What to do?

[redneckpunk]

Just found this forum and hoping for
Some advice. I will be honest up front, I hate my girlfriends Liberty. Between brakes, window regulators, radiators, etc., I've busted enough knuckles on this dang thing. That being said, she loves it.

2002 Sport 4x4 with 3.7L and 165,000. Three weeks ago she got home from work and said the vehicle smelled like it did last spring when water pump went out. I proceeded to check all fluid levels, check for leaks, etc., and found nothing and fluid levels all good. Her daily commute is 4 miles round trip on city street so the car barely has time to even heat up. And there's never been an indication of oil burn.

Monday morning she called me from work saying it was making a loud knocking sound. I went over to look at it and found the oil wasn't registering on the dip stick but oil light not on. I put 2qts in which brought it up to "safe" on the stick and I took it Down the street to my mechanic friend. He called me this morning to say motor was shot (no specifics, I will get that tomorrow). He quoted me some figures and this is where i hope you all can provide feedback. He said for a used motor, installed would be about $6000. He said for a remanuf motor with a 6mo warranty it would be $6500. Obviously $500 is worth the remanuf and warranty but I couldn't help but think that price was extremely high.

I have looked on line briefly and found remanuf motors in the $3000-$3400 range meaning labor for this job is $3000+? I'm also wondering how hard
This swap would be to do myself? I've done a couple over the years but all were pre EFI and pre computer everything. Or, since KBB is lower than the cost of the swap should she just cut her losses and get rid of the thing? It's a shame because aside from motor vehicle is in near perfect condition, but it would get it out of my hair.

Any feedback would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

~RNP

 

[M38 Bob]

Even though I own/operate a repair/tire shop I chose to have mine professionally installed. Bought a 2year/unlimited mileage warranty remanufactured engine from O'Reilly for $2,800. A highly recommended shop nearby installed it for $900.

Bob

 

[tjkj2002]

When I had to put a engine in my KJ I got a remaned engine(had another shop install for warranty) with a 4 year unlimited mileage warranty,also has a warranty that no matter what happens in that time the next engine 100% free.


I paid like $3400 or something like that.What your being quoted is the price you'd pay for a brand new 3.7 V6(not a used or remaned).

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

I agree with Bob and tjkj2002. You're being raked over the coals.

In my case I went another route and installed a very low mileage 2007 block in my '03. I hadn't done any serious engine work since I rebuilt the 340 "six pack" in my '73 Plymouth Roadrunner - way before computers and electronics. Still, the swap was relatively easy. Yes, lots of wiring to keep track of but the way the harnesses are built it's not like the plugs can go just anywhere. I borrowed an engine hoist from a friend, bought an engine stand from Harbor Freight (and sold it on eBay for the same price - Ha!) and picked up a couple of tools I didn't have before the swap but wanted to get in any case.

Took me 4 days during a very cold February - cost me $1500 including the new/used engine, assorted gaskets, fluids, etc. Does the engine have a warranty? No. But as uncomplicated as the swap was I would do it again if this engine blows for whatever reason.

Check out my thread in the How-To section for details.

Bob

 

[mx3_ryder]

6 grand is insane!! I spent $1300.00 on a used engine with 10,000 miles on it and have roughly $1500.00 total in it after installing myself. I would source a low mileage engine from LKQ and find someone reasonable to install it. Look for engines in the 80k and under range. Shouldn't cost no more then a grand to install labor/parts and could easily be back on the road for couple grand. You take a chance on a used engine just as you would on a reman so I opt for low mileage used for fraction of the cost.

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

And mx3_ryder added some great info to the thread I referenced above :waytogo:


Bob

 

[u2slow]

Oh man... a dead V6 would be just the excuse I need to do a diesel swap. Maybe a solid axle swap at the same time :gr_grin:

My vote is for a used engine with warranty. I would put it in myself, but I realize that's not for everybody.

 

[LibertyTC]

Welcome to the forum Darren. I look forward to hear tomorrow about the specifics.
Did he compression test it? Is the clunking coming from the bottom or top end?
Two quarts is a fair chunk low, but on a short trip, I'm wondering if that would break the motor.
The low oil sensor generally work and with key on is/was it illuminating?
At that mileage, it's possible a rocker may fall of which makes a heck of a racket, and generally trips misfire codes. MIL light on (engine light or blinking light if serious)
Is the engine light on? If so what codes, before assuming the worst.

 

[redneckpunk]

Thanks for all the replies, and rather quick. I have to swing by shop later today for more details but I was told on phone this morning that after I got it to the shop they added another 2 qts of oil. Oil light never came on and check engine was already on for an emissions issue that' it's had for about 6mo.

The knocking sounded like top end when i looked at it.

 

[profdlp]

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f194/2005-kj-sport-sale-ohio-59189/

Better than the deal your mechanic is offering.

 

[mx3_ryder]

05 Liberty engine with 80k for 600 bucks less than an hour away from me. Have you checked your local craigslist yet for an engine? Could find a good runner for cheap as well and swap engine into yours and have a parts rig after?

 

[teeje]

Went with accurate engines. New engines for 3900$. Had a few issues when I first got it back but they took care of everything for free. Mind you I love 3.5 hours away from the shop and they came and picked up the jeep 3 times to fix problems on their dime. Very pleased with the engine. Just not the time it took. It has 2,500 miles on it right now. I think it has more power than before
Also 100,000 mile unlimited year warranty

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