Rebuild engine or replace with refurbished engine?

[Green97jeepeer]

I have a 97 2.5 liter with a few upgrades and my motor went I think. Shoukd i go through and rebuild the 200,000+ mile motor or buy a new one?

Dont really want to put bigger motor in do to all the stuff I got for the 4 cylinder motor. Input on this matter plz

 

[Chris]

Rebuild the one you have, no question about it. 200k miles is nothing for one of these motors. There's guys with 600k miles on their TJs who have never done anything other than basic maintenance.

All you need to do to rebuild it is replace all the gaskets, seals, accessories, and have a competent machine shop go through and refresh the block / head and do things like a valve job, new valve seals, etc.

I'd also put in new rod bearings, piston rings, hone the cylinder walls, etc. Basic stuff, but all stuff that can be done to your existing engine.

The alternative is buying an already refurbished crate engine, which gives you a fully rebuilt and refreshed engine, which means you don't have to do the work yourself.

 

[Green97jeepeer]

Well I have already replaced the head gasket once about a year ago.when doing it I replaced head n valves n lifters n rods n the head came complete.n about moMth ago the damn thing overheated n now iIgot coolant in oil again.no leaks under her.now iIhave to do all over again n the lower half. Was wondering what would be the best thing. Thanks

 

[Rob5589]

Depends. How much to rebuild vs a rebuilt, potentially with a warranty.

 

[billiebob]

7 year warranty...

https://www.sandjengines.com

I did a 4.2L long block in my YJ 14vyears ago, and a 4.0L in my TJR last year. Great engines. They ship worldwide.

 

[Chris]

I might just rebuild the bottom end then since the head is new. It sounds like it it's just the head gasket that's gone bad though, so I'm not even sure a full rebuild is necessary. The ideal thing to do might be to fix the head gasket issue (assuming it's not a cracked head), then test your compression after it's all fixed. If your compression numbers are good, I wouldn't think you'd need to rebuild it.

200k miles isn't high for these engines.

 

[billiebob]

i'd never do a rebuild, get a remanufactured. Way better deal.

 

[Rob5589]

7 year warranty...

https://www.sandjengines.com

I did a 4.2L long block in my YJ 14vyears ago, and a 4.0L in my TJR last year. Great engines. They ship worldwide.

1400 bucks, 7 year 100k mile warranty?! Hell yea, no brainer in my opinion.

 

[piratemonkey]

Did you get the head decked when you did the head gasket?

 

[KCsTJ]

$1400 for a long block isn't bad, and would save some time
I would have the head magnafluxed and resurfaced
You can check the block deck for warping with a simple metal straightedge.
I would pull the head and have it checked. If the block is not warped or cracked you may not need a full rebuild

 

[Kent Dakin]

200k is a world of miles on any engine....it would need to be line bored plus cyl. bored with oversize pistons ...all bearings including cam & cam bearings sized ....way better off buying crate engine with warranty...you gonna have north of 4 grand in it with you doing everything ...I would get complete crate ready to run ....this coming from a 50yr engine builder....take care

 

[billiebob]

A rebuilt engine is new parts in a tired worn out block. Fine for an old vehicle driven on Sundays and in parades. But for reliable transportation get a remanufactured engine. New parts fitted into a freshly machined block.

With a great, 7 year warranty. Try to get a 7 month warranty from a rebuilder.

 

[UnrestrictedPilot]

It sounds like your head gasket may not have been put on properly. Not saying you did a bad job but that metal needs to be absolutely perfect for the seal to actually seal. Plus some seals do not do a good job and usually I research to see what aftermarket seals work the best. I would agree with Chris that you may not need a full rebuild.

However the biggest issue is your time. Do you have the resources (time, money, patience) to do the rebuild and take care of it yourself. Other wise buying an engine is your only option. But if you do rebuild please keep us informed.

 

[Nimbley]

i'd never do a rebuild, get a remanufactured. Way better deal.

That depends on your skill level. I’d rebuild any day before trusting a reman. Warranty or not.

 

[Nimbley]

A rebuilt engine is new parts in a tired worn out block. Fine for an old vehicle driven on Sundays and in parades. But for reliable transportation get a remanufactured engine. New parts fitted into a freshly machined block.

With a great, 7 year warranty. Try to get a 7 month warranty from a rebuilder.

A reman engine is the same “worn out old block” with a mix of new and used parts put in it by semi skilled workers. Boring out a block doesn’t hurt the engine in any way up to a certain point. A skilled rebuild will always result in a better engine. Not less expensive by any means but better if your keeping the vehicle for the long haul.

 

[billiebob]

A reman engine is the same “worn out old block” with a mix of new and used parts put in it by semi skilled workers. Boring out a block doesn’t hurt the engine in any way up to a certain point. A skilled rebuild will always result in a better engine. Not less expensive by any means but better if your keeping the vehicle for the long haul.

WOW !! and you offer a 7 year, warranty on that rebuild, cuz thats what you get from SandJ Engines in Spokane on their "remanufactured" engines.

 

[Nimbley]

WOW !! and you offer a 7 year, warranty on that rebuild, cuz thats what you get from SandJ Engines in Spokane on their "remanufactured" engines.

As a professional I’ve rebuild many and installed many reman engines. I’ve had plenty remans come back under warranty and never one of my builds. I’m not saying that’s all reman engines but I’d rather not take the chance on my own vehicle.

 

[billiebob]

Well half a dozen rebuild failures vs 3 remans from S&J, and I have the exact opposite experience.
ps, I am not the mechanic, I hire for all the work.

My TJR with a reman, long block last April, is still like a new engine 28K miles later.

 

[Nimbley]

Well half a dozen rebuild failures vs 3 remans from S&J, and I have the exact opposite experience.
ps, I am not the mechanic, I hire for all the work.

My TJR with a reman, long block last April, is still like a new engine 28K miles later.

I feel for you there. I’d have a really hard time trusting my vehicles to someone else’s hands. Unfortunately being in the industry I’ve seen that the good techs are not that common.

 

[Stockli]

That depends on your skill level. I’d rebuild any day before trusting a reman. Warranty or not.

I’d even buy a lower mileage used engine from a reputable Jy before I bought a reman.