cheap rebuild options??

[Muad'Dib]

I'm on unemployment and am struggling to pay the bills... behind on rent etc etc I'm sure some of you are in the same boat.

Anyway, my jeep is my only form of transportation, and this morning I threw a rod.

What's going to be the cheapest way for me to rebuild this thing so I can be on the road again?

Thanks!

[SilverXJ]

It would probably be cheaper to find a good used engine and throw it in. Check Naxja's forsale..

[amcinstaller]

i know that feeling all too well. im working but it may as well be unemployment. and my honda is on borrowed time, clatters for an increasing amount of time each startup. hope your situation improves soon!

[Muad'Dib]

It would probably be cheaper to find a good used engine and throw it in. Check Naxja's forsale..

Thanks your probably right about that. Ill start looking around.

i know that feeling all too well. im working but it may as well be unemployment. and my honda is on borrowed time, clatters for an increasing amount of time each startup. hope your situation improves soon!

Thanks for the kind words, i hope things look up for you as well.

[Muad'Dib]

Found two possibles so far.

Engine on Craigslist out of a 93 that was pulled to put in a bigger engine to make it into a "rock crawler" (according to the listing). Called the guy and he said the compression was tested and it has a good water pump, but just about everything else is unknown. Mileage etc. Complete from pan to valve cover minus the exhaust manifold. Will be able to look at it tomorrow.

Engine at a Junkyard that is in a 94. Unknown mileage (at the desk anyway), but compression was checked and is 140 on all cylinders. Complete from pan to valve cover. $450.

what do you guys think?

[SilverXJ]

I don't like the unknow mileage part. Especially that "rock crawler" guy. I would go with the salvage yard one if those are your only two options, maybe try to get them to drop the price a bit.

[Muad'Dib]

They are firm... wont budge at all...


Im borrowing money as it is for this.. so coming up with a couple hundred is much easier than coming up with 5-6 hundred.. lol.

[Muad'Dib]

For whatever engine i get, i was planning on replacing all gaskets and RMS before i swapped it in. Since i will have the head off, would it be worth throwing new rings on it?? I dont need the engine to last forever obviously, but id like to have it run for awhile so one of these years when i can get a job again etc i can build my stroker.

[SilverXJ]

I wouldn't fool with putting new rings on. If the rings are worn chances the cylinders are too. Plus if there is a ridge on the cylinder wall you may have a hard time getting the pistons out to begin with without removing the ridge. I would check the bearings since you will have the oil pan off.

[Muad'Dib]

Both Mains and Rod? Any other suggestions for this pieced together beater? lol...

[SilverXJ]

I would at least take a look at both the mains and rods, not necessarily replace them. Since you sill have the oil pan off I would inspect the cam for any signs of obvious wear. Make sure all piston skirts are intact too. If you replace the valve cover gasket check the rockers for any excessive wear.

As for the gaskets you would probably want to get the "conversion kit" It includes all the lower end gaskets. No head gasket or valve cover, so you would have to buy the valve cover gasket separately.

[Muad'Dib]

Ill have to re-use my RENIX head for now, as i just dont want to spend more money on a TPS adapter, Throttle Cable, TV Cable, adapt fuel lines etc.. to make the switch. This will mean i will have the head off, and will replace the Head Gasket.

Should i plastigauge the bearings, or just visually inspect them? Ive never actually done this before, so what should i look for in a visual inspection?

Got the Engine late yesterday for a hundred bucks. It didnt have the Intake Manifold, but oh well... i dont need it.



I do have one important question, since i will be using the head from my RENIX, should i use the rockers and pushrods from my RENIX, or from the used engine i picked up?

[shawnxj]

dumb question but why not use the existing head and just put your intake on it. shouldn't have to change or modify any of the stuff in your list

[Muad'Dib]

The intake ports on the 7120 Head are higher. The RENIX intake and exhaust manifolds do not line up correctly.

[SilverXJ]

I think the pushrods are the same. I am not 100% sure, but I thought all push rods for the 4.0L were the same.