offroad plumber
New member
i have a 96' sr and have a serious engine knock. I took it to a mechanic and he told me it needs a new motor but I think he only listened to it and did not do any testing. He told me that it would cost around $8,000.00 to get a used motor put in. Is this guy out of his mind? What is the going rate to swap in a long block in terms of time of labor? The truck is in nice shape and drives very nicely. The suspension and steering are very tight like they should be with no slop. It would be a shame to scrap a vehicle of this quality but it will never be worth $8,000 after a used engine. I have seen JDM engines for around $1,700 and rebuilt long blocks for $2,700. I have never attempted anything like an engine install so I will be paying someone to do the work or will be shopping other vehicles.
I was driving along and accelerating the on ramp onto I70 and at about 65 mph it just cut out. No check engine light. I tried to restart the engine but the battery was dead. I figured the alternator had died. I got it towed home and jumped the truck to see how it went. It started right up but had an engine knock that wasn't there before. I checked he oil and was a bit low. I added oil and the knock stayed. This is when I found a crack in the tube that connects the exhaust manifold to the valve cover. I used a small amount of jb weld to seal the crack and when I fired he engine back up the knock was much worse. This is when I took it to the mechanic. He based his assessment from the noise alone judging by our conversation.
I question the cost. Can $8,000 be anywhere near right? I bought this truck not long ago and it has been fine on a couple of trips of around 700 miles. I saw that all of the sensors, wires, and bolts were labelled and thought maybe the engine had been out before. It only showed 98,000 miles when I picked it up. Everything else about it supports the low mileage claim. I just put new 33" x 10.50" BFG's on it.
Are there anythings I should do before counting this out? I have called around but can't find anyone local familiar with these trucks. I love the idea of a diesel swap but do not have the money for something like that unless it is cheaper than I would think. I do not know what a fair price would be here. $100.00/hour is average here.
Will a sohc engine fit in its place?
Go rebuilt or used?
Labor costs in your experience?
Is diesel a viable option cost wise in comparison? 4DM40
Would I be better off shopping for another vehicle?
What is a clean but running with a bad knock vehicle worth?
Thanks for any help as I do not have experience with this. i live in western Colorado so if anyone knows of a good shop within reasonable distance that they trust let me know as well.
I was driving along and accelerating the on ramp onto I70 and at about 65 mph it just cut out. No check engine light. I tried to restart the engine but the battery was dead. I figured the alternator had died. I got it towed home and jumped the truck to see how it went. It started right up but had an engine knock that wasn't there before. I checked he oil and was a bit low. I added oil and the knock stayed. This is when I found a crack in the tube that connects the exhaust manifold to the valve cover. I used a small amount of jb weld to seal the crack and when I fired he engine back up the knock was much worse. This is when I took it to the mechanic. He based his assessment from the noise alone judging by our conversation.
I question the cost. Can $8,000 be anywhere near right? I bought this truck not long ago and it has been fine on a couple of trips of around 700 miles. I saw that all of the sensors, wires, and bolts were labelled and thought maybe the engine had been out before. It only showed 98,000 miles when I picked it up. Everything else about it supports the low mileage claim. I just put new 33" x 10.50" BFG's on it.
Are there anythings I should do before counting this out? I have called around but can't find anyone local familiar with these trucks. I love the idea of a diesel swap but do not have the money for something like that unless it is cheaper than I would think. I do not know what a fair price would be here. $100.00/hour is average here.
Will a sohc engine fit in its place?
Go rebuilt or used?
Labor costs in your experience?
Is diesel a viable option cost wise in comparison? 4DM40
Would I be better off shopping for another vehicle?
What is a clean but running with a bad knock vehicle worth?
Thanks for any help as I do not have experience with this. i live in western Colorado so if anyone knows of a good shop within reasonable distance that they trust let me know as well.
