I bought a 2001 TJ Sport 4.0 about a year about with a replaced WJ inside. It drove perfectly fine up until about a month ago. Started getting a small 'lifter noise' that would come and go, nothing too bad to the point it was annoying. However, I tried to start the TJ after leaving work and heard a loud pop, engine died, and a weird smell that sound electrical. I thought a fuse blew and looked around only to find two vacuum hoses had blew off of their connections. I looked over everything and couldn't see any issues, reattached the hoses, and started the TJ again. Started right up, but the 'lifter noise' was a little louder. As I was driving home, only had one turn left as I live near, the noise did get rougher, almost like it was grinding against something. I got it into the driveway and tried to look around for any issues, but it was just heavy knocking from underneath.
I pulled it into the garage and shut it off. I checked the head and it has the TUPY head, so I figured the head didn't blow. I do believe the gasket is dead though because the oil looks like milk creamer and the coolant is dirty and near empty, but that wouldn't explain the loud knock/grinding noise. I called a nearby Jeep shop and tried to explain the issue over the phone before bringing it in. Normally I would go over it, but between work and classes, I don't have time. They said it might be the engine and suggested swapping in a Jasper, $5500 (engine 3600.00, install kit and fluids plus tax $500.00, and $1400.00 to install) after parts and labor. They're highly recommended to older Jeep owners, so I don't feel like they're trying to take advantage of a situation.
I told them I wanted them to look it over before dropping that money, not that there's another expensive replacement around the corner. Is that about the right price for a Jasper engine? Seems a bit high when looking at other brands such as S & J. I've been fortunate enough to borrow a vehicle, but the TJ needs to fixed sooner rather than later. Any input would be appreciated. I've been looking through the forums, but a lot of people went with rebuilds vs. replacing.
I pulled it into the garage and shut it off. I checked the head and it has the TUPY head, so I figured the head didn't blow. I do believe the gasket is dead though because the oil looks like milk creamer and the coolant is dirty and near empty, but that wouldn't explain the loud knock/grinding noise. I called a nearby Jeep shop and tried to explain the issue over the phone before bringing it in. Normally I would go over it, but between work and classes, I don't have time. They said it might be the engine and suggested swapping in a Jasper, $5500 (engine 3600.00, install kit and fluids plus tax $500.00, and $1400.00 to install) after parts and labor. They're highly recommended to older Jeep owners, so I don't feel like they're trying to take advantage of a situation.
I told them I wanted them to look it over before dropping that money, not that there's another expensive replacement around the corner. Is that about the right price for a Jasper engine? Seems a bit high when looking at other brands such as S & J. I've been fortunate enough to borrow a vehicle, but the TJ needs to fixed sooner rather than later. Any input would be appreciated. I've been looking through the forums, but a lot of people went with rebuilds vs. replacing.
