Questions and Answers

Jeep Wrangler Engine Just Gave It Up Q. Hi! My name is Nick and I have a major problem with my Jeep that I cant figure out. I own a 1988 Jeep Wrangler. I am not too familiar with Jeeps and I had bought it from a mechanic who rebuilt the engine prior to my purchase. Needless to say, I had been had because after a few weeks of owning the poor thing, it gave up on me.

It is a carbureted 4.2 liter engine with a manual transmission. I've been told by many friends that 1988 was a bad year for Jeep engines and they then switched to a 4.0 liter engine that was fuel-injected which supposedly fixed the problem that I ran into.

I was getting blow by in the breather with heavy amounts of oil. I found myself having to change the oil every two or three days. Finally, I was driving and I lost all compression and the Jeep doesn't go over five miles an hour.

Before taking the engine apart, I was wondering if there's any advice you could give me? Money is tight and I'm sure that whatever action I take will be costly. Should I rebuild the engine? Should I look around for a new one? If so, can I install a 4.0? Or should I try installing a fuel-injector kit and pray that it works?

I thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
Nick

A. Well, the fuel injection kit is out. You can put any kind of fuel system you want on it, but with no compression it won't do a bit of good. From what you're telling me the engine is shot! Finished! Kaput! 86'ed!

The decision on weather to get a used, rebuilt or new engine depends on how good the body and frame is. No sense putting a new heart into a dead body. So before doing anything, you need to check the basic platform and see what kind of shape it's in.

Let's assume for the moment the body is worth a new engine. A used engine would be the cheapest option. When you look for a used engine, try to find one with the lowest milage. Listen to it before you buy it if at all possible.

If it can't be started, look at the vehicle it's in. If the car looks good with no damage, chances are it was junked due to a bad engine or transmission. If the body looks like it was wrapped around a telephone pole, chances are good the engine is good. The warranty on a used engine is only 30 to 90 days, at best, and does not include labor.

Rebuilt engines are more money and may carry a 12/12,000 mile warranty and does not include labor. Quality, while not bad, is generally not all that it could be. Internal parts are reused if they are not bad.

Remanufactured engines are a good option. Quality is good and generally contain all new internal parts. They usually come with a 36/36,000 mile warranty and does not include labor. If you decide on a Remanufactured engine, I would recommend Jasper. I never had a problem with any of their engines and transmissions. Stay away from Accurate, they are terrible.

If you have a Jeep remanufactured engine put in by the dealer, the labor will covered in the 36/36,000 mile warranty. A new engine from the dealer would have the same warranty but will cost more. It will last longer since remanufactured generally doesn't last as long as new.

Which is for you? You'll have to decide which way to go. Just keep in mind, that sometimes the cheapest way to go can become the most expensive.

A 4.0 liter engine should drop right in with your transmission. You will need the computer and wiring harness to make the transplant work.