new motor

[john cris]

I've got an 03' 4.0 sohc 4x4 with a 5R55W trans. I had the trans rebuilt a couple years ago and have spent a lot to keep this rig in excellent shape. Here's the thing, with 150K on the clock the timing chain rattle has begun. So I'm wondering what motor you would replace this with. Not sure I will do this but I'm just considering all options.

John

 

[Number4]

Pull the motor, do the chains.

Buy a reman'd motor for 3500 installed, maybe more.
Chains will cost as much. Used engines will still need chains done as a precautionary step.

If you own the 4.0, best buy an engine puller and do it yourself, or sell the Ex and get something else. If you have the money to pay someone to do the engine, you have enough for a new-to-you car.

 

[john cris]

Yeah you nailed it. Those are the options. Leaning toward just selling it. Damn!
Thanks bud,
John

 

[Harpua216]

maybe you can find a good Ex with a blown trans?

 

[john cris]

Thing is I don't want to just put another problem motor in. It's not worth it really but I might try something anyway.
I'm looking for another truck/SUV now (used) but just don't want to open up someone else's can of worms. I'll see what comes along.
Thanks Harpua
John

 

[Harpua216]

no problem John. Good Luck!

 

[extra-medium]

I was quoted $2000 out the door from a shop for a used motor with 86k miles and installation, but $2,800 for new timing chains (plus new a/c compressor). I opted to just do the chains because the new(er) motor would eventually need the chains. Plus I know my motor and what it does, what it needs, and how it runs. A new motor is a whole new set of problems and headaches. If I could have gotten a brand new crate engine for the same price of the chain repair then I would have been all over it. I think doing the repairs will last my engine another 10 years and give me the opportunity to run the car into the ground... or a deer.

 

[john cris]

I was quoted $2000 out the door from a shop for a used motor with 86k miles and installation, but $2,800 for new timing chains (plus new a/c compressor). I opted to just do the chains because the new(er) motor would eventually need the chains. Plus I know my motor and what it does, what it needs, and how it runs. A new motor is a whole new set of problems and headaches. If I could have gotten a brand new crate engine for the same price of the chain repair then I would have been all over it. I think doing the repairs will last my engine another 10 years and give me the opportunity to run the car into the ground... or a deer.

 

[john cris]

Yeah $2k for an 86k motor. Kida nuts IMO . I've been lookin for a replacement but like you said "I know my motor"and that is huge. Your input helps put this issue in perspective
Thanks dude
John

 

[Number4]

$200 +/- for engine hoist.
$500 +/- for parts & misc tools.
Time.

Easier to do than you think. If you can do brakes, shocks, a-arms, bearings etc., then you can pull the engine.

It's just a giant puzzle.

 

[john cris]

I'm with ya and have no doubt I can do the work. I'm on the fence cuz of 150K on motor.
Thanks

 

[Harpua216]

think about the relationship you will have will have with the motor once you drop it in and it purrs. from experience, its a pretty cool feeling. first one was an 85 GM motor into a Cutlass. a bit easier but it was before the dawn of google and you actually had to get a manual and go to the library.

This site gives me confidence that I can find answers ask a question or read other people venting about my very issues. If you find a good motor and its pulled, it will be pretty simple to do all the chains before it goes back in.

 

[john cris]

Yeah this site seems real good. Mostly just see folks trying to help. I've only got the one vehicle so lanking the motor leaves me without a ride. I'm working on that though.
I've done motors and trans on other stuff and it sure is a good feeling to get er done
John

 

[Tech By Trade]

Here's what you do. Buy an engine from a wrecker. your are looking at 200+ dollars for the timing tool. Need and engine a stand, probably around 100 beans for that. For other tools (torque wrench, balancer puller, ect.) another 200 bucks. Quality timing kit (cloyes) will run you 500 bucks from rock auto after tax, Ford will be closer to 1000. Drive yours with the rattle till she pops, but start fixing the wrecker engine. Probably be around 2k by the time the dust settles. When it does pop, rent a lift and take a weekend and drop your spanky new/used engine in and get another 200k kms out of it.

 

[john cris]

I read through your grief and will say I'm in a similar boat. I've got most of the tools just need the timing set. And of course the proper attitude to actually do this.
John

 

[extra-medium]

Here is the timing kit you want to get. It has all the chains, sprockets, cassette guides, and other pieces you will need. $289.

More Information for CLOYES 90398SB

You can most likely rent the cam tool from an auto parts store, or bite the bullet and guy it.

Shop time says it is a 19 hour job. If you get to it I am sure you can have it all done within 3 days as long as you have all the parts you need. Don't forget timing chain cover gasket kit, valve cover gaskets, intake gaskets, and if you have a few extra bones you might want to just get a new water pump; mine cost $30 bucks through rock auto. Get a friend or two to come help you and you will get it done in no time.

I am just over 500 miles after mine were done so I'm getting ready to do an oil change and drive it like I normally do.

 

[john cris]

Yeah, thanks man,
That's the exact kit I've been looking at. Great thing is there's no lack of "how to" on this subject. Sure do appreciate the help.
How's your rig running?
John

 

[extra-medium]

It was a little iffy at first. There was some excess coolant and the engine that has since spilled and burned off. The new head took a little time to get meshed into shape and I had some noise from the drivers side tensioner, but it has quieted down. Nice smooth idle, smooth acceleration. I did my ac system with it so I am finally enjoying my nice cold air conditioning.

 

[john cris]

If I'm understanding you correctly the coolant "spill" seems normal as the overflow tank adjusts level and purges air. But I'm not sure what you mean by:

• The new head took a little time to get meshed into shape
  How does it sound on cold start?
  John

 

[extra-medium]

If I'm understanding you correctly the coolant "spill" seems normal as the overflow tank adjusts level and purges air. But I'm not sure what you mean by:

• The new head took a little time to get meshed into shape
  How does it sound on cold start?
  John

Since there is no radiator cap on the radiator they had to fill the engine with coolant. I am pretty sure they spilled on on the motor in the valley that spilled as I drove until it got to the point it was low enough that it couldn't spill off anymore and then just burned the rest off. The puddles on the ground when I parked would get smaller and smaller until they stopped.

On a cold start it sounds like a purring kitten. There might be a split second or two of rattling until there is enough oil pressure built up for the tensioners to function as they should.