98 C70 Engine swap or part out

Post by **phils94850** » 17 Apr 2014, 14:53

Well... I pulled the head off to see why the #2 cyl was dead and I found a burnt exhaust valve. Now here is my problem...

I guess there is something wrong in the bottom end of the engine as well. I cant crank the motor over at the crank with a 1/2 drive ratchet and socket even if I push or pull with my foot. Now.. it will crank fine with the starter. Ive heard the car run, very rough of course with the dead cylinder and I heard a little rattle when I revved it up to 4k or so but no knocking or anything.

I found a guy about 4 hrs away selling an engine and trans for 400 bucks but I really don't have the means to swap the engine at my house so id have to pay someone to do it which is pricey. I know a guy that is a Volvo mechanic and would put another motor in it out the door for 1500.00 but then ill have about 2300 in the car which is about all its worth.

Or.. I can have the head fixed for about 500 and chance it and put it all back together and pray the bottom end is ok or not

So.... what do you guys think I should do ?????

Post by **abscate** » 17 Apr 2014, 15:19

You can't compare your repair cost to the car worth. That's a specious argument.

The value of your car is that is is done depreciating. It will be worth 2300 next year in running condition.

6 months of car payments on a new car exceed 2300.

Engine swap, fix old engine and resell to lower the out of pocket ?

SpeedyPete · Post by **SpeedyPete** » 17 Apr 2014, 15:36

Well Philis I would not spend a cent until I knew why your engine appears to be locked up. You should be able to spin the engine with a breaker bar and socket on the crank. You could drop the pan and have a looksee. Depends on how much you want to put into this car. Maybe it is time for it to be retired with consideration towards the condition of the rest of the vehicle. Regards, SpeedyPete

Post by **phils94850** » 17 Apr 2014, 17:23

Im trying to decide if I want to take on the job of swapping the engine out, im fairly sure there is a problem with the bottom end and its just a matter of time before it locks up. As I posted I found a engine and trans for 400 bucks just have to get up the nerve to try and swap it myself...