Broken Timing Chain = Shot Engine

clarky711 · 05-19-2003, 08:43 PM

Well, today driving about 60 mph on the road my timing chain blew. It ripped about 12 quarter size holes in my oil pan and blew a hole in the block about 4" inches in diameter.

WTF....is this normal? Talk about a crappy design, has this happened to anyone or is it just me with some crappy luck. Just when my jeep was good for a while this happens.

Now what do I do, I have no real money for a v8 swap, but not sure how cheap I can find a 4.0 for. I called up some junk yards and they all said that 4.0 are 700-800 bucks for a good one. I can find ford 5.0 for about 500 bucks and chevy 350s for around 700 bucks. I am so confused...this sucks.

I started ripping everything out tonight and the engine is ready to come out, just not sure what to get to put in it.

The AA kits will cost me about 400 bucks just for the bellhouse adapter and motor mounts, plus I will have to figure out a new radiator, exhaust, tranny(I'm not sure how long the ax-15 will hold up), rear axle, and so on. It prob will cost me around 2000 bucks all said and done with, even though I could do all the labor..

Oh well, if any of you have done any swaps, or have any bright ideas, that would be great. I also just needed to vent. Thanks.

Mike

clarky711 · 05-19-2003, 08:44 PM

Oh yeah, sorry about the long post.

Mike

withamc · 05-19-2003, 11:33 PM

Now's your chance! Build a 4.0 stroker. V8 power from a (mostly) smog legal 6 cylinder!

NJJeeper · 05-20-2003, 09:39 AM

I know some vehicles are likely to sustain motor damage if the timing chain/belt goes. On these vehicles they recommend that you change the belt preventatively at around 75,000 miles. Does anybody know how to tell which vehicles you should do this on. I have 115,000 miles on my 4banger wrangler, I have a daughter who drives a chevy cavalier with 130,000 miles on it and it has never been changed.