I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is in good condition except for the Motor. 2 months ago I took it in for a routine oil change and they 'over filled' it per my mechanic. It began clicking while on the interstate one morning and a few seconds later I was on the side of the road leaking excessive amounts of oil. My mechanic told me the overfill of oil built up foam and pressure causing my piston to come through my oil pan...does this sound accurate? I am car-tarded and need advice on where to go with it from here. He said I could try to go back to the oil change location and discuss a new Motor with them to cover the cost, but I'm not excited about this option as I'm sure it will take a fight and the longer I wait (now 2 mo) the weaker my 'case' is. I have since purchased a new vehicle, but can't figure out what to do with this one. Should I have a rebuilt motor put in for as little as possible and try to sell it to get a few dollars out of it? I tried to donate it to a charity, but I'm not having luck with that either. I feel it is worth someone's time to fix it as opposed to parting it out, right or no?? I am basically looking for the best cost option for me at this point. Any advice? Thanks for helping!
Is it better to rebuild or buy a new Motor on an older SUV?
IMNidiot
New member
- Apr 13, 2008
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They would have had to put close to four gallons of oil in it to cause that much damage, which I highly doubt they did.
The damage would have been done within a few minutes of driving.
Get a second opinion, and or sell it as is or for parts.
You'll never get back the amount you would put into it to get it running right.
The damage would have been done within a few minutes of driving.
Get a second opinion, and or sell it as is or for parts.
You'll never get back the amount you would put into it to get it running right.
shovelkicker
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- Nov 10, 2008
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I don't know how your mechanic could tell it was overfilled if parts penetrated the oil pan (causing loss of oil).
If you don't want or need the Jeep I would post it on Craigslist and or Ebay saying it needs an engine. There are folks looking for 4x4 project cars, and folks with accident damage cars with good engines. You get more then the $250 most junk yards are offering and someone gets a 4x4 back on the road.
If you need or want the Jeep.. I would have a rebuilt engine installed by a reputable shop that gives at least 12/12000 warranty. Most buy a rebuilt engine, install some parts off yours (alternator, intake, power steering pump etc) and send yours back as a core charge for rebuild. Done at a shop you are talking around $3500-5000.
If you don't want or need the Jeep I would post it on Craigslist and or Ebay saying it needs an engine. There are folks looking for 4x4 project cars, and folks with accident damage cars with good engines. You get more then the $250 most junk yards are offering and someone gets a 4x4 back on the road.
If you need or want the Jeep.. I would have a rebuilt engine installed by a reputable shop that gives at least 12/12000 warranty. Most buy a rebuilt engine, install some parts off yours (alternator, intake, power steering pump etc) and send yours back as a core charge for rebuild. Done at a shop you are talking around $3500-5000.
One of the better deals you will find is that most major automotive parts stores will sell what are called re-manufactured engines. These are relatively inexpensive. These are engines that have been professionally overhauled at a factory. They will usually include a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty. Your old engine is returned to this factory where it will be rebuilt and sold to someone else.
An even more inexpensive choice would be a salvage yard engine. However the quality of these engines vary widely. Sometimes you get lucky and find a low mileage engine from a totaled vehicle. Or you could get unlucky and get an engine that is not in all that good condition. See the link below. It is to a searchable database of most of the automotive salvage yards in the country. You might find a decent salvage yard engine in your area that you could use.
An even more inexpensive choice would be a salvage yard engine. However the quality of these engines vary widely. Sometimes you get lucky and find a low mileage engine from a totaled vehicle. Or you could get unlucky and get an engine that is not in all that good condition. See the link below. It is to a searchable database of most of the automotive salvage yards in the country. You might find a decent salvage yard engine in your area that you could use.