Jackaroo Engine Troubles / Replacement...many questions

[Steel EEL]

Greetings to my Jackaroo family

I am having some trouble with my beloved 3.2lt V3 1994 SWB Jackaroo.


Of the last few months I have noticed a severe rattle that comes in the engine when hot…I have had a Holden mechanic look at it and diagnose it as a gone Conrod bearing (this was a surprise as it has only done 150K)

And now recently it is not running very well at all and I believe the timing belt has slipped some teeth. Miraculously my little truck has been able to do this a few times without possessing a damaged or failing hydraulic belt tensioner.

I have now been told that it will cost more than a grand to get the timing belt and tensioner reviewed/replaced but the mechanic recons that it is not worth it given the fact that the Conrod bearing is on the way out. I have also been told that he thinks one of the cylinders is worn out also.

I have had some quotes for reconditioning the motor from $6700 for a general mechanic to $8500 dollars for a Holden dealership to do it.

I am wondering what you guys think of the following:

-What are my options up here in Brissy?

-What do you think about sourcing an alternative motor out of a donor car and installing it rather then reconditioning the old from a cost and risk perspective?

-Has anyone ever tried putting the new 3.5lt V6 engine in the old 3.2lt models…are they even compatible?

-Has anyone ever installed or seen small block V8s kit put in a Jackaroo and does anyone know who does this in Australia?

[chikoroll_]

ask it on this forum, there are alot more people to provide you with jackaroo help
http://forum.australia4wd.com/index.php?showforum=18

[Steel EEL]

Thanks Chickoroll!

I have logged in and am now waiting for the administrators...

In the mean time if any of you other guys have any ideas about my motor issues let me know what you think.

[ralphieboy]

hey howd you go with that other forum.

i have a 92 jackaroo and when the 3.2ltr motor goes in that i am going to put a 5ltr v8 out of a vr ss in it.

would be good to c what probs you come across if you decide on a v8

cheers Ray

[Unit]

hey mate there is a v8 jackaroo kickin around the sunny coast i don't no who owns it but when i saw it he was sayin the he was havin a lot of problems with transfer cases something about losing low 4 all the time. his beast was running a gen 3 5.7ltr out of a vx clubby not much room left in the bay with that in there he got the kit from some joint in melb

[ralphieboy]

yeah cheers man. its funny how i move 2000 k's away from home to talk to some one from home now my head gasket blew up and i am gonna start looking for a motor and conversion kit so thanks for letting me know that some one some where makes them. i think that 5.7 ltr motor is a bit of overkill. cheers any way man

[damo13]

hey mate if you need a motor call city parts plus 38652900 ask for ryan say damo said to call he'll look after you

[goodo59]

Hey m8, let us know how you go with this as i find myself in the same boat, was thinking of a second hand motor , quoted at $2200, i honestly think rebuilding is out of the question, bit of a rip, i recon. I`m in Tweed heads so Brisvagas ain`t that far away.

[09zooky]

hey guys i rold my old jackaroo the old 2.6 gave way i put a v6 in it it cost me arount 2g 2 do it my self

edit oh 4 got the was a commodore v6

[dumbdunce]

Hey m8, let us know how you go with this as i find myself in the same boat, was thinking of a second hand motor , quoted at $2200, i honestly think rebuilding is out of the question, bit of a rip, i recon. I`m in Tweed heads so Brisvagas ain`t that far away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqupx6PKDCc

it's probably the timing belt.

cheap and easy.