Time for a new engine?

[thejimlab]

First, let me say that I LOVE my 95 subaru wagon. I know these boards are for the older gen. of subes, but this place has a lot of knowledgeable people. When I start her up in the morning a decent sized cloud of smoke comes it. It's depressing. She's using about a quart a week. sigh. Rings? Valve seals? There is a junkyard nearby that has a motor with 80k on it for $300. How hard is it to swap motors. While it's out I would do a clutch and timing belt. Anything else that should be replaced during those processes? I remember having a cam seal done during timing, but I've never done a clutch on a newer sube. If I'm going to swap motors is there another motor is should get? Turbo? 2.5? JDM?Any help is appreciated.

[evolutionmovement]

Engine swaps are easy as long as you have a lift. For $300 it's going to be a lot cheaper than fixing your old engine. Your problem is likely valve seals if it burns at start up. Is the smoke blue? Could just be massive oil leaks.

Steve

[thejimlab]

yeah it's blue smoke. I do not have a lift. I got a jack! Right now I don't think I have annother option.

[evolutionmovement]

Maybe you could rent one. They're also pretty cheap to buy.

Steve

[vrg3]

By "lift" you mean an engine crane, right?

[douglas vincent]

$300 for a questionable used engine is, well, questionable.

I just pulled my engine and replaced the rings and clutch. I had just had the heads rebuilt a few thousand miles earlier.

For the $300 the "new" engine costs, you can just about get a gasket rebuild set and get the heads redone. At the same time replace the rings for $40 and the rear main seal for $8.

So cost is about :
Schucks sells a real good lift for $170.
Gasket set runs about $100
Clutch is $150-$200
rings $40
Rear main seal $8
Waterpump $40-$50
Timing belt $15?
Head rebuild $200
Misc $100

Total $883 for a moderately rebuilt engine with new clutch. Time is 20-25 hours


If you were to use the "new" engine $300, it would still need a waterpump $50, timing belt $15, some gaskets $20, the new clutch $200, the rear main seal $8 and misc costs $100. This adds up to $673.

If you have the extra $200 and 25 hours, you are going to get a much better engine in the long run.

I immedietly stopped smoking and got 26.5 miles to the gallon when I did the rings and heads.

[evolutionmovement]

Yeah, I meant engine crane. I don't know, an 80k mile engine isn't even broken in and $300 is about what they get for the N/As. It's true that it's a gamble, but it would be an easier thing to do, especially if he isn't experienced mechanically. He could always rebuild the old engine at his leisure if he fels later on, too. Or put it in a boat, or sell it ...

Steve