[rain-gler]

In my 93 2.5, I have blowby and I blow smoke out the tailpipe on acceleration. The engine runs smoothly but I do not like the thought of fouling up the atmosphere and the car behind me. I want to SHARE my enjoyment of the upcoming summer, plus I want to represent the Jeep family proudly.

My question concerns if it is cheaper and more practical to have someone rebuild my motor or to replace it.

I have not done internal engine work before but I believe, with the right instructions, I could however replace and mount an engine, especially with the wealth of information found in this forum.

With those factors in mind, can you make a valid argument AGAINST swapping the motor?

Also, is a 6 cylinder even better or does that open another can of worms?

I appreciate any opinions.

[xeastend]

I have an 89 2.5.Started usine Restore with oil changes.After about 9 months,no more blowby.Yes,I know this may be a temporary fix,but its cheaper than a new motor.

As for a rebuild,my brother,a full time mechanic,recomends a" re-manufactured " engine instead of a re-build.
About the same cost.Warrentee with re-man.

[rain-gler]

Originally Posted by xeastend

I have an 89 2.5.Started usine Restore with oil changes.After about 9 months,no more blowby.Yes,I know this may be a temporary fix,but its cheaper than a new motor..

Yes indeed. I will do this temporarily until I scrape up the funds.

I plan on installing a plow on it in the meantime so that the Jeep can pay for its own operation.

[MLJeeper]

Originally Posted by xeastend

I have an 89 2.5.Started usine Restore with oil changes.After about 9 months,no more blowby.Yes,I know this may be a temporary fix,but its cheaper than a new motor.

As for a rebuild,my brother,a full time mechanic,recomends a" re-manufactured " engine instead of a re-build.
About the same cost.Warrentee with re-man.

Your dang right he recommends a re manufactured engine with a warranty. That way hes not responsible for it. The cost may be similar if you have someone else rebuild a motor for you and install it but less than half if you do the work yourself. Rebuilding an engine is easy though a little time consuming.

[rain-gler]

So an engine off Ebay from a reputable seller is not advisable?

[MLJeeper]

Originally Posted by rain-gler

So an engine off Ebay from a reputable seller is not advisable?

Cant speak as to reputable engine rebuilders, never used one other than myself

[rain-gler]

Boy, engine rebuilds sound spooky. I consider myself mechanical but from what I understand, engines require tight specs and tolerances. I do not have the instruments and do not know anyone personally who could advise or oversee my operation.

[MLJeeper]

Originally Posted by rain-gler

Boy, engine rebuilds sound spooky. I consider myself mechanical but from what I understand, engines require tight specs and tolerances. I do not have the instruments and do not know anyone personally who could advise or oversee my operation.

Engines are one of those things that hold a certain mystery for people who have never broken one down. They are actually quite simple and assembly and disassembly are quite intuitive. You dont need specialty instruments other than a good clicker torque wrench,a cheap ring compressor and a rubber mallet. What you NEED is a competent machine shop. They will take care of all the tolerances for you as well as cleaning the block/engine parts and machine the head. You just reassemble the engine, the same way you took it apart.

That said, you should have someone experienced help you the first time you do it, but after you finish you will be glad you did it yourself. I built my first at 14 and cant count the number ive built since. I do enjoy that type of work though. You should not do anything your convinced you cant do, but engines are really easy and if you have enough mechanical skill to swap an engine out, then you have enough to build an engine.

[rain-gler]

You have given me encouragement.

I will start gathering info. perhaps picking up some books or so.

Next thing you know, I will dare to tackle tranny rebuilds too, eh?

Actually, trannys and engines are the only things I have not done to autos.

[lonestar_yj]

agree with mljeeper, you dont need much for tools, go get a jeep manual it will walk you through every step. it will be much cheaper. or do like i did and go find a motor out of a wrecked jeep. i bought mine out of a wrecked running cherokee for $150 off of craigslist

[MLJeeper]

Originally Posted by rain-gler

You have given me encouragement.

I will start gathering info. perhaps picking up some books or so.

Next thing you know, I will dare to tackle tranny rebuilds too, eh?

Actually, trannys and engines are the only things I have not done to autos.

Yes the machine shop will handle the engine bore. If it needs to be bored they will tell you how much and you can get the appropriate rings for the overbore. If not they will hone it and get it ready for install. Same with the crank, they will turn it if necessary and tell you which bearing you need or polish it and get it ready for you.

With the head, they will break it down and inspect the valves and seats and at a minimum install new seals. New guides are usually a given with an aged engine with standard rockers. They will check the head to make sure its true. You are wise to spend a little money on your head. Have new guides put in and a fresh valve job. Also you might want to consider having them shave it some. Dont get to carried away or you will be having to use super, lol, but for every point of compression you raise the engine, you get ~7% more torque. They can offer you guidance here as well. They have done thousands of engines and are more than happy to answer a customers questions.

[MLJeeper]

Originally Posted by lonestar_yj

agree with mljeeper, you dont need much for tools, go get a jeep manual it will walk you through every step. it will be much cheaper. or do like i did and go find a motor out of a wrecked jeep. i bought mine out of a wrecked running cherokee for $150 off of craigslist

Always a good idea if you can get one cheap, that way you can rebuild it while you continue to drive and you dont get in a hurry.

As for trannys, i'll tackle a manual, but the autos i leave to the pros..... those scare me LOL

[leftlanetruckin]

i vote rebuild if there is a chance you can do it yourself.
the only person that has rebuilt my motors is me.
take your time and follow the guides in the haynes/chiltons/whatever. they even have pretty pictures!
as already said, torque wrench, ring compressor and a rubber mallet are the only specialized tools. all the rest should be in your toolbox already.
and trying to find a "mechanic" these days is a very hard. 99% are parts swappers, no disrespect to your brother intended.
a cheap engine stand will make things easier, but is not 110% needed.
get a manual and start reading. ask around for a good machine shop, they will make your life a lot easier!
i have never personally rebuilt a 2.5, never seen it worth the effort, but a motor is a motor, and the 2.5 should be a piece of cake to rebuild!
martin

[Castr8r]

Rebuild it yer own self ! Follow the recommendations of the machinist and the manual. Be anal about being clean. Use the opportunity to slip in a mild cam- shoot for low and mid range torque,and you should get better mileage, too. It won't be a lot, but every little bit helps. Rebuilding it yourself gives you major cred; besides, you can get a junkyard special to rebuild at your liesure while you continue wheelin'!

[Pittsbuilder]

Honestly, Im with everyone here... Rebuild it! The hardest part of the whole deal is getting it out and back in. The actual teardown and reassembly are pretty brainless. That said, a quality machine shop is an absolute must, otherwise your just wasting your time.