Eventually my 1991 van is going to need a "new" engine (240,000 km, 150,000 miles). It burns oil when off the throttle and at high speeds. Some times on vacation we'll go a couple days without needing to top up the oil and then all of a sudden we'll burn off a litre of oil. The average seems to be about 2 litres in 5000 km (3000 miles) for 10w30 of any variety. The power is still good and we can hit an indicated 140 km/hr (80 miles/hour) but I'm trying to plan the long term future of this 27 year old van.

What do people normally do when their 318 dies? I think the 1991 is a goofball year for this engine.
I hear that reman engines are questionable these days and are not fully machined they way one would expect.
Rebuilding is likely the most expensive option as local machine shop rates are generally horrendous.
I'm unsure if a "new" crate engine is on the market.
I wouldn't want to get a used 1991 engine even if I could find one.

Please share your opinions. I don't think my engine is going to blow up next summer but I enjoy planning and kicking around ideas. The A500 transmission has been great so far.

Cheers, Steve

 

91 is the last year for the LA motor, in 92, dodge went to the magnum motor. You want to stick with the LA block, to make the swap easy. So, I would recommend just getting a rebuilt long block with a good warranty. (keep in mind, most of the folks that sell them will want it installed by a 'professional', in order to keep the warranty, along with a selection of new parts... like the water pump, thermostat, etc.) You won't find a 'new' one, at least, not for any reasonable amount of money.

 

try running a diesel oil like a 20w/40---have been using it in my 92 318 7-8 years -----now has over 168000 mi on it and still runs excellent........