I've got an 88 2WD Pickup that's been faithful to me for a LONG time. But a few months ago, I took it for a drive in the 100 degree heat without any coolant in it! (The water pump leaked out all the fluid, and it took me a while to realize it, LOL)

Amazingly, it still runs. But very badly. It idles VERY rough, runs hot, won't start hot, ect. It also has about 250K miles on it.

So I'm thinking it's time to either do a rebuild, or just buy a whole new motor. I've never done a rebuild before, on any motor, so I'm just wondering how difficult it is, and how much it'll cost. I looked at some complete motors on ebay that were around $1k. Does that sound about right? Where's the best place to look for a new motor?

Basically I'd just like to get some advice. What are the pros and cons of rebuild vs new motor? How difficult is it to rebuild a 22R? How much will I actually save if I do the rebuild myself?

Thanks for any help...

 

rebuilding it yourself will teach you a lot about the internal workings of your motor, and increase the pride in your truck, cuase you did it.

if you do it yourself i couldnt tell you what youd save... I'm building an tall deck 22R and its going to run me about 300-500 bucks all said and done.

as far as difficulty, rebuilding a motor really isnt all that bad. you just need to keep it clean, do it right, take your time, and check everything.

 

i am with Cory. rebuild it yourself if you have the time and save some money as well.

 

'probably blew a head gasket...

If you want to do it on the cheap, consider just doing the timing chain and HG.

 

X2, if its not smoking or rattling, it'll prolly run a lot longer than you think... take the head off and to a machine shop, and buy a timing set and gasket kit. Fix the water pump while you're at it. ;-)

 

You will know your engine like never before

Rob