should I rebuild or replace motor

[95tclipser]

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting. I need your help in deciding what course of action to take regarding my motor. My 1998 Eclipse Rs has almost 300,000 on the motor and is in need of a rebuild or replacement. The motor is burning oil, has many oil leaks and occasionally some blue smoke from the muffler. Please help me decide from options below or any other suggestions you can give will be helpful. Thanks

A = buy rebuilt short block($800) & rebuilt head($300)

B = buy ebay used motor

C = buy ebay rebuild kit($300-$400) and rebuild short block myself. I have no experience building motors but I believe in learning on the job.

 

[twisted_gears]

I say give it c as long as the block and head don't have serious damage go for the rebuilding. But if your willing to spend 800 on the prebuilt block you might wanna look into a better build platform then an ebay kit.

 

[95tclipser]

can you suggest a good rebuild platform for 420A motor. thanks

 

[DSM1G90]

I'd have a shop do it all since with 300k on the block, get the head rebuilt and I bet all you need is just rings and bearings for the block.

This way, if they fubar on the rebuild being under a warranty of sorts, they pay for it, not you.

 

[Fotowntalon]

Better rebuild kit than an ebay one? Hard to find a much reputable dealer than the almighty ebay but let me see what I can do for you. MPx Bottom End Engine Rebuild Kit 95-99 Neon 2.0L DOHC - Engine Rebuild Components
or
2.0 DOHC Stock Bottom End Rebuild Kit - 1185
or
2.0 Performance Bottom end Long Rod Kit - bottomendkitlongrod

although I am confused whether you are wanting a complete rebuild, just block or just head rebuild, and if you want any performance or ???

Another option is just fixing the oil leaks and the head gasket (at least I am assuming with the blue smoke is a bad head gasket) but with 300k, might as well rebuild.

 

[95tclipser]

This is my DD, just looking for stok performance. I was also thinking of just replacing rings & head gasket, but with almost 300,000, might be safer to rebuild. Oh, I will be buying a new head with the short block, if I decide to go that route.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tundra2000]

Don't buy anything from ebay, it might be cheap at first but in the long run your going to have problems, i would get a rebuild kit, and take the head to a machine shop and get a valve job and make sure they check for cracks.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

Hey its my first post as well!

anyways i believe your best bet is "A". rebuilt engines come with a warranty, so if it turns out to be bad or something goes wrong, you can get another replacement under said warranty.

costs a little more, but its worth it.

 

[Shake_Zulla]

I like C personally, however, you should know that their are some things that a machine shop will have to do. If it was me I wouldn't do anything untill I pulled the block and head and had them inspected at a machine shop. No use buying all the parts and taking the head off only to find out its cracked or the blocks deck is too warped. Take it into a shop first, if it looks good have them hone the cylinders and machine the deck on the block and head and then rebuild. With 300,000 miles on it and all those problems you posted the safe bet is inspection.