Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi guys, i bought a 89 hj60 the other day, and it was blowing a shitload of blue / grey smoke under any accelleration. I took it to a mechanic and he compression tested it as
1. 395
2.380
3.400
4.220
5.400
6.380

he said the motor needs a rebuild. is he correct, would the low reading on no4 be the reason for all the smoke, and do i have any other option but to have the motor rebuilt? (or swapped for another 2h)

I dont have the time or money for anything like v8 diesel conversions or other motors or anyting, just need to know if this car is a lost cause thanks

Zoop

Blue smoke most likely damaged/worn rings or piston.... with the comp either side where it is, it's unlikely to be gasket or head.... tho it could also be badly worn valve guides/valves.... head off job really to see whats going on... even then, if its rings you'll have to delve into the bottom end... if you buy a replacement engine, do a compression test before you hand over the loot......

No mate not a lost cause. Just keep driving it till it stops. Then throw in a another 2H but as red60 said do a compression test on whatever you buy. You will pick up a motor for under a $1000 easy enough to change if you have access to the equipment and tools.

Could also try taking the sump off and crankshaft out and dropping number 4 out put a new piston and some new rings too.

If you have the time. Why not sell the engine and use the money you buy it for to get another? But this will only work if you don't need the car as they don't sell that quick

Unfortunately these engins suffer the same piston failure issue as the 12HT, when they have high mileage (400,000km +).

All is not lost though. They are a pushrod engine (no pump or valve timing to worry about), so if your handy or willing to learn you can take the head and sump off, give a big hone using aparrallel hone and a new set of pistons and rings, replace BE bearings while you are there. If heads ok, just clean it up and put it back on.

Of course, this is if you are really tight on $, otherwise I would also get the head serviced too. Get a quote forst - dont just drop it off and wait for the bill!

Hope it goes well fro you.

Zoop wrote:Hi guys, i bought a 89 hj60 the other day, and it was blowing a shitload of blue / grey smoke under any accelleration. I took it to a mechanic and he compression tested it as
1. 395
2.380
3.400
4.220
5.400
6.380

he said the motor needs a rebuild. is he correct, would the low reading on no4 be the reason for all the smoke, and do i have any other option but to have the motor rebuilt? (or swapped for another 2h)

I dont have the time or money for anything like v8 diesel conversions or other motors or anyting, just need to know if this car is a lost cause thanks

Zoop

Have you checked for any abnormal crankcase pressure, remove oil filler cap at idle and put the palm of your hand over it. Worn valve stem seals can cause these issues also and often wear quickly on the 2h & 12ht.

Unfortunately a great drop in cylinder pressure like that USUALLY means a more localised failure, i.e. gasket, broken ring, broken or poorly seated valve.
Not all but some mechanics, especially if you don't have a good re-pore with them will give you "the worst possible case scenario" but with a bit more investigation you may find another solution and get anouther 50+k out of the old girl.

Depending on what tools you have depends on how far you can investigate the issue. Have a read of the old gregories manual as they have a great amount of information about what specialised tools and consumables are needed.