Rebuilding engine for 87 Pathfinder

PurpelNoon · Dec 1st, 2004, 07:37 PM

Hi everyone,

New member here. Any advice would be appreciated.
Someone I know would like to offer me for free his 1987 2 dr. Pathfinder with V6 engine. Miles are 159k. He has taken good care of the car overall and is the original owner. He has replaced the alternator, water pump and radiator.

The truck has a crankshaft problem and his mechanic says the engine needs to be rebuilt. I contacted a couple of engine rebuild that offer a year guarantee on the work. Best price was $2500 plus tax quoted by one shop.

Since I am getting the car for nothing, do you think its worth giving this a shot? I've never had an engine rebuilt before. Does this sort of thing usually go smooth? Once done, how long can I expect it to last?

Thanks!

**88pathoffroad** · Dec 2nd, 2004, 03:56 AM

Get a second opinion. The bottom ends on the VG30 engines are all forged and rarely die due to bad crank/rod problems. If it really is bad, try to find a different engine rather than rebuild the same one, it will definitely be cheaper.

PurpelNoon · Dec 2nd, 2004, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

Get a second opinion. The bottom ends on the VG30 engines are all forged and rarely die due to bad crank/rod problems. If it really is bad, try to find a different engine rather than rebuild the same one, it will definitely be cheaper.

Thanks. Is it more common for shops to put another engine in or use the same one? I got the impression that imported engines were difficult to get.

I don't know too muhc about the mechanics behind the problem. He mentioned the seal was "fixed" temporarily so the oil doesnt come out. I'm not sure exactly what that meant.

**88pathoffroad** · Dec 2nd, 2004, 09:22 PM

I don't really know, and there are about four of these engines for sale on Ebay alone right now...

PurpelNoon · Dec 3rd, 2004, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

I don't really know, and there are about four of these engines for sale on Ebay alone right now...

Thanks for your assistance. I looked up some of the ebay engines. One company in particular looks like it does some nice jobs, a little more than I have to spend, but still looks like nice stuff.

I clicked on the link to your site. It was wxactly what I was looking for to educate myself on this new truck I will be getting. Thanks