Parts needed to rebuild a 420a?

[92cb7sk8er]

Hey guys I just pulled out one of my 420a's and want to prep it to get ready for another Eclipse. While its out I would like to replace what I can so if anyone has any ideas on what parts I should replace while the motor is out please let me know. I would like to try to get one of my two Eclipses running right.
Thanks for any and all help,
Cody

 

[grothe3297venge]

We need more details. What is wrong with the engine? Have you torn the motor down to inspect everything? Will start here and then answer what you need.

 

[Sebba]

Replacing a worn rotating assembly is maybe 10% of the work involved, and a fraction of the cost. If you don't know what parts you need, you definitely shouldn't be rebuilding it.

Go visit a local engine builder if you're adamant about rebuilding it.

 

[Talon96esi]

If your looking to do a full rebuild, what are your goals? Turbo down the road? If so your looking about 3-4k to properly do itand that is not including piecing everything together for the turbo kit. But we cant say until we know what the goal is brother

 

[97boosted2g]

if you want to keep it simple just buy a rebuild kit and replace all gaskets main, rod bearings etc... thatt way you dont have to do it down the road because youalready have it out.

 

[92cb7sk8er]

We need more details. What is wrong with the engine? Have you torn the motor down to inspect everything? Will start here and then answer what you need.

From what I know there is nothing wrong with the motor. We pulled it once before but we rushed it and ended up messing up the tranny and all the power stearing and A/C lines "red" . So I bought another 96 gs "green" with a 420 that a guy ran out of oil but said it had a good tranny and it only has 126k on it. So the plan was to pull the motor out of the "red" one and put it in the "green" one and just have one good running car. While the motor is out of the "red" one I just wanted to replace the hose's and belt's and any sensers that might be a good Idea to change while the motor is out. I dont want to do a full rebuild as of yet it only has 156k on it and would like to wait until the 200k mark. Im not sure what wires to use either for my Hondas I use VMS but I dont think they make them for DSM's. For plugs I know NGKs are best and I was going to go with a MSD ingniton as well. But thats all I know so far and thats pretty much the plans for now.

I have already done the timming belt and pullys. I am just use to working on Hondas this Eclipse thing is new to me.

Replacing a worn rotating assembly is maybe 10% of the work involved, and a fraction of the cost. If you don't know what parts you need, you definitely shouldn't be rebuilding it.

Go visit a local engine builder if you're adamant about rebuilding it.

I know what I am doing just not use to the dodge thing I do hondas a whole different world and the eclipses are my wifes so have to learn somewhere.

If your looking to do a full rebuild, what are your goals? Turbo down the road? If so your looking about 3-4k to properly do itand that is not including piecing everything together for the turbo kit. But we cant say until we know what the goal is brother

I just want to have a good running Eclipse so far I havent owned one that I would trust to make it a mile down the road but its such a beautiful car I want to keep them. Im not in it to make much power but I wouldnt mind bolt ones. Maybe an AEM intake, plugs, wires, headers, ect.. I'm just use to the JDM world and not sure what to get when it comes to DSM. I also dont know much about the motors like if I should change any sensors while the motor is out? Or anything else thats just easy to change while the motor is out.

 

[blindboarder_02]

Are the 2 engines from the same production year cars? 95 uses a 60 pin ECU, the 96-99 Uses the 80 pin ECU. Some sensors are different in this case. I cannot remember off hand which ones are different. (Hopefully someone can identify) The vehicle speed sensor is different between the years. That much i do know.

If the motor is solid, take a look at the timing belt. Check it for cracks or damage. Inspect the tensioner and tensioner bearings. Make sure the harmonic balancer is in good condition. (I've chipped a few of them).
Check the valve cover gasket for leaks.
Check the oil sending unit on the backside of the block. These also tend to leak.

I would recommend replacing the rear main seal while its out and easily accessible.

Also get a new Throw out bearing. I recommend this always. Its right there, it's $50 and it will take more time if you get it all back together and find its failing.


The head gasket is a weak point in our cars also. Number 4 cylinder rear head bolt hole is a defect from factory. The drilling in the cast wasnt deep enough causing the bolt to improperly torque and tends to leak. Some claim it doesnt affect the 97-98's but I can prove otherwise. Not sure about the 99's. (Not trying to scare you, just informing you). You can wiki the 420a and it explains how to check the backside of the block and look for the protruding head gasket tab that identifies an up to date gasket.

The obvious also. Worn or damaged hoses, belts, accessory belt tensioner.

 

[92cb7sk8er]

Are the 2 engines from the same production year cars? 95 uses a 60 pin ECU, the 96-99 Uses the 80 pin ECU. Some sensors are different in this case. I cannot remember off hand which ones are different. (Hopefully someone can identify) The vehicle speed sensor is different between the years. That much i do know.

If the motor is solid, take a look at the timing belt. Check it for cracks or damage. Inspect the tensioner and tensioner bearings. Make sure the harmonic balancer is in good condition. (I've chipped a few of them).
Check the valve cover gasket for leaks.
Check the oil sending unit on the backside of the block. These also tend to leak.

I would recommend replacing the rear main seal while its out and easily accessible.

Also get a new Throw out bearing. I recommend this always. Its right there, it's $50 and it will take more time if you get it all back together and find its failing.


The head gasket is a weak point in our cars also. Number 4 cylinder rear head bolt hole is a defect from factory. The drilling in the cast wasnt deep enough causing the bolt to improperly torque and tends to leak. Some claim it doesnt affect the 97-98's but I can prove otherwise. Not sure about the 99's. (Not trying to scare you, just informing you). You can wiki the 420a and it explains how to check the backside of the block and look for the protruding head gasket tab that identifies an up to date gasket.

The obvious also. Worn or damaged hoses, belts, accessory belt tensioner.

Yes both the "red" and "green" are both 1996 GS everything so far looks the same even both have the FPR's under the car so I am pretty sure both match up prefect. As for the timming belt that was the first thing that I did so I am good there. But I don't know what the harmonic balancer is I have an idea but not to sure? Also what main seal were you talking about? The one in the tranny? And I dont think I have to worrie about a Throw out bearing its an Auto sadly
I hav never heard that before about the head gasket thanks for the warning it kind of worries me now Do they pop easy? I mean I am not going to be running the car at all I just want to make sure my wife can drive it from point A to B safely with our son. But I will be sure to look at it thanks again!

 

[blindboarder_02]

Harmonic balancer/under drive pulley/crank pulley - all the same thing. I always call it the harmonic balancer for some reason that has to do with an 88' Olds. (Long story)

The rear main seal is on the trans side of the crank. Separate trans from block, look at the seal around the crank. I typically replace these when i have a chance or i KNOW that its been done rather recently.

The A604 trans is actually a decent setup. If maintained properly is does its job flawlessly. Just heavy and kind of a nuisance when it decides to fail.

Like I said, wiki told me about the head gasket issue, if i were you i would read up more on it.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_1.8,_2.0_&_2.4_engine