I could really used some help. I have an 87 Cherokee 4.0 L6 that had a tick/knock. Paid a mechanic to work on it and now (according to my new mechanic) the engine is screwed. Needless to say, done with mechanics will replace the engine myself this time but I need to know what alternate engines will work in my Jeep. I need to get a new engine but I know they changed out. It thought it was anything L6 from 85 to 91 would work but I can't find specs anywhere. Anyone with solid knowledge???

 

why not just get another 4.0?

 

I cannot afford a new engine after the money spent on the mechanic so I am trying to find one rebuilt but having a really tough time of it. Figured if I could broaden my search I would have better luck.

 

you can get one at a j/y easily

 

I can't find any at my locals w/o blow head gaskets, missing components, etc. and I just want to drop one in without have to get things machined, etc.

 

.. idk then usually you can findem at the j/y but in your case you might need to travel a little bit to a bigger j/y to get one

 

If you want to reduce the hassle, then find one in a 87-90 model. The 91 is when they changed over from AMC to Chrysler. The blocks are all the same, but the head, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and engine control system are all different.

Where are you located?

 

search craigslist for someone parting one out and grab the motor. with any luck you can hear it run before hand and pull it yourself so you know how it goes back in

 

ya look on craigs list, where u located?

 

If you can find a 4.0 engine in a junkyard that just has a blown head gasket I would grab it!..With the engine out of the Jeep that's barely an hour repair.

 

x2 If the motor looks ok otherwise, and the miles on the truck aren't astronomically high then it would totally be worth it. They might even cut you a deal and charge you less for a "inoperable" motor. And Programbo is right, a head gasket replacement would be nothing at all with the engine out of the Jeep. It would be a good opportunity to replace some other gaskets as well. Rear main, oil pan, valve cover, etc... All cheap insurance...

 

I have heard that an engine with a bad head gasket will have problems with bearings. I bought a jeep with a bad head and havne't had any problems yet (key word being yet). I hope to get 10k out of it before having to do a complete rebuild of the engine.