The engine locked in my cargo van. Is it worth replacing or fixing at $3000? Is there any resale value if not?

A scrap dealer will give you about $500 for it ... Try craigslist maybe someone thats a mechanic might give you some better cash for it to fix up to keep

You have to look @ your opportunity cost. First, are you making payments on the van? If not, then the 3k would just be an additional investment into the van. Its an 05, not that old. Could you replace it for an equivalent make and model for less then 3K and guarantee to not have an engine problem? Or for that matter, any mechanical problems. 135K miles is not a lot for a vehicle these days. If the body and suspension/drive is all in good shape I would say its worth it to repair, hoping that your tech doesn't find more stuff that has to be replaced. If you can find another vehicle that will serve the purpose for what you need it to do and it is in good shape, and not much more than 3K, you might want to consider it. Its always a tough call. In regards to the coolant line bursting, did you hit an object in the road causing it to burst? If so, that would fall under your collision coverage on your insurance policy. Just a thought.

Is the van worth it to you? In kelley blue book the fair shapr for a private party is about $4,380 trade in is worth about $2,400. If you can replace the engine yourself or find a cheaper mechanic that probably be better, you can find a used engine from $400- $800 so the rest would be what you are payin the guy