265K miles...where to from here..?

Rezfink · **Joined:** Sun Jan 31, 2010 11:50 pm **Posts:** 45

Ok, Ive been wanting to take a my jeep on another adventure lately but the high mileage has me concerned about getting stranded far from home. In particular Id like to take it down to Mexico again. This is a 36 hour drive from where I live.

Soooo... I still have the original engine and transmission and neither have been rebuilt. The only thing major that has occurred is a spring broke under one of the lifters(?) and an uncle of mine fixed this for me.

Before all of the great suggestions come rolling in let me preface this by saying I am limited on funds so the sky is NOT the limit.

I would say my budget would be 1500 total . I am more concerned with the engine right now as the tranny seems to be whirring along nicely. (knock on wood)

Do i ;

- get the engine rebuilt (by shade tree mechanic uncle)? ive seen rebuild kits for around 700

- buy used engine from auto salvage (3 mo warranty and installed by shade tree mechanic uncle)

- get a tune up and go for it?

- and new one recommended to me was - get the heads redone. (by pro shop not uncle)

Cool...let the suggestions begin!

kjk9 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2013 2:00 pm

No engine noises and it doesn't seem in bad shape... Tune up and prob get a AAA membership to be safe lol but I've never been one to "plan" lol go with your gut just my :2cents:

4x4kingx889 · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:42 pm **Posts:** 235

I would do a tune up and if it don't smoke or make any noises I would run it just my :2cents:

Jeeper4life · **Posted:** Mon Feb 04, 2013 9:05 pm

I would just do a tune up, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. However I understand your concerns..heck I get worried traveling three hours from home to go wheeling and my TJ has 125K..I will admit I'm a worry wort though. Both my Jeeps are in pretty good shape I think..

Draco · **Posted:** Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:42 am

Of those options, I would rebuild the engine BUT be sure to have some professional work done of the block, crank and connecting rods. Then later you could do the cylinder heads.

What I plan to do is to eventually buy a remanufactured engine along the lines of
http://accurateengines.com/rebuilt/chrysler-dodge-jeep/37l-engine/

In addition to rebuild parts, that includes cylinder boring, crank grinding, reconditioning of connecting rods, and reconditioning of the cylinder heads.

I would not rebuild without having that kind of work done. And of course the pistons and rings would need to match the bored-out cylinder.

If I were you I would budget for a remanufactured engine even if it means saving for a year and postponing your big trip.

4x4kingx889 · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:42 pm **Posts:** 235

If it make's you feel better there is a member on jeepforum who has 375,000 on his 05 KJ :-)r

KJ_WHEELER_2010 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:02 pm

kjk9 wrote:

No engine noises and it doesn't seem in bad shape... Tune up and prob get a AAA membership to be safe lol but I've never been one to "plan" lol go with your gut just my :2cents:

X2

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:17 pm

you could do come compression tests to see what shape the engine's in

check the plugs and ignition - full tune up and make sure it's running well.

Jeeper4life · **Posted:** Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:11 am

4x4kingx889 wrote:

If it make's you feel better there is a member on jeepforum who has 375,000 on his 05 KJ :-)r

a CRD or 3.7L?

4x4kingx889 · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:42 pm **Posts:** 235

It was a 3.7 V6

kingjeep · **Posted:** Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:30 pm

just get a tunup and go

woodtick · **Posted:** Fri Feb 08, 2013 11:52 am

Don't think AAA would tow you home from Mexico! I'd be more concerned with the tranny. Clutch packs etc eventually just wear out. The engine usually show some outward signs of a problem in the works.

My :2cents:

265K miles...where to from here..?

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