I just bought an '04 X EB with a blown 4.6

[ChazzyD]

New to the forum but came here because I just bought this project '04 Eddie Bauer 2WD 4.6L 2V. Well, the neighbor was selling cheap because of the failed motor at only 129,00 miles, so I bought it. It is in otherwise very good shape and has all the bells and whistles. I had been hearing this engine making noises for sometime and I never said anything, because I generally keep my nose out of other people's business, but I figured it was going to go bad one day and it did. Hole in top of the rightside valve cover, figured a bent valve or two. Well now that it's mine and in my driveway, I tore into it and it had two rocker arms laying in the head and plastic shavings from the chain guides and a few plastic chunks as well. I was told the CEL message said low oil pressure. I assume low oil pressure from plastic shavings in the the oil pump pickup screen. I haven't gone there yet. Anyway, left cylinder head appears to be fine. Question is, should I put and new head on it, timing kit and oil pump and give it a try saving this one, or should I just order up a rebuilt engine? I know, hard to say. Can anyone recommend a brand of remanufactured engine they had a good experience with?. It will all happen in the driveway. I normally work on Volvos and other Euro cars I have pulled the engine out of my Alfa Romeo 164 a few times in the drive, so this should not be impossible to do in the driveway either. That being said, this small engine bay sure has a lot of SOHC V8 stuffed in it. The close quarters are making me a little nervous, though from what I have read here already it is doable. I do not plan on discharging the A/C. I figure I can remove the compressor since it is low on the engine and just leave it sitting still connected. Any help and encouragement appreciated.
Charles
my driveway:
2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD 4.6L
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L
1989 Volvo 240 DL
2004 Volvo XC70

 

[ChazzyD]

Forgot to mention, I already replaced the front upper balljoints with some Mevotech brand. Fun little job. I noticed it needs new brakes all around as well. I also ordered a new lower seat upholstery for the D/S from a vendor on ebay called Richmond Auto Upholstery. We will see what the quality of that is when it shows up.

 

[Number4]

Bent valves as you've stated and damaged piston tops. Plus the price of a head. Be better to get a low mileage (-130k miles) junk yard engine. Then do the timing before dropping it in.

There's no excuse for what happened. Your neighbor should of had plenty of warning before the fail. It's an easy fix on the V8's and you usually have plenty of time to tackle it.

 

[ChazzyD]

I wasn't sure what typical damage might be to the piston tops. If they normally get extensive damage too much to let them run, than just putting a new head on will be out of the question. The neighbor did have plenty of warning (IMO), just didn't take it in, but she has moved on and a new Acura MDX in the her garage now, so I'm sure she is OK with it. I'll call around and see what kind of an used engine I can get my hands on. You answered my next question on the timing kit on that as well. I do think I would only trust a used engine if the timing set was replaced before install, which makes me think that a reman is a viable option. If I spend too much on a used engine, maybe I should just swallow hard and order up a reman? I haven't decided yet.

 

[apenland01]

The Rockauto reman engine is a 3yr/unlimited mileage warranty for $2500 after you send back the core. It comes with the heads, front timing cover, oil pan and finishing gaskets. Reuse your other stuff from the old engine and you could have a nice ride for a great price. You can probably pull one from a junkyard cheaper and just work on it too.

 

[shadowless127]

I would just give up on that engine. With that many issues I'd just want to rid myself of it.