Wreck it or sell it as is? 97 Turbo Diesel

[Beefcake]

Hi folks, got a bit of a dilemma. As some may be aware I recently got hold of a turbo diesel that wouldn't start, for next to nix. So I got it running after replacing the CPS and have been still deciding whether to keep it or sell it. I have been reluctant to spend any money it until it proved itself to me, which was going well and I had just committed to buying suspension from another member and it's future was looking bright.
Then this morning as I walked up to it in a car park I discovered a heap of water under it. Popped the bonnet and found water dripping from the #3 head gasket. This has made my mind up, it's going one way or another. We have a baby due in April so I'm not interested in spending thousands on it, as it still requires a fair few other things to be repaired also.
So what's people's opinions, wreck it out (which I don't really have the room to have it sitting around) or sell it as is, still driving. As I type this I think I might just throw it on eBay and see what it goes for.....

[mud_slut]

Personally I would hold onto it. But it's just my opinion, there would have to be a bit to take into consideration. Parts will be your biggest expense. Providing its just the head gasket they can be quite cheap IMO around the $100-200 mark and that will give you the kit (head bolts etc etc). First step though would be to assess the damage and what exactly is broken.

Also where are you located ? Perhaps one of us are near by and could lend a hand

[murray]

ID KEEP IT as mud slut said the plane facts are this
1 its a deisel xj
2 its 16 years old
3 it has problems
4 you will be insulted what it is worth to other people
5to get into anothe newer vehicle will cost dollars

[Beefcake]

Well that's a lot cheaper than I first thought. For some reason I had in my head the kit + bolts was about $800. Plus I expect to find cracked heads as this thing has been really poorly maintained. Doing the repairs is not really a concern for me as I'm a diesel mechanic. It's just the idea of pouring a few grand into it plus still need to rebuild the rear diff, replace suspension etc. On the other hand I could possibly make a few $$ wrecking it. Even through the diff needs a rebuild, I believe the diesel ratios are sought after by petrol guys who run bigger tyres, #1 injector, CPS, towbar etc. I think I will pull the top end and assess it, as the idea of wrecking it is growing on me anyway rather than just selling as is.

[murray]

put a bottle of seal up in it it will give you a couple of years

[Beefcake]

Originally Posted by murray

put a bottle of seal up in it it will give you a couple of years

Not worth the worry for me. With 2 young kids in the car I would be forever waiting for it to let go on me.

The other thing is I don't really need it and it's not my first choice of vehicle, so it's not like I'm attached to it. However it did just impress me on the beach and my plan was to build it into a capable weekender.
As you can probably tell, my head is spinning with pros and cons at the moment

[murray]

seal up is the reoceneded fix i got 2 years out of my last engine before i could save up to by a new engine