1987 240 Engine Died

[PhillieC]

My son has my old 87 Dl with close to 300,000 miles on it. He called today to let me know it lost power last night meaning it would no longer move.
He took it to his mechanic and based upon the symptoms the mechanic suspects a piston or rod is shot. To determine that will mean paying about $500 to open the engine and take a look.
So the questions are :
1. What are the symptoms of engine failure in the Dl?
2. If it is shot is it worth buying a new engine to replace this one or just go on to another car?
3. Does it ever make sense to repair these engines?
FWIW he has put a small fortune into the car over the past few years repairing a variety of problems. The body and interior are still in great condition.
Any advice is appreciated.

thanks

thanks

[JDS60R]

I would invest in a low mileage replacement engine. If it had a rod failure you should be able to tell by the loud knocking from the engine. No disassembly required.

[93Regina]

87 Dl...lost power last night meaning it would no longer move.

Usually, you can still drive a vehicle with a rod knocking, until it finally dies. So, unless sound system was turned up, way to high, you son should have heard a rod knocking (hammering away)

> symptoms the mechanic suspects a piston or rod is shot.

Rod bearing failure would be, 99.9%, the correct answer, unless timing was way off.

Where's the video?

I have no idea if rebuilt engines are available from auto supply outlets. But, if a rod was knocking, chances are the crankshaft is history.

Not enough info for me to assess.

[93Regina]

3. Does it ever make sense to repair these engines?

Yes/No:

1. If crank has been hammered on, forget it.

2. If engine is rebuilt when its still running without an issue(s), then Yes.

I rebuilt a 1984 B23F, and installed it in a 1993-944, which had a blown engine (rod failure); B23F is doing fine!