How long will a typical Jeep Liberty engine last?

[Hdrider]

I bought my 02 sport with a spun rod bearing at 169000 for $800. I did the rebuild myself. Reground crank, 1 rod, pistons/rings, oil and water pump. Had the heads checked(all good) then cleaned and lapped valves myself. I put 10000 miles on rebuild and then a valve seat dropped thru #2 piston. After learning about the powdered metal valve seats used in the 3.7 I bought 2 new aftermarket heads $300 each,1 piston and a gasket set then rebuilt again. Now at 190000 and running strong.

 

[jeepbeep]

I see valve and main-bearing problems usually around 150k. These have a weird problem with oil pressure.

Timing chain tensioners also have a kind of trend of failing..

 

[Hdrider]

After rebuilding both 3.7s in our Libertys I use 10w40 Valvoline and Wix filters only. I change oil EVERY 3000 miles.

 

[fastcarsspeed]

288,000 miles on my 02. Engine seems to be original. A/C Compressor, Alternator and other odds and ends look replaced but the engine is super strong.

 

[Gunpowder]

285K+. Had it since 75K. Purchased a rebuilt engine a few yrs back due to the notorious valve seat issue that permitted a valve to drop on the cylinder. It was cheaper htan having it rebuilt locally and came with a 3 yr warranty.

 

[jeepbeep]

I would love to put one of those fresh $3,000-$4,500 crate engines in mine but even with my "great job" I have to go with LKQ warrantied engines for <$2,000 and spend a while putting it in because of work. Without spending 60+ hours at work I can put it in within a couple days just using a tractor(cherry picker on dirt) and my decent tools.

Actually I could probably get one of those eventually but I'd put it in a better body with five-speed(my current is fun but the kickers are rotted, it has a cheap overspray, and the main harness is a taped mess).. I can get really nice liberty's with high miles for the same price as a crate engine from advance or napa or some mopar outlet.

I actually got quotes from a large number of shops and they actually charge you for their shifty rebuilds what an engine costs at NAPA or Advance.. Even the shade tree mechanics want like 3k..

 

[john43028]

That is encouraging Tom. I hope to get at least as many miles on
the 130k mile kj we just bought!

 

[Shorthair]

I'm almost at 250,000 with my 03 Limited 3.7. Head gaskets have been replaced twice, put in a few radiators, transfer case seized so no 4x4, ac pump is out so I rerouted belt, rebuilt entire front end multiple times, she's still going strong, besides headlights currently not working. They are a solid vehicle that will last many miles if maintained well.

 

[2002KJLimited]

Mine has 157,300 miles. Has had the ECM, water pump, heater core, radiator, both front ball joints changed. Run Castrol GTX 5x30 with Lucas synthetic oil treatment, NGK V-Power (copper core) plugs, K&N oil and air filter. Only complaints are the rear drums won't stay in adjustment for more than a year before a clackity sound developes when not on the breaks. It also consumes about a quart of oil every month. Just developed a coolant leak at the water pump this last week, changing it tomorrow.

Future plans are to pull the engine and rebuild it with every hotrod trick I can while maintaining stock tune. Should give most SUVs and trucks a run for their money at the light, as if it doesn't already.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I don't think I'd run any oil treatment, from what I've seen on the oil forum that can be pretty risky! That Castrol GTX is a good oil on its own merit.

 

[profdlp]

...That Castrol GTX is a good oil on its own merit.

That's what has been going in for my last four or five oil changes. :waytogo: