Recent content by Topher

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    Any TJ's Left :)

    Our 2000 was reborn this weekend. We stroked to a 4.6. With regearing in 2018, rebuilt transmission in 2019 and now a rebuilt 4.6 motor, we nick name Scratchy "New Jeep".
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    It's alive!!!!!!!!!!!! My first start attempt on Thursday January 9th 2020 and it was a fail. My battery was 3.5 years old and had not been used in 11 months. I attempted to charge it a few days before attempting a start, but it was still a bit weak. After the first attempt I thought maybe...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    Progress has been made. I've purchased many more parts and tools along the way. I've stopped freaking out over spending money and just getting what is needed to make this happen. I attempted to install the motor with the transmission still in place. I got really close, but couldn't get that...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    Got the long block (a month ago) and it looks amazing. Life has been busy, which has resulted in slow progress on this adventure. Adding clutch release bearing and crankshaft bearing to the list. The clutch release/throw out bearing is shot. I've got a lot of cleaning done and still some to...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    The engine will be ready today, hooray! I have to work tomorrow morning from 8 to 11ish and plan to pick up the engine after work. I'm taking Monday off so I can get more wrench time in. I'm equally nervous and excited. I still have a lot of work to do before dropping in that engine. I'm...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    Pretty much...water pump, radiator, radiator cap and thermostat ordered. I still need to order a intake/exhaust manifold gasket. I've got some exhaust bolts near the transmission skid plat that need drilling out. Two of the three broke when removing. Haven't taken a close look yet, might be...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    It took many attempts, but I finally got the engine out. The shop told me the thrust on the crank is so bad that it can't be used as a core. I was already planning on using a 4.2 crank, so my old crank will become art work. I ordered the Stage 1 Jeep Stroker Kit 4.6L 8.8:1 C.R. from Clegg...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    Back in 2002 I replaced the throw out bearing and re-used the e12 bolts. Why past self, why did you do that. Past self, I'm cheap dummy. Ugh One of the two e12 bolts is stripped and holidng me up. Off to read how to get out of this one.
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    Wow it's been quite the year. Our Jeep sat till July 30th when I finally got back at it. Pulled the cylinder head off and everything appears to be fine. I was expecting to see real destruction. Took plenty of photos and shared them with my friend. He seemed to think it looked normal for 135,000...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    My fear is this won't work and I've got to rebuild or replace. I haven't researched enough yet to fully understand what a rebuild involves. I floated the idea of an LS swap and it got knocked down before I could finish saying it. My wife isn't having it. She was specific about having the...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    This other hole theory was of much debate with my buddy, his son and his son's crew who were there that weekend. What we can't figure out is why I've never seen any signs of a hole/leak. I for sure needed a new oil pan gasket, it had never been changed in 19 years. Anyone could see it needed...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    I only posted on one other forum and they let me have it. I think three people told me the engine was a goner. I was afraid to find out what I had done and put it off a couple of weeks. I finally pulled the valve cover off and didn't notice anything out of ordinary. My buddy says "That's...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    The little research I've done this week gave me concern about the head gasket. Thanks for letting me know how to check WillysJKJeeper. I plan to get started on with buddy's plan today. Family life is pretty busy so it might be another week before I get to the oil pan. I'll post my progress...
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    It's not loosing oil, but it sounds terrible. No way I would attempt to drive it before at least trying what my buddy suggested. I'll likely start working on it tonight.
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    Muddy Waters in my engine

    My apologies. Our best guess is that this came in through the air intake. There was muddy water in the air box. The air filter was a little wet, but not as wet as I expected. I figured the air filter would be soaking wet, but most of it was dry, just a little water. Maybe after the water...
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