JK in need of a new engine

[bm777]

Hi all,

JK 3.8V6 2009 with 280,000km. I'm looking at either replacing or someone reputable in Perth who can overhaul/rebuild my engine.

It's starting to burn oil and there's also a vacuum leak which is causing me an untold amount of grief. I've done and checked spraying things to determine location of the leak to no avail.

Taken the car to various mechanics, but no-one's really interested.

I've heard there is a crowd that does engines swaps...Do you guys thing it's a good idea?

Any help/advice greatly appreciated

[samft]

you don't hear about too much else going wrong with JKs
Most issues seem to be engine based from what I can tell

therefore, if the price of the work is reasonable, I think it's a good idea


you should also compare costs against the option of a V8 upgrade, i think there are some reasonable off-the-shelf kits available for the 3.8

you could start by calling kraft motorsports in wangara, i've seen on here that theyve done a few engine swaps

[bm777]

Hey and thanks for the reply. I could overlook the tiny amount of oil burning for the time being, but the vacuum leak is doing my head in, seriosuly.

I can hear a sucking noise coming from the driver's side when the engine reaches 1k/1.1k revs.. It's not continuous, but it's there and audible.

I just can't find it.

Anyway, I replaced the oil filter when I first bought it with a Ryco Z37 which is double the OEM size and change oil/filter every 5,000km. So I've looked after it.

Was also looking into the Cummins 4BT swap which would be ideal...

I shall contact kraft and take it from there...

Thanks again
Bosco.

[jkjeep1]

sucking noise not from a slipping belt? I had a sucking noise and turned out to be a serpentine belt slipping at 2k rpm.

[humdingerslammer]

When I last checked in Melbourne, the cost of swapping a 3.8L to a 5.8L Hema was about $40000 and would take about a weeks work. I shuddered but then again it would be cheaper than buying a new vehicle. I do not know if this included other thingies such as changed steering bits and pieces etc, auto gearbox, etc.

Oh and Quadratec has rebuilt 3.8L engines for about $3700US (about $5700Aus) plus shipment of course. And I have come across 07 JK with the 3.8L engine that have done in xs of 300000km.

[eksjay]

What about something from left field like a Cummins 2.8 T crate engine? Not sure if they can be bought directly from Oz.

https://www.cummins.com/engines/repower

[RLT]

Have seen a Cummins 2.8 diesel replacement of the VM 2.8 CRD being done a few years back on the UK Jeep Owners Club forum.
Still running OK.