Do I replace the engine?

[oldblazerguy]

Have a 98 4X4 LT. It's been a sweet truck....118K on it. Interior is in great shape, body perfect, no dents, no rust, never wrecked. Getting ready to drive 600 miles to give to my daughter when....uh oh....engine goes. Is there a market for this truck without the motor....or do I bite the bullet and replace the engine. At least then it has some value...and has been a really good truck...... Share your thoughts with me.

[blazes9395]

This is question is being asked more and more often as these trucks are getting older. I have owned a few of these s-series trucks and love their capability and abilty to be hard working trucks, without the extra size. My response to you would be to rebuild/exchange the the engine and drive it. I am surprised with the low milage engine failure. What caused the engine to give up? If everything else is good on it and is good other then the engine, then I would get it back on the road with another engine.

[oldblazerguy]

yea it really is low mileage for the failure. Had a leaking manifold gasket (common in these 4.3 vortecs) for a long time before repair, and it's likely there was soime coolant exposure to the engine. Moisture can be pretty hard on bearings etc. Haven't opened it up to assess the actual failure .... will likely replace it with a rebuilt. Better warranty on it than Mr Goodwrench provided when new. One thing amazes me, I live in the midwest where these things were manufactured, yet the best rebuild I can find (best price, best warranty, best reputation) is from a LONG ways away from here. And....wish I was somewhere else cause the labor here to have it done is ugly. (wish i had the time to do it myself) Growing up I heard over and over about the midwest work ethic. Hilarious! I've lived all over the country and never really ran into the places that will try to do work you don't need, try to rip you off, and charge you through the nose until I moved to the midwest. The so called "work ethic" promoted by the union mentality around here has produced a work force that couldn't get or a keep a job in the west or south where people actually expect to put in a full days honest work for their pay.

[bozr]

Not that far from you in SC.
http://www.cmengines.com/

'98 4.3 Long Block is $1196
'98 4.3 Block Assembly is $540

I just ordered a 350 marine long block from them a few months ago. Runs perfect. Came on a pallet delivered to my garage door, full set of gaskets, warranty, and the best shipping prices I could find.