Nehalem i7

As I was almost home after a great snowboarding trip on Tuesdsay, my truck started wobbling a lot, you could feel it in the seat and the stick, Eventually it started making some more ticking (well, more than usual ) sounds and ran like crap. Opened the hood and found that cylinders 2 & 3 weren't firing. I took it to my mechanic, and I guess the engine is shot. He quoted me at $2600 for a Japanese exchange engine, and since I redid the valve stems in an effort to stop the oil use (like 15 quarts between oil changes) he offered to credit $600 back, making it $2000. However, being a broke college student, I need to make sure I make a wise choice. Hopefully you guys can help

First, the engine that is in my truck now is (well the PO said it was...not sure I trust him) I guess a rebuilt or exchange I'm not sure. It supposedly had 10k on it when I bought the truck, and a new clutch. I put 10k on it since then, and its used oil ever since I bought it. So I'm kind of leery of this exchange thing. He said it would have 35k on it, and a 60 month unlimited mileage warranty. I REALLY trust him, but I still wonder if it's smart to put it in. I tried searching for info on exchange engines, with no luck, so if you guys could fill me in on how it works?

Second, $2000 is a ton of money. Is that a good price for that? I think it is, but being ignorant of such things...

Third, would I be better off finding another truck instead of fixing this one? I mow lawns so I need a truck ( I wish I could have a car instead...I have a thing for Subarus ) I've put tons of money into this truck, new leaf springs, tires, starter motor, and upper and lower ball joints (those failing almost killed me...lol) so I would hope (I said this last time I fixed it) that it would be trouble free for a while. But I don't to keep throwing money into this thing if its going to keep having problems.

I think thats about it....thanks in advance for any advice!

mt_goat

I'm always very leary of unknown "rebuild" motors for that reason, you never know what newbie shop class flunky did the work or what he did.

I'd rather get a used factory built motor, so the JDM motor should fit that catagory. If you can't do the labor yourself its going to cost ya for sure. I'd say don't give up on it now, unless your frame could possibly fit the buyback test.

Good luck with it.

camo31_10.50

usseddd junkyard motor, or a used motor out of a wrecked truck lol

85excab

i could swap a 3rz into your truck for $2k

mt_goat

If you can get it to a dealer have them do a frame rust inspection and see if it qualifies for the buy back program.

Nehalem i7

Thanks for the advice, the PO did the frame check so no out there But I guess the exchange is good then? Now that I'm thinking of it, I'm not sure if the 2k is to put it in or just for the engine :/ But yeah, I know a bit about cars, but I have neither the knowledge or the tools to replace an engine haha.

One of my mom's friends was thinking maybe he could do a ring job and have the head reworked for less than 2k. Is that smart to even try?

Thanks

mt_goat

Read post #2 again, the devil is in the details. It all depends on the rebuilder's skill and willingness to do a good job.