1997cherokee

there motor 4l?

I found a a xj with a blown motor, but really good body jeep, just the motor is shot. seized up owner said over heated and now won't start.

What do you think the issue is and hoping to rebuild this motor. Found the kits for around 400-500 bucks some basic mechanical ability but never rebuilt an engine even though pribably seen it done 1000 times on TV.

So what you all think?

parkerbabco

if you have never done it before i would have someone help you that knows some tricks of the trade to make sure you do it right the first time.. nothing like doing it wrong dropping it in and having to take it out again

jpdocdave

removing a completely seized motor is a pain, becuase you need to rotate the fly wheel to lossen the torque converter bolts. you may end up removing the engine and trans together. and you might find the motor beyond rebuild, it is possible. the head could be completley toast, basically they did some good damage to seize it up.

i wouldn't shy away from the deal if its good, but keep in mind it may be more than a simple motor pull and rebuild.

1997cherokee

I figure so how much for a good used motor? I found a 2 door in great condition besides teh motor for 300 bucks. Don't need it but for less then probably 1k have a nice jeep.. How much is a 96 worth 2 door

jpdocdave

i bought my 96 almost 4 yrs ago, w/ 70k from a customer of my shop who did everything we ever told him to do, absolutely perfect condition for 4 grand. now i see decent 96 go for 1500-2000, and ok condition for a grand. a used motor can be had for 300 if you look hard enough and 4-500 all day long.

kilbrethj

just paid 2000 for my 96 4 dr but it is in immaculate condition with 128000 miles. if you can find a cheap motor i would do it in a heartbeat!!

mycherokee1989

I spent at least 1000 all together for my rebuild and I don't even know how many hours.

raypla

If I was going to rebuild, I would most definately build a stroker, its not much more, if any, and just as reliable if built correctly. Here is a site that'll get you started.

http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/

JeepCoMJ

seized motor....it's junk. it's alot of hours to fix.

I would buy a new reman longblock if you have the money, or just buy a longblock from the junkyard...but insist they prove mileage, and pay the extra $100 for install warantee on it. I won't install a junkyard motor without buying that warantee, because then if it breaks, I don't have to replace it...they get to pay to replace it, AND supply the new motor to replace their junk motor.

cherokee4meplz

I agree with the above- junk the seized motor and start with one that turns over then rebuild that.

This is a jeep not a mercedes benz. Parts are abundant and cheap.

1997cherokee

ok so found the 96 2 door with 170k miles on it for $300 asking probably get for 250. heheh and found a 92 4L with 138k mile owner want 300 for the motor but says runs great but has a knock? what is that from? also what years would the 4l fit directly into the 2 door 96. will attempt the swap myself..

JeepCoMJ

1991 to 1996 BLOCKS are all the same.

you can get any of these years for your replacement motor.

BUT

do not forget to swap flexplates to the 1996 flexplate. also, you may will to swap 1996 alternator, a/c, and steering pump bracketry as well if the motor is 1991 to 1995.

don't buy the engine with the knock...it's gonna die sooner than later. buy a 4.0 with less than 100k miles and put it in. spend the extra few hundred now and be happier longer.

1997cherokee

yeah agree. ok will try and find a used well maintained 4L

1997cherokee

also he said it was a tapping but isn't that normal on a 4l to some extent

98 JeepJeep

yes that is the Famous Lifter tap you are hearing...It should die down around 2K if it keeps geting louder with more RPM...you have a low end knock.