At What Point Do You Consider Replacing the Engine?

[FadeToGray]

This month I should pass 200,000 miles on my LJ.

It runs well for the most part, but has a few issues I'll need to take care of in the near future.

The power steering pump is leaking a bit, and the radiator has seen better days for example.

My question is, at what point do I stop "repairing" the current engine, and look into buying a "new to me" engine with a lot less than 200,000 on it?

Are there a few major things that if they go its just not worth repairing? Or are you better off to just keep replacing things as they fail till the block is toast?

 

[fourpointzero]

Good question. Ive changed just about everything except the chain and oil pump on mine. If and when it starts to burn oil and or I ever have a head issue, I’ll have it rebuilt. Aftermarket reman, not sure. Thats another question all together.

Looking forward what others have to say.


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[04 LJ]

This month I should pass 200,000 miles on my LJ.

Wow, congrats.

 

[Quigley]

Would you do the engine install or would you pay a shop to do it?

Personally, I’d run it. The issues you listed are not engine related yet and would carry over to another engine if and when the time comes. You can do a compression check if you are worried about it, but these motors run for a long time when cared for.

Used engines are 20 years old and you’ll never know what you’ll get. I personally go with a new long block when my jeeps rebirth needs to take place.

 

[FadeToGray]

Would you do the engine install or would you pay a shop to do it?

Personally, I’d run it. The issues you listed are not engine related yet and would carry over to another engine if and when the time comes. You can do a compression check if you are worried about it, but these motors run for a long time when cared for.

Used engines are 20 years old and you’ll never know what you’ll get. I personally go with a new long block when my jeeps rebirth needs to take place.

I wouldn't have the skill set to do it myself so I'd need to have a shop install it if I ever did it.

 

[Daryl]

Run it until you can’t. Then repower or rebuild.

 

[89grand]

That motor may last another 100k...or it may not, but just replace it when you have to, unless you have money to burn.

 

[Goatman]

If the engine is running fine at 200k then I see no reason to replace it. Any rebuilt you put in is an unknown. Did they do it right? Actually replace everything? You have a known system. Keep it till it is actually causing a problem.

 

[Bosgarage57]

Can't help much, but I have a 97 TJ with a 2.5 engine with 282k miles on it. It is starting to make some lifter noises but short of general maintenance I'm going to run it till it blows up then replace it with something else. No need to worry about it until something happens.

 

[ICDGary]

I've got 229k+ on mine, though the head had been replaced about 70K ago. Runs like a raped ape.
Just send it until it can no longer be sent!

 

[Mikester86]

I've got 229k+ on mine, though the head had been replaced about 70K ago. Runs like a raped ape.
Just send it until it can no longer be sent!

What happened that warranted the head being replaced? I am at 144,000 plus miles, and it is a concern of mine, especially having the original non - TUPY head. Thank you.

 

[ICDGary]

What happened that warranted the head being replaced? I am at 144,000 plus miles, and it is a concern of mine, especially having the original non - TUPY head. Thank you.

Mike, I wish I could tell you what went south with it but I bought the TJ well after the head was replaced. My assumption was an overheat situation that was compounded by other issues but you know how ASSumptions work. All I truly know is that she runs hard and doesn't (knocking on wood) leak anything anywhere this week. Its been a good week, considering it is only Tuesday.

 

[chino1969]

I have a Cherokee XJ with 203,000 miles on it and the engine is still running strong. If it was my choice, in your situation, I would continue to run it until it was obvious the engine was shot. At that point I would research the various rebuilt engines being offered along with reviews and the company's integrity. I would then have a shop install the new engine.

 

[JDS123]

My 4.0L has 230,000 on it and still runs strong. No obnoxious noises or other problems; doesn't burn a drop of oil and has never been opened up. I also have the original head, even though mine is the version that is susceptible to cracking.


I plan on running this engine until something goes wrong internally. Then, if the block is still intact, I'm going to rebuild it and throw a supercharger on. I don't know why you would want to replace an engine while it still works because a power steering pump and radiator went out...

 

[Willys LJ]

I'm in the run it till the wheels fall off, put 'em back on and run it some more camp.