In car re-ring/new heads, or swap in engine from recycler?
LTDzak
02-26-2012, 08:28 PM
My 1999 Windstar w/158 K miles has a nicely bent connecting rod courtesy of an intake manifold antifreeze leak as described here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1074639
Am trying to decide which way to go in terms of repair. Some would scrap the car, but over the last year I've replaced the steering rack, fixed the ABS light problem (swapped in a module) and replaced the rod bearings (the latter, were not highly worn, but was trying to track down the tapping noise at startup that was likely the antifreeze leak).
Because Windstars are now an endangered species, recyclers near me have ~ 40 K mile engines available for 500 to 600 USD (Freestar 3.9 is also an option if one is willing to swap the Windstar lower and upper intakes and EGR on). However, I also found brand new cylinder heads for < 200 each, and at this point I'm wondering whether an in car re-ring and new heads might be an option. The rod didn't bend quite far enough to contact the cylinder wall, and the ridge at the tops of the bores is not large. Thrust sides of the pistons I've removed are completely worn off on the bad cylinder, and somewhat worn on the piston next to it.
The engine swap will cost less overall once I factor in gasket, ring and head and head bolr costs.
How much labor is an engine swap, especially as everything up top is already disconnected? I checked the flex plate (oil pan off) and didn't see a converter drain plug.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1074639
Am trying to decide which way to go in terms of repair. Some would scrap the car, but over the last year I've replaced the steering rack, fixed the ABS light problem (swapped in a module) and replaced the rod bearings (the latter, were not highly worn, but was trying to track down the tapping noise at startup that was likely the antifreeze leak).
Because Windstars are now an endangered species, recyclers near me have ~ 40 K mile engines available for 500 to 600 USD (Freestar 3.9 is also an option if one is willing to swap the Windstar lower and upper intakes and EGR on). However, I also found brand new cylinder heads for < 200 each, and at this point I'm wondering whether an in car re-ring and new heads might be an option. The rod didn't bend quite far enough to contact the cylinder wall, and the ridge at the tops of the bores is not large. Thrust sides of the pistons I've removed are completely worn off on the bad cylinder, and somewhat worn on the piston next to it.
The engine swap will cost less overall once I factor in gasket, ring and head and head bolr costs.
How much labor is an engine swap, especially as everything up top is already disconnected? I checked the flex plate (oil pan off) and didn't see a converter drain plug.
12Ounce
02-26-2012, 09:00 PM
No, there is no converter plug ... haven't seen one of those since the '60's!
If you are doing the "wrenching" yourself, and if the cyl walls/crank is not damaged beyond a bore and regrind: I would consider a home-rebuild. Of course, you must have machine shops "locally" that can support you.
With new pistons, crank regrind, valves/head refurbished ... about $3K or so. But you will have a "new" engine.
I've got about 120k miles on my 3.8 rebuild now. Purrs!
If you are doing the "wrenching" yourself, and if the cyl walls/crank is not damaged beyond a bore and regrind: I would consider a home-rebuild. Of course, you must have machine shops "locally" that can support you.
With new pistons, crank regrind, valves/head refurbished ... about $3K or so. But you will have a "new" engine.
I've got about 120k miles on my 3.8 rebuild now. Purrs!
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