Repair or replace

Engine Repair & Replacement in Johnson City, TN

From a knock to a full rebuild.

It takes more than an oil change to keep an engine healthy. Our ASE master mechanics handle everything from head gaskets and timing belts to full engine replacement, on every make and model, domestic and import.

Call (423) 913-3111 What We Service

Engine Repair You Can Trust in Johnson City

At American & Import Auto Repair, we can repair your engine or replace it if needed, so you can get back to your daily routine. Our maintenance-first approach helps head off problems before they start, and it works. Many of our customers have driven 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles or more thanks to proper care.

If you notice any change in how your vehicle runs, don't wait. Schedule an appointment and we'll inspect the problem and tell you exactly what's needed. Catching engine trouble early is almost always cheaper than fixing what it turns into.

Signs Your Engine Needs Attention

Engines usually give you warning before they fail. If you notice any of these, it's time to have it looked at:

A check engine light, especially a flashing one. Our check engine diagnostics can pinpoint the cause
Knocking, ticking, or tapping noises from under the hood
Blue, white, or black smoke from the exhaust
Overheating, or the temperature gauge creeping into the red
Loss of power, rough idling, or stalling
A burning smell, or a sweet coolant smell that can point to a head gasket

What we service

Engine Systems We Repair

An engine is a system of parts that all have to work together. Here are the ones we repair and replace most often.

Head Gasket

A blown head gasket, usually caused by overheating, lets coolant, oil, and combustion gases mix. We machine the head flat, replace the gasket, and torque everything to spec. Subaru head gaskets are a common one for us.

Timing Belt

A timing belt that snaps can wreck an engine, since the pistons can hit the valves. Most last 60,000 to 90,000 miles. We replace yours before it fails, and recommend doing the water pump at the same time.

Timing Chain

Timing chains don't wear like rubber belts, but they can slip or jump a link. We're seeing more tensioner and guide issues that can damage the engine if they're not caught.

Water Pump

Water pumps take a beating from heat and temperature swings, and a failed one, especially a cracked plastic impeller, stops coolant flow and overheats your engine.

Spark Plugs

Fresh plugs keep your engine firing properly and cut down on wear. Even long-life iridium plugs often need attention before the 100,000 mile mark thanks to real-world buildup.

Oil & Air Filters

Regular oil and filter service is the cheapest engine insurance there is. Our dusty city and country roads clog air and cabin filters faster than you'd think. See our oil change service.

When it's serious

Major Engine Damage: Repair or Replace

The number one enemy of any engine is excessive heat. A blown head gasket lets coolant and oil mix where they never should, and that can spell disaster. When damage is that severe, we'll walk you honestly through whether a repair or a full replacement makes more sense for your vehicle and your budget.

If your engine starts to overheat, pull over and shut it off as soon as it's safe. Don't keep driving. Call a tow and have it brought to our shop. The cost of a tow is tiny next to the cost of a ruined engine. Financing is available for bigger jobs, see our financing options.

Shop coupon

$100 Off Repair

$250 Off Replacement

Car, truck, or SUV engine repair or replacement. Limited to one person. Not valid with other offers. Valid only at American & Import Auto Repair, Johnson City, TN.

See Specials

How We Handle Engine Work

Our mechanics are trained, ASE certified, and equipped to handle even the toughest engine problems on cars, trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s, domestic, import, and European, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. We use the latest diagnostic technology to assess what's really going on, then lay out your options clearly so you can decide what's right for you. We diagnose before we quote, and we never sell a repair you don't need.

We guarantee all of our work. Every qualified engine repair is backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor. And because overheating causes so much engine damage, we'll check your cooling system for weak hoses and leaks and recommend coolant flushes to help prevent trouble down the road. Ask about our cooling system service.

How Much Does Engine Repair Cost?

It depends entirely on what's actually wrong. A sensor, a hose, or a single component repair costs far less than a head gasket job, and a head gasket costs less than a full engine rebuild or replacement. We diagnose first and give you a real, itemized price for your specific vehicle, not a phone guess.

Customer reviews

What Our Engine Repair Customers Say

"Replaced my engine in my Jeep SRT and it went off flawlessly, no lights on or anything. Very good people to work and deal with. Definitely will go back if the need arises."

Summer R.

"I had a miss in the engine and took it to a couple of other shops that just threw parts at it and didn't fix the problem. American & Import found it and replaced a fuel injector on cylinder 1. They also rebuilt my front end, and it's running great."

Allen E.

"Wonderful shop and wonderful people. I've had everything from a full engine replacement to oil changes done here. They've also worked on two different cars for my son and went above and beyond on every problem we've had. I highly recommend them."

Kirk D.

Read more reviews on Google: Market Street (700+) · Hopper Road (90+)

Two shops in Johnson City

Bring Your Engine to Either Location

Location One

West Market Street

3832 W Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 913-3111

Call Shop Directions

Location Two

Hopper Road

216 Hopper Road
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 328-7036

Call Shop Directions

Common questions

Engine Repair FAQ

Should I repair or replace my engine?

It depends on the damage and the value of your vehicle. Many problems, like a head gasket, timing belt, or water pump, are repairs. When the internal damage is too severe, replacement makes more sense. We diagnose the real condition first and give you an honest recommendation.

What are the signs of engine trouble?

A check engine light, knocking or ticking, blue or white exhaust smoke, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, or a burning or sweet coolant smell. Any of these is worth checking before it becomes major damage.

What should I do if my engine overheats?

Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe. Don't keep driving. Have it towed to our shop. A tow costs far less than the damage continued driving can cause.

Do you replace timing belts and water pumps?

Yes. We replace timing belts, timing chain components, and water pumps. On timing-belt engines we recommend replacing the water pump at the same time to prevent future problems.

How much does engine repair cost?

It depends entirely on what's actually wrong. A sensor or hose costs far less than a head gasket job, and a head gasket costs less than a full engine rebuild or replacement. We diagnose first and give you a real, itemized price.

Is engine work covered by a warranty?

Yes. Qualified engine repairs are backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor.

Serving Johnson City and the Tri-Cities

We handle engine repair and replacement for drivers across Johnson City, Jonesborough, Gray, Telford, Chuckey, Elizabethton, Erwin, Fall Branch, Greeneville, Kingsport, Limestone, Mosheim, Mountain Home, and Piney Flats. See our full list of services or learn what sets our shop apart.

Trained, certified, and honest

Let's get your engine sorted out

From a strange noise to a full replacement, our ASE master mechanics will find the problem and give you a straight answer. Financing available.

Schedule Appointment Call W Market St Call Hopper Rd

W Market St · (423) 913-3111 Hopper Rd · (423) 328-7036