What to do? New engine or replace parts?
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Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 20
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From: AZ
What to do? New engine or replace parts?
A few weeks ago, I posted a description of my situation in this forum and others. Basically, the engine in my F150 developed a serious problem just as I reflashed the firmware. It turned out to have nothing to do with the Hypertech programmer; my 4.2 V6 suffered the same head gasket failure that is so common in these engines.
Now my dilemma is this: Fix the engine or replace it with one from Autozone? The truck in question is a '97 with 120,000 miles on it. I intend to keep the pickup as a secondary vehicle. Just something to tow my bike trailer with, and perhaps for a short romp in the desert.
Below are the comments from a friend of mine who graciously agreed to have a look at my truck when the shop came back with a $4800 quote. Your opinions would be appreciated.
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Hey Greg,
It has 6 studs and 2 bolts. I got it apart Saturday. You didn't actually break a rod. There is one that is bent enough that it shortened the rod. When the piston reached the bottom of the stroke, the counterweight on the crank swung around and smacked the piston skirt, breaking it off. There was a couple quarts or more of coolant in the oil so I think the head gasket is pretty much gone. I would think that the cylinder walls and block are still in good shape but the crank is suspect and the rod and piston are toast.
I suppose you have the option of getting the replacement parts to fix the engine if you feel so inclined. I can't give you the warranty, and the factory already had trouble sealing the head gasket. There may be fixes for this out there but I have not looked around.
At any rate, it's apart, and there were pieces of piston in the pan. Interestingly enough, the bolt pattern is the same as the 289 for XXXXXX's Bronco. And I think the mounts are in the same spot. Maybe they did something smart and used some standardization?
Also, since we have it apart, do you want to resurface the clutch and plate? It's cheap insurance as long as it's all apart. Dunno what the life expectancy is; this one doesn't appear to be in bad shape.
Just things to think about.
Kenny
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Now my dilemma is this: Fix the engine or replace it with one from Autozone? The truck in question is a '97 with 120,000 miles on it. I intend to keep the pickup as a secondary vehicle. Just something to tow my bike trailer with, and perhaps for a short romp in the desert.
Below are the comments from a friend of mine who graciously agreed to have a look at my truck when the shop came back with a $4800 quote. Your opinions would be appreciated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Greg,
It has 6 studs and 2 bolts. I got it apart Saturday. You didn't actually break a rod. There is one that is bent enough that it shortened the rod. When the piston reached the bottom of the stroke, the counterweight on the crank swung around and smacked the piston skirt, breaking it off. There was a couple quarts or more of coolant in the oil so I think the head gasket is pretty much gone. I would think that the cylinder walls and block are still in good shape but the crank is suspect and the rod and piston are toast.
I suppose you have the option of getting the replacement parts to fix the engine if you feel so inclined. I can't give you the warranty, and the factory already had trouble sealing the head gasket. There may be fixes for this out there but I have not looked around.
At any rate, it's apart, and there were pieces of piston in the pan. Interestingly enough, the bolt pattern is the same as the 289 for XXXXXX's Bronco. And I think the mounts are in the same spot. Maybe they did something smart and used some standardization?
Also, since we have it apart, do you want to resurface the clutch and plate? It's cheap insurance as long as it's all apart. Dunno what the life expectancy is; this one doesn't appear to be in bad shape.
Just things to think about.
Kenny
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 232
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I'd go with the rebuilt engine, but from Jasper not Autozone. Jasper's 3 year/ 75,000 mile warranty can't be beat. I've never had any problems getting them to take care of any warranty issues I've had--------can't say that about Autozone,Advance & some of the others that sell reman. engines.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,262
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From: Oklahoma
at www.car-part.com you can find low mileage complete engines in your area or nation wide, at low prices
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,734
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From: Nor-Cal,USA
I agree go with the new or low mileage engine that way there is no risk of a scared or damaged block causing more damage to the rebuild parts. You are better off spending a few extra bucks just for the piece of mind alone. this is striclty my opinion.
Richard D.
While your here check out my gallery:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2479
Richard D.
While your here check out my gallery:
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=2479