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Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Logan Savage
Novice
Sep 28, 2015, 3:37 PM
Post #1 of 14
(3249 views)
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Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Hello all , I'm new , just found this forum & this is my first post . I'm considering doing a backyard , shade-tree parts swap & would like to know what people think . I know professional mechanics will laugh or frown at what I'm considering .
I just bought two jeep liberty's , a 2005 & a 2002 . Both have 3.7 V6's & both have great bodies & both have engine problems . The 2005 has a little over 200,000 miles on it but runs quiet with no unusual engine noises & no exhaust smoke but needs heads / valves reworked . I plan to sell it or give it to a family member after I get it running good . The 2002 has 139,000 miles on it & just had the heads reworked but has a rod knocking . I plan to keep this one & buy a good used low mileage engine for it .
Now to the jack-leg shade-tree part . I'm considering pulling the high mileage engine out of the 2005 , installing new rod & main bearings , new oil seals , new freeze plugs & a new front transmission seal , slapping the good heads off the 2002 on it & reinstalling it in the 05 . My main concern is if I'm begging for crankshaft / bearing problems . If I was planning to keep the 05 I wouldn't go this route but since I'm selling it or giving it away I don't want to invest a lot of money in it but I would prefer it didn't fly apart anytime soon .
I'm aware of the different size bearings used in these engines & won't know what I have until I have it apart but plan to install the same size new bearings . What do you think about all this ?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 28, 2015, 3:54 PM
Post #2 of 14
(3243 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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How much experience do you have with engine rebuilding?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 28, 2015, 5:09 PM
Post #3 of 14
(3235 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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You start mixing parts together and your going to run into problems. The 2002 heads are different than the 2005. The 2002 uses the Jtech controller and the 2005 uses the NGS controller. They also have different emissions characteristics. Your better off having the heads on the 2005 checked out by a machine shop and finding a good low mileage salvage yard engine for the 02. They will probably want your old engine for a core.
Keep everything the way it was intended and you won't have issues.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 28, 2015, 5:12 PM)
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Logan Savage
Novice
Sep 28, 2015, 9:11 PM
Post #4 of 14
(3222 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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I am aware I would have to install the cam gear with tone ring off the 05 head onto the 02 head & use the 05 intake manifold . It is my understanding the long blocks are the same . Are there other differences in the long block that you're aware of that I'm not ? I'm very capable of doing the part swapping & am more concerned with a possible bearing failure on the high mileage crankshaft . It has no bearing noise now though & I'm sure those 200,000 mile bearings have some wear . I know that no engine builder would recommend this but I'm very tempted to give it a try .
I really appreciate all feedback & I fully realize it's a crap shoot but I'm still wondering what you think about the crank bearings . A complete engine gasket set & rod & main bearings aren't really very expensive . I have checked & the same gasket set is listed as being compatible with both year models . Don't think I don't value your opinions because I do . By the way I'm retired & have plenty of time which I'm not putting much value on . If you firmly believe I'm setting myself up for failure speak up & say so . If you think I have some chance of success I'd like to hear that too .
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 3:53 AM
Post #6 of 14
(3208 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Logan: Was just watching this thread. Your first thoughts were you'd get laughed at or discouraged at least which you expected. Not laughing at YOU or personal but unless you just have time and the money to blow trying this it was all over for me when you stated the miles on these vehicles. There's a limit to vehicles in general if used up at all and clearly if they BOTH couldn't make the 200K (that alone takes real care from new) without needing the kind of work mentioned suggest not much else was cared for either.
All that even if engines were a perfect drop in match my 2 cents is don't do this.
Some is my opinion and some experience thru others failures as I wouldn't do this is that by the time a lower end of an engine is messed up at best you only buy some extra time as all the best machine work known doesn't make it new again,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 4:48 AM
Post #7 of 14
(3204 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Really don't think it is going to work. The combustion chambers are probably different and when you start swapping high mileage parts around, such as camshafts, that are worn the other parts they are matched to, your going to create more issues. Not positive, but I don't think 2005 uses EGR and the 2002 does? If the numbers on the heads don't match, I really wouldn't recommend swapping them.
If your mind is already made up to go ahead with your project, good luck and let us know how things turn out. Maybe we can all learn something.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 29, 2015, 4:51 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 5:14 AM
Post #8 of 14
(3196 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Logan - DS just added a couple more reasons and since I'm spouting off just share a tid-bit on even making NEW engines.
New - 100% new! The parts don't fit the next one perfectly and the machine bits are changed up to every 5 uses! At those extremes they still blow up by some % before ever being put in a vehicle!
That just machine work of mostly the crankshaft not even concerning any mid model year changes might go on to minimize how many blow up instantly, by that I mean bust into a broken mess of metal!
OK: What is high miles: It is going to greatly depend on quality of design AND care along the way. In general I say about 100K dependability drops off like a rock could be average. The exceptions are everywhere and you hear less about the ones that didn't make it that far,
T
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Logan Savage
Novice
Sep 29, 2015, 6:41 AM
Post #9 of 14
(3192 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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I already think I'm going to like this forum . I have located a 2005 that was totaled due to a side impact behind the drivers door . It has 87,000 miles & still starts , sounds good & can be moved forward & backward a limited amount . The owner has offered it to me complete for $1,400.00 delivered to me . If there is no visible damage to the transmission & transfer case what do you think about buying it & swapping out the engine , transmission & transfer case for the 200,000 mile parts in mine ? Possibly even the differentials if they're not damaged . If I do this what other parts would you replace while the engine is out ?
Transmission front seal , engine oil seals & freeze plugs , anything else ? I really didn't want to invest that much money & work into the 05 because I don't plan to keep it but miscellaneous other parts off the wrecked 05 could be used on the 02 if needed . Would have to check but I think wiper motors , window motors & various other parts will interchange . I live in town but own rural property & could hide the wrecked body so it wouldn't be an eyesore for anyone .
In case you're wondering why I'm keeping the 02 instead of the 05 it's because the 02 is orange & the 05 is silver & my wife thinks the 02 is prettier & it will be her winter ride . lol
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 8:35 AM
Post #10 of 14
(3186 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Oh my! Has it ever dawned on you to look for a whole vehicle in good shape, checked out as much as possible and just deal with some surprises? Guess not and you are hell bent on fixing wrecks.
Miles, time, how stored with this new wreck. How long did it sit and more? Windows all broken and interior all wrecked too? Long list of stuff that goes wrong or hidden problems from wreck which is why they are totally not just body damage but strange crap happens down the road that might not seem involved but can be a choice when or if you needed a used part or whole component.
Color! Yikes! If that's a factor I give up on a used vehicle where any thought of its usefulness counts! "Gee, I like that color whether it runs or not because is looks good" -- can't win that game.
Buddy - miles and time plus how driven and where parked/stored all matters. With miles think a bit. Every part of that vehicle has gone that far. Some things doesn't matter but a lot does. Springs for seat go bad, upholstery wears out or sun damage. Rust if applicable always a concern. Motors for windows and locks etc., don't like not being used! I did do up antique cars and now driving one as my primary driver so do have a clue. Rear door locks went first! Just fixed them both no problem as I do that.
Glove box latches and sun visors - OMG some crap just never ends. Most new cars that don't get sold within TWO years are destroyed to be recycles for the materials if you didn't know! Gear cases can't sit way too long without oils splashing around nor seals on anything all go bad. Got the T-Shirt on this crap. Gettin' old and tired too for this stuff.
Not here to stifle your vigor and motivation just to warn you of details that can run you project into the RED meaning cost more than not doing it at all. If this is a dream and fun for you and costs won't harm you go for it. You may learn, win or learn that it was a bad move from the get go but it's all learning.
If you are just ambition driven to do this who am I to choose what you do? I did this crap relentlessly when VERY young and didn't lose $$ doing it but times were different too and parts up to whole cars could be had for FREE just needing a ton of dinky stuff but no longer road worthy which helped totally of course. For quite a while you had to pay to dispose of some metal thing car or whatever as new was much more practical for plain metals..........
Tom
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Logan Savage
Novice
Sep 29, 2015, 9:51 AM
Post #11 of 14
(3181 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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(Links not allowed- sorry, your pics only)
Folks , if you don't have the patience or inclination to discuss this with an open mind maybe I'm not in the right forum . As I mentioned before I'm retired , have time on my hands , actually enjoy working on vehicles ---Mistakenly thought that's what this forum is about--- & do things like this for a hobby more than anything else . Recently bought a nice looking car with a bad transmission , bought a good used trans for $250.00 , paid $500.00 for the car , added a couple days labor & sold the car for $4,000.00 . I could go on about past experiences but I won't . In a previous life or you could say years ago I actually worked as a mechanic for 2 different new car dealerships .
My wife & I already have 3 nice vehicles in a 2 person household so I'm not out looking for a nice , road ready vehicle for our personal use but the wife did take a liking to the 02 Liberty . I don't normally give away vehicles but there is a young family member , still in school with a lot of extra activities that I'm considering giving the 05 to . Doesn't anyone enjoy working on vehicles anymore or is everyone now sign & drive & take the vehicle to a shop to get air put in the tires ?
I can't vouch for the above link but it lists the head as being compatible with both the 05 & 02 . If you're just going to tell people to go find a nice newer vehicle & sign & drive , what's the purpose of this forum ?
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Sep 29, 2015, 10:02 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 10:24 AM
Post #12 of 14
(3175 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Sport - If you can "flip" (buy low, sell high) cars with the demonstrated and admitted "shade tree" experience YOU claimed than go for it. Nobody here is paid a penny for sharing experience and some with very specific info.
This isn't quite as simple as you may think and admitted. YOU said and expected just what you expected in your top first post.
If unhappy with experienced free suggestions is all they can be without being right there than choose one of any of millions of places on the web to do what you are going to do anyway no matter what anyone suggests.
Why are you here then?
This thread is pointless,
T
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Logan Savage
Novice
Sep 29, 2015, 10:45 AM
Post #13 of 14
(3172 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Fine with me , go find someone to pump your gas for you . Say whatever you want , I won't be back to see it anyway & if it's within your power cancel my membership on this website . Ban me or whatever you like , I couldn't care less at this point .
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 29, 2015, 11:17 AM
Post #14 of 14
(3168 views)
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Re: Jeep Liberty 3.7 V6 Engine
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Feel better now? Can't answer yet as I'll just lock this thread and yes even you can ask to re-open it by any moderator including me.
As others, wish you luck with the endeavor,
T
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