Blown Engine?

Hi everyone. My name is David and I'm new to the forum. 5 years of owning a XJ and I'm just finding this place. It's been a great vehicle for me. I got it used in 99 when it had 45k miles and now it has 191K. Only done proper maintenance to it, no major mechanical defects. Anyway, the past week has been the week from hell for my poor XJ...Tuesday, the radiator blew on me. I'd been planing to replace it and had the new one in the back, but it gave out one day after a pressure test showed it not losing anything. I thought I had time....well, anyway, got the new radiator on. But it was running really rough. After about 4 miles, I started losing oil pressure and then it just dropped basically to zero. I was, fortunately, less than 1/4 mile from home. I pulled it in a shop and walked. Today, they call me and tell me that No. 3 is blown, which is why it is running so rough. Must have super-heated after the radiator blew, which is possible because I drove a bit before noticing that I was steaming. The reason for my post is to ask the collective's wisdom regarding putting a replacement in it. I do not have the time, the place, or the skills to do a rebuild myself. After the radiator and apparent super-heating would you just junk it, sell it as is (new parts abound on the damn thing), or what????? Any and all advice is appreciated.

David

Hi everyone. My name is David and I'm new to the forum. 5 years of owning a XJ and I'm just finding this place. It's been a great vehicle for me. I got it used in 99 when it had 45k miles and now it has 191K. ..... Any and all advice is appreciated.

David

You did not mention the age, but if it has other problems that would be expensive to do then I would junk it. If the body is nice and it is a newer model '97 or later with the better ABS system, and mods like a lift kit, then replacing the engine might be less than buying another.

You can find motors at Salvage yards for 200 and up for a 4.0 I surely wouldnt Junk the Car just for a blown motor. A 500 to 700 investment isnt much for a Vechile today. Iwould look around for a used motor there are a lot out there and if the Jeep is in really good shape you might want to consider a rebuilt for about 1200.

I agree with CAM7, if a blown motor is the only major problem then I would get another engine. Now depending on what you want to do with the Jeep, I would look into getting a rebuild with a warrenty, this is a little more expensive than the junk yard route, but it will give you the "peace of mind" that your XJ is reliable once more. I think that is worth every penny. just my thoughts. You've already tackled the biggest killer of all XJ's (over heat), so now its smooth sailing. My 00' once the over heat was fixed (everything replace) at 98K still running strong.

Thanks everyone. I forgot to mention that it is a 96. I'm leaning toward getting a new motor, but first I have to find someone willing to let me leave it with them and work on it on weekends. Anyone in Maryland or nearby with an engine stand want to help with a project?