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Engine rebuild, swap, or other?

twvancamp

twvancamp

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I posted last week about some engine troubles with my 59 CJ5: https://www.earlycj5.com/index.php?threads/164788/

The mechanic did some more digging and said there is no compression in three of the cylinders, and figures there might be bigger issues than just the camshaft.

He's willing to keep going, but it seems like it'll be more expensive than we originally thought. Thinking about options, which of these seems most cost-effective and straightforward?

- Keep investigating and rebuild the original F134 engine and repair any other damage
- Engine swap (if so, what's the easiest fit? Buick V6?)
- Give it up and start shopping for something else

For context, my mechanical knowledge is limited, and we use this for daily work on our farm. I do have a sentimental attachment to the CJ, and would probably store it for something in the future, but we really need something that's going to be reliable and useful in the short term.

Appreciate any thoughts or perspectives from this group.
 
Find a different 134 and do an engine swap. If you have limited mechanical skills and no tools, paying someone to that is going to be expensive.
Same if you wanted to do a different engine swap. Now you also need to change the input shaft on the transmission, cut out and weld in the new motor mounts, and now you're out a few grand at best.

My opinion is to source an f134 engine. Cheapest and easiest route. Buy a harbor freight engine hoist, and install the engine. It's not really that difficult. Also put in a new clutch since you're in there. Again, simple procedure since it's apart.

In the meantime buy a side by side for the farm work and save the jeep for ice cream runs
 
twvancamp said:
For context, my mechanical knowledge is limited
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Drag it home. As stated, get a short term rig to get the farm work done. A Gator or Ranger would do, or a clapped out p'up or the like. You can always sell it when the Jeep is back in action.
Next, fixing the existing engine or replacing it is going to be the cheapest, especially since it's a work rig.
Get a couple of tools and do some engine troubleshooting yourself. A compression tester, test light and basic tool set, all from HF, should keep you under a hundred bucks.
Verify what the mechanic found. BANG with zero compression in 3 cylinders is suspect.
Assuming the engine was in reasonably good shape prior to the issue:
Low or zero compression in a single cylinder could be a cam, head gasket, or valve. Low compression in one or more cylinders would indicate a cam issue. 2 dead cylinders would indicate a head gasket. The only thing I can think of to kill 3 cylinders simultaneously is the engine ingesting something and damaging the valves or pistons.
The F head is a SIMPLE engine. Spend a bit of time and try to sort out what is going on there. It maybe something simple and cheap.
 
Ok, I grew up on a farm and incidental work such as swapping an engine for the same would be an easy, required and normal thing to do. Blow up the turbocharger on your CAT powered JD tractor? replace it.

So, if you feel queasy about exchanging an engine, sell it to someone who will or would repair what is already there.A swap to a more modern engine is way above your pay grade.

for reference the parts alone to do a rebuild is 1K. https://www.cleggengine.com/jeep-l-4-134-cid-master-engine-rebuild-kit-1940-1972.html
that does not include machine work. I can almost guarantee you have a crack in your block where they normally happen.

I would assume engine R&R is going to run 3 grand these days and that probably doesn't include welding journals if you spun a bearing or the next slippery slope.

I will say, if you want to learn how to do old school mechanics, there is no better educational platform than an early CJ5. Can you put a price on this kind of education? For me, it was well worth it.
 
jeepstar said:
Find a different 134 and do an engine swap.
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x2.

F4's are not super rare you should be able to source one.

Freshly rebuilt examples on google are 4 to 5 thousand dollars. 'd expect a good runner left over from someone else's swap to be ~ 1 thou.

Try posting a want to buy ad here as well as the other sights like g503, the 3B, 3A & 2A sites.

If you've sold your soul to the devil Facebook as well .
 
Another that would be sourcing a functional F head. This is something I wouldn't get too excited about and take your time to find one. You will probably need a miracle to make rebuilding your present engine any where close to economical.

cj2atruck said:
Sacrilege….
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Sacrilege yes but absolute reality and has been for going on three decades. You will rarely find a functional old Jeep used on a ranch these days. A King Quad and a trailer put my late father's FC 150 out to pasture 25 years ago and that was a perfect ranch Jeep for our place. The present reality is most stockish old Jeeps are parade queens, car show contestants, or ice cream transportation. I'm as guilty as others, the chainsaw is usually found in the Bobcat 5600 Toolcat or the RZR, only in a Jeep for a trail ride.
 
47v6 said:
for reference the parts alone to do a rebuild is 1K. https://www.cleggengine.com/jeep-l-4-134-cid-master-engine-rebuild-kit-1940-1972.html
that does not include machine work. I can almost guarantee you have a crack in your block where they normally happen.

I would assume engine R&R is going to run 3 grand these days and that probably doesn't include welding journals if you spun a bearing or the next slippery slope.
Click to expand...
I think Chris is right with these estimates....for additional reference, a shop rebuilt F134 to drop in will cost $4k:

As others have stated....probably your best bet is trying to find a running F134 somewhere (they are not highly desired) and swap it in. I bet @GeoffreyL has one sitting around.....The guys on OWF have more affinity for the 134s - they probably know where to get a running one. Tim D that took over ewillys probably can help you get you connected.
 
FinoCJ said:
I think Chris is right with these estimates....for additional reference, a shop rebuilt F134 to drop in will cost $4k:

As others have stated....probably your best bet is trying to find a running F134 somewhere (they are not highly desired) and swap it in. I bet @GeoffreyL has one sitting around.....The guys on OWF have more affinity for the 134s - they probably know where to get a running one. Tim D that took over ewillys probably can help you get you connected.
Click to expand...
I feel called out, I have one sitting tarped up in the bushes, low miles out of CA, not ready to part with mine, saving it for my 3b re-fresh. I’ll dig around and see if I can find one for you though
 
Having had a f134 cj5 on a farm I would also find a good used one. I did a v6 swap for divided highway use with trailer towing. A ford swap would be my 2nd choice for your situation followed by the chevy 4.3l
 
The f-134 is a tractor engine and it does field work well. A ford lima 2.3 family motor will fit without a lot of work but it is a higher rpm loving motor. The 4.3 will be more work but the hp is better. It won't pull down low like a 134.



 
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Thank you all for the guidance and perspective. I'm very grateful.

Leaning toward picking up a Mule or Gator while we look around for a new F134 to drop in. Messaging the fella on FB, but a little wary of the smoke he reported.

I would love to learn more on the mechanical side, just don't have the time right now. The CJ is a family heirloom, so we'll be keeping it in any case even if it sits for a while. Thanks again!
 
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