Thrown a piston?

[william77ize]

So I took my holden vz into the mechanic today because it was heavily shaking, they checked it out with the computer and told me I might've thrown a piston (whatever that means) They told me they have an old ve engine they can get the piston out of and try to fit in. Will this work and would you know how much it's going to cost to replace? Any information is great in these uncertain times, Work has put me off and am now only getting the job seeker allowance. Thanks again guys

 

[07GTS]

id prob just find a good engine and just swap it over much easier then taring an engine apart then they might even find more issues inside and need to do engine anyway

 

[figjam]

they checked it out with the computer and told me I might've thrown a piston (whatever that means)

If it has thrown a piston, you should be able to see it sticking out the side of the block. Their diagnosis seems to be as dodgy as next weeks lottery numbers by a clairvoyant.
IF, if it has done something drastic, whatever it is, it is not as simple as just putting in a second hand piston. There is the labour factor, and what else is damaged after 'throwing a piston' ? Something as minor as a broken ring will score the bore ....... honing or rebore needed.
Find a mechanic that knows what he is on about.

 

[shane_3800]

Take it to another mechanic quickly. They just want to sell you a dodgy engine. I'm a mechanic and have had to repair cars where this has happened.
It was a VE the last one and the mechanic fitted a engine from his yard it came to us loosing oil pressure. We fitted a second hand engine from ACM with warranty.

 

[Big Red VF-SII Go-kart]

What does "thrown a piston" mean?? I've never heard of it.
As for taking a piston from a VE and transplanting it into a VZ... the VE, how are the two engines similar (VZ = Alloytec; VE = SIDI DI)?

 

[figjam]

Info for OP to show the number of things that could be covered by a 'thrown piston'. (yes, I goggled it, and it refers to a 'blown engine', but same thing.)

https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-tell-if-your-engine-is-blown

 

[_R_J_K_]

What does "thrown a piston" mean?? I've never heard of it.
As for taking a piston from a VE and transplanting it into a VZ... the VE, how are the two engines similar (VZ = Alloytec; VE = SIDI DI)?

Thrown piston = the piston leaving the conrod. Although to be honest OP, if this was the case you'd notice worse problems than a shaking engine, doubt you'd be able to drive. Should go for a second opinion.
First few years of VE 6s were regular Alloytecs, not the SIDI variants.

 

[rambunctious]

What everyone has said, plus, if it is shaking it could be missing(not firing correctly) due to a coil/plug/lead/injector etc etc

Put up your location, not just Victoria, and see if someone is close who can at least have a look/scan for you or as suggested get a second opinion but don't, whatever you do, tell them what the first mechanic said.

Even better go to Superthief for a scan(if it is free) or spend the money, about $100, and join RACV, then call them to look at it.
And don't tell RACV what the mechanic said either.

 

[gungazza]

if it has thrown a piston it would not start and run, engine gone

 

[Fu Manchu]

If true, your car would be running rougher than a washing machine with a bag of cement in it.

They saw you coming, that’s for sure.

Some good advice so far. Every post.