is it worth it?
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
It depends.
1) Is the truck worth it to you?
2) How badly was it damaged? This means taking it to a machine shop to get it magnafluxed or sonic tested, unless it's obviously toasted (i.e., visible warpage of the motor)
3) How much money do you have? There's machine shop work that should be done to make it right.
I'd highly consider taking a different 2.5 that hasn't overheated (out of the boneyard), and rebuilding it first. But it's not my truck, not my money, not my time.
RwP
1) Is the truck worth it to you?
2) How badly was it damaged? This means taking it to a machine shop to get it magnafluxed or sonic tested, unless it's obviously toasted (i.e., visible warpage of the motor)
3) How much money do you have? There's machine shop work that should be done to make it right.
I'd highly consider taking a different 2.5 that hasn't overheated (out of the boneyard), and rebuilding it first. But it's not my truck, not my money, not my time.
RwP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 19
From: central Iowa
I'm with Ralph on the 'find replacement' to start with. Especially if overheated badly. My rule of thumb at the JY is if the vehicle was hit it was probably moving and the chances of a good used engine are better. But I also like them better if the accidents aren't in front too.
Much of this will depend on what your local yards charge for engines etc. If the yard wants $500 for a used engine it had better be a turn key situation and not require any work. Around here $225 +fees / taxes will get you a used engine if you want to pull it, and some days on 'special' you can get one for half that.
Steve
Much of this will depend on what your local yards charge for engines etc. If the yard wants $500 for a used engine it had better be a turn key situation and not require any work. Around here $225 +fees / taxes will get you a used engine if you want to pull it, and some days on 'special' you can get one for half that.
Steve
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
To add to glenlloyd's comment - the local U-Pull-It chain (UAPI.BIZ if anyone wants to check!) will let you pull a motor for $230. I've seen some cheaper on car-part.com also - always worth it to check there.
(That 230 is for any motor - be it the 2.5 or a 5.9 to spiff up and shoehorn in for moar powah! Your choice, really.)
RwP
(That 230 is for any motor - be it the 2.5 or a 5.9 to spiff up and shoehorn in for moar powah! Your choice, really.)
RwP
Champion
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 153
I'm thinking you don't really like this truck or want to work on it but the association with your father is preventing you from just getting rid of it.
If you need clarity the fact that you won't spend $35 bucks on the FSM which you need to work on it says a lot about how enthused you are about working on it.
If you really want to keep it consider getting a crate motor of the same or larger size. You will need a wiring harness and computer for a larger motor. I have a 3.9 which works fine but I find most of the guys with V8's on here are getting better MPG's than me according to what they report..
If you need clarity the fact that you won't spend $35 bucks on the FSM which you need to work on it says a lot about how enthused you are about working on it.
If you really want to keep it consider getting a crate motor of the same or larger size. You will need a wiring harness and computer for a larger motor. I have a 3.9 which works fine but I find most of the guys with V8's on here are getting better MPG's than me according to what they report..
