Birty Dastards Jeep Club

Tech Forum => Workshop => Topic started by: decaman on August 04, 2009, 04:46:57 PM

Title: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: decaman on August 04, 2009, 04:46:57 PM
It is becoming apparent that my 4.2 that has done nearly 180k is reaching the end of its useful life and my dilemma now is to reinvigorate it without breaking the bank.

I have been advised by my mechanic to go for a reconditioned engine from the states to save costs and advised by a Jeep specialist parts distributor to recondition the existing engine as at least I know (part of) its history.

Looking to do this reasonably frugally however am a realist and am aware it ain't gonna be cheap either way.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: greggmo on August 04, 2009, 06:05:18 PM
is the engine not working well or smoking like mad? might only need a set of rings and a good overhall.
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: JamesH on August 04, 2009, 06:44:11 PM
Is it worth considering swapping in a 4.0l??

Loads around for peanuts with all the running gear/ancillaries in older XJ Cherokees
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Mike Pavelin on August 04, 2009, 07:16:08 PM
Shipping an engine from the 'states would cost a fortune. A 4.0 from a Cherokee with the fuel injection would be a vast improvement over the 258 if you are confident with electrics and a bit of fabrication.
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: isle of man on August 04, 2009, 07:45:44 PM
 :imwitstupid:
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Bubba on August 04, 2009, 09:22:07 PM
 :imwitstupid:
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Bubba on August 05, 2009, 09:49:06 AM
is yours auto or manual i should be cutting a yj up shortly [in time to deliver parts to cheapfest] its a 2.5 manual if thats any help

have you had any costings back yet the 4.2 is a fine engine when rebuilt if a litle old fashioned by todays standard

i am thinking yours is breathing heavy and blowing its oil all over your drive sounds harsh and top end rattley from tired liffters and is thirsty and somewhat lacking in power
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Tank on August 05, 2009, 11:50:40 AM
I would imagine a few 4.2 engines knocking around,left over from those V8 swops,and tubs that have rotted away
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Tank on August 05, 2009, 11:52:32 AM
Mihgt be a cheap solution

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMC-JEEP-258-I6-ENGINE-4-2-LITRE-STRAIGHT-SIX_W0QQitemZ180392251124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2a00374ef4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMC-JEEP-258-I6-ENGINE-4-2-LITRE-STRAIGHT-SIX_W0QQitemZ180392251124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2a00374ef4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Nosebolt on August 05, 2009, 04:49:36 PM
if you want a project engine i have a 258 with carb to get rid off, needs rings and pos seals, also stailess exhaust to go
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Panic mechanic! on August 05, 2009, 04:57:39 PM
if you want a project engine i have a 258 with carb to get rid off, needs rings and pos seals, also stainless ghay exhaust to go

errors corrected!
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Bubba on August 05, 2009, 06:54:24 PM
if it has a 999 in it i would try and fit 360 to it
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: jimyj on August 06, 2009, 09:40:41 AM
Cheap is just swap in a 4.0 deffo , but if you are going the rebuild route , i have just done this on my 4.2 shells rings the lot , she is just about to be popped back in , plenty of pics on j33p , hope to have it done for cheap fest .
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: Bubba on August 06, 2009, 09:42:37 AM
did she need a rebore or just honing
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: decaman on August 06, 2009, 01:10:04 PM
Thanks for the advice.  Thinking either the 4.0 option or a rebuild is best.

To clarify, automatic trans and engine is spitting oil over everything it can find to spit on.

Doesn't want to start at all today.  AA has been around this morning and looks like either the coil, ignition relay or ecu. 

ecu looks unlikely after speaking to Lighthouse Jeep Parts and a new unit would cost £500 from them so hoping not.

More woes...

Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: jimyj on August 06, 2009, 01:12:05 PM
hope , just new rings and honing  :greggmo: we had to dust of the honing tool and remember how to use the bloody thing , hav'nt used it for about 5 years !!! just nobody rebuilds stuff anymore , a dying art  :icon_sad:good job we are an old school garage  :greggmo:
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: jimyj on August 06, 2009, 01:14:12 PM
 bin the lot and but a 4.0 injection in , best thing you will ever do . :greggmo:
Title: Re: Reconditioned Engine Advice Please
Post by: JamesH on August 06, 2009, 02:53:56 PM
Engine, Autobox and Transfercase from an XJ Cherokee are very solid. The transfercase would also give you 4wd suitable for use on the road. I imagine you'd need propshafts lengthened / shortened and crossmember / gearbox mount adjusted.

Jim - The only place that do rebuild stuff now (and do it well), charge a fortune - at least near me anyway.