an older engine or should I just replace the car?

A useful rule of thumb: if the repair cost is less than the current value of the vehicle and the rest of the vehicle is in reasonable shape, repair usually makes financial sense. A $2,500 head gasket repair on a $9,000 vehicle with a good body and transmission is often smart. The same repair on a rusted-out vehicle with a failing transmission probably isn't. We'll give you an honest assessment of the vehicle overall, not just a quote for the repair you asked about — so you can make the right call.

What does the check engine light actually mean?

The check engine light indicates your vehicle's computer has detected a fault somewhere in the engine management, emissions, or drivetrain systems. The fault could be minor (a loose gas cap, a failed O2 sensor) or serious (a misfire, catalytic converter issue, or transmission problem). A steady light means you can keep driving cautiously to get diagnosed; a flashing check engine light means an active misfire is occurring and damage to the catalytic converter is possible — stop driving and get it towed. We scan the codes, interpret what they mean, and diagnose the underlying cause rather than just clearing the light.

Do you work on both foreign and domestic engines?

Yes. Ernie's specializes in engine repair for both foreign and domestic vehicles — Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep, and more. Our technicians have the training, diagnostic equipment, and service information to work on modern engines from any manufacturer.