obligatory photo


So this big monster has a few oil leaks, most of which I wouldn't be too concerned or worried about fixing BUT..... I also have oil in the air filter...

So I know I'm getting blow by from worn piston rings. Still runs pretty good but I like road trips and camping and I'd rather not lose compression at a remote camping site in the middle of the mountains with no cell service.

So my question is this: should I bother fixing these oil leaks or just rebuild or replace the engine considering my piston rings are worn out anyway?

I already have a rebuilt trans in it, almost an entirely new front suspension setup, new leaf springs on the way and a TON of work into the body so I'm not a fan of getting rid of it. The way I see it, with a "new" ax-15 in it and a "new" engine in it, there's no reason I don't get another easy 200k out of it. Anyone disagree or think another solution is in order?

Thanks

 

I suppose its all about money and time. Do you have the money to buy a new one and install it which would probably be quicker than a tear down...??? or do you have the time to tear it down and replace worn parts and I would have to guess, save some money. Or do you have both and want the easy way and have someone else put a new motor in.... Figure out what you have more of and make that decision

 

What are your compression numbers?

 

Haven't tested that yet. Gonna have my brother being over a cylinder cam and compression tester to find those out. But the signs are definitely strong for blow by. I have poor vacuum performance at highway speeds and I get oil in the air filter. Not to mention one of my oil leaks is at the distributor gasket. Those I understand are all indicative of blow by

 

If your going to keep your XJ for the next 10 years (200,000) miles, you might has well get a new motor. My Son and I have XJ's and we both bought direct from ATK. I think my cost for the rebuilt 4.0 ATK engine 3 years ago was $1,700. These engines seem to run smoother and smoother as you reach 15K to 20K miles, running really sweet now.

I have seen the cost of good condition XJ's rising and I'm pretty sure if you did have to sell it in the next few years you could sell it for a higher cost for the low mileage vs a high mileage and get most of your money back on a new engine.

 

So I rented a borescope from auto zone and found some rather ugly scoring inside the cylinder walls so I guess I'm replacing the engine.



https://www.autozone.com/powertrain/...0_845365_11266

Anyone heard of these guys? 4yr unlimited mile warranty and all I gotta do is bolt on a few things? Sounds pretty good to me and isn't too expensive either.