Re: {FORGED?} Re: when it rains it pours

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 27 May 2005 AMC74Hornet@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

Thanks for the kind words Doc.

Now that a few hours have passed, I'm a bit calmer. I'll pull the
motor Monday (unless I can squeeze it in tomorrow AM) get it on
the stand and see what it looks like.

Allegedly, the motor was built by a reputable Jeep shop in Las
Vegas?  Reno? If so, but the previous bonehead owner munged it up,
the expensive bottom-end may still be good, in which case it may
not cost a lot to make work. I have a mike set and basic engine
tools so I feel competant to tear it down and inspect.

The leaking of juices was so stupendous, it has to be a head
tossed on the block to "look good" for dump/sale. I can't imagine
a crack, split, or other problem so severe that wouldn't have some
sort of external hint. If it is broken hard parts, I'll take
photos.

If the head's bad, I can find a head. if the block's bad, I'm
screwed, and may look for another solution other than
refresh/rebuild.

I'll find out when I get it the hell out of there.


All's not lost though, motors are replaceable, and the chassis has
hundreds of hours into it. The wiring is solid, interior nearly
done, glass remounted, insulated, all new suspension, chassis
painted, etc. Engines are easy to install.

With all the talk of high-mileage V8's I suppose I should consider
it if this motor is totally lunched.

Another possibility is obviously a 4.0. I don't know why I'm
hesitant to drop one in. I'm not afraid of the technology so much;
it's that old engines are far more beautiful and pleasing to work
on. Performance isn't #1, but mileage is, so I suppose I should
re-look at it if this 258 is NFG.