I'd like people's opinions on this but I have been thinking in the next 6 to 12 months I would like to have the engine and gearbox overhauled and start putting a budget together for it.
Now I have done 210000km, so the question is, is it too early for this kind of thing?
What would one consider "must be done" and "nice to have done"? Potential costs? Something else you would do?
210000kms!
That's barely run in. (refer to the Top Gun thread).
Start a fund to (possibly) do it one day, but don't touch an engine that is still running well.
Service it properly (belts etc) and wait till something tells you that the time has come.
If you want to do preventive maintenance, consider the following:
That's barely run in. (refer to the Top Gun thread).
Start a fund to (possibly) do it one day, but don't touch an engine that is still running well.
Service it properly (belts etc) and wait till something tells you that the time has come.
If you want to do preventive maintenance, consider the following:
- belts (serpentine as well as V-belts)
- ALL hoses (the smaller ones more often go than the larger ones). More than 50% (my estimate) of engine failures are cooling system related.
- Thermostat
- radiator flush / re-core
- ALL body fluids (coolant, transmission, transfer case, diffs, brake fluid)
- disk rotors
- steering parts (Pitman, idler, ball joints, tie rod ends)
- chassis rust protection.
Gerhard Fourie
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
Simon
I can only comment on the costs as I just had my 96 3.5 overhauled following an engine seizure at 182 000 km's for a total amount of R 35 000
I'm very happy with the end result and will do it again in a heartbeat.
I can only comment on the costs as I just had my 96 3.5 overhauled following an engine seizure at 182 000 km's for a total amount of R 35 000
I'm very happy with the end result and will do it again in a heartbeat.
Affiliate Member
@ R35k you could buy 3 Jap runners, Why go through the trouble of rebuilding 
I tend to agree with 4e if it ain't broke don't fix it.
A failed heater pipe cost me a motor so the part about replacing the plumbing bits is very good advice, I would add the rear suspension rubbers as well, that will give you an all round revamp until the engine is ready to be done way ahead in the future
I tend to agree with 4e if it ain't broke don't fix it.
A failed heater pipe cost me a motor so the part about replacing the plumbing bits is very good advice, I would add the rear suspension rubbers as well, that will give you an all round revamp until the engine is ready to be done way ahead in the future
Henk Bannink
Some people are wise, some people are otherwise
Some people are wise, some people are otherwise
Simon,
I agree with Gerhard - your car has relatively low kilos on, and should still have a lot of travel in that engine. If the critical items are maintained, the engine should give you some warning if it plans to go - warnings like excessive smoke, excessive oil use, a popping radiator (getting pressure due to a leaking gasket), water in the oil leaking big-ends, etc. If it doesn't show such signs, follow the motto: "If it aint broke, don't fix it"!
I'd rather spend a third of the money to address Gerhard's list of items (and, if possible the oil pump) and get max mileage out of the present engine. Use the rest for a loooong trip. Replace water pipes and keep the old ones for an emergency.
Maybe you can sort that little spec of rust out instead....
Anton
I agree with Gerhard - your car has relatively low kilos on, and should still have a lot of travel in that engine. If the critical items are maintained, the engine should give you some warning if it plans to go - warnings like excessive smoke, excessive oil use, a popping radiator (getting pressure due to a leaking gasket), water in the oil leaking big-ends, etc. If it doesn't show such signs, follow the motto: "If it aint broke, don't fix it"!
I'd rather spend a third of the money to address Gerhard's list of items (and, if possible the oil pump) and get max mileage out of the present engine. Use the rest for a loooong trip. Replace water pipes and keep the old ones for an emergency.
Maybe you can sort that little spec of rust out instead....
Anton
I saw an advert on Gumtree for complete engines with less that 50,000km on the clock for R25,000...
Jap Motors are selling "Brand New" enjins @ R 45 000. My head gasket just went (335 000) during a trip to Moz. Not sure if it's worth fitting a new motor, or spend some money on a proper overhual..... Getting quotes for the overhaul today.
If you can feel the grass between your toe's, your flying too low!
3.5 GLS F/LIF 1998 Lost to the x wife
3200 Tdi GSL 2001 Written off
3200 Di-D 5Dr A/T 2002 338 000 Sold
3500i A/T 5Dr 2001 Sold
3.2 Di-Dc GLS A/T 2008
3.5 GLS F/LIF 1998 Lost to the x wife
3200 Tdi GSL 2001 Written off
3200 Di-D 5Dr A/T 2002 338 000 Sold
3500i A/T 5Dr 2001 Sold
3.2 Di-Dc GLS A/T 2008