Great Dane Dilema

[Bronco]

I've got a great dane chariot ztr with about 500 hrs. I brought it into the shop because is was losing compression and back firing. Shop told me engine was shot, had exhaust blow by, and needed to be replaced. Cost $2100.
The machine has always been trouble. Is it worth replacing for $2100? Any cheaper fix instead of new engine?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[fixer67]

Take it to another shop. Losing compression can be from many things. Bad valves, bad rings, bad or stuck lifters (Kohler engine). A short block would be a lot cheaper. It sounds like you need to go to another shop ansd see what they say. Back firing sounds like valve problems. You could just have a sticking valve. Get the machine back and try running some SEA-FOAM though it first to try and unstick any valve you may have. I still thank you should get a second shop to look at it from what you are saying here it sounds like the engine can be saved for a lot less than $2100.

[Bronco]

Thanks fixer67. I'll give that I try.