5.2 Magnum core engine 200,000 miles

[rustytoolss]

I have found a complete 5.2 Magnum core engine with 200,000 miles. AC compressor, PS pump, ALT, Fan complete. etc. $100. I know nothing about it ...Nothing. But if it turns over by hand, would you think a stock rebuild would get me by ? Rings, bearings, head work, timing chain etc. I don't want to get deep cost wise in boring-pistons, no cam if I could avoid it...Would you consider a 200,00 mile 5.2 magnum on a tight budget ? Let me add...this will for a driver/ cruiser...not looking to be beating the hel! out of it.

 

[rumblefish360]

Yes, do a compression test and then pull the heads to bare eye to the cylinder walls.

 

[MidnightSwinger]

You can’t know until you pull it apart. Is it worth $100 to you if it ends up needing machine work?

 

[rumblefish360]

Oh, assume the heads are cracked between the valves. If this scares you into not reusing the heads, I have without problem, FWIW, then look into ether new castings or Edelbrock heads for a nice kick in performance.

 

[rustytoolss]

You can’t know until you pull it apart. Is it worth $100 to you if it ends up needing machine work?

It's a gamble...just hopeing for best case luck...but with 200,000 miles who knows.

 

[rumblefish360]

Re honing it yourself is the price of the dingleball part, a hand drill if you don’t already own one, new rings.

Bearings might also be in the picture with the crank being turned and trued.

 

[rustytoolss]

Oh, assume the heads are cracked between the valves. If this scares you into not reusing the heads, I have without problem, FWIW, then look into ether new castings or Edelbrock heads for a nice kick in performance.

Any work will be stock or near stock replacement cost.

 

[rustytoolss]

Getting this core engine is not something I need right now, so time is on my side. But my budget is tight, That being said , would be nice to hear an engine run before buying just anything...because it's cheap.

 

[Tsully]

My experience with all the Magnums I’ve bought… the Cam bearings are shot!!!

With a 200k on it… more than likely a cam lobe is worn also!

Crosshatching in the cylinders will more than likely still be visible!

You didn’t say what the plugs look like… so assuming little to no oil on them will be a good sign… if there’s oil on all of them… then more than likely it’s got the notorious plenum gasket fail!

You can hillbilly overhaul it and it will more than likely run fine… you can get kits on eBay for less than $300 for a basic overhaul or you get a master kit like this one throw it together and head on down the road

**Master Engine Rebuild Kit** Jeep 318 5.2L OHV V8 Magnum 1995-1998 | eBay

1995-1998 Jeep 318 5.2L OHV V8 Magnum. These rebuild kits are designed to be a one-stop solution to your engine rebuilding needs. We believe these engine re-ring kits are the absolute. We have personally used these rebuild kits in many rebuilds with outstanding results and durability.

www.ebay.com

 

[rustytoolss]

My experience with all the Magnums I’ve bought… the Cam bearings are shot!!!

With a 200k on it… more than likely a cam lobe is worn also!

Crosshatching in the cylinders will more than likely still be visible!

You didn’t say what the plugs look like… so assuming little to no oil on them will be a good sign… if there’s oil on all of them… then more than likely it’s got the notorious plenum gasket fail!

You can hillbilly overhaul it and it will more than likely run fine… you can get kits on eBay for less than $300 for a basic overhaul or you get a master kit like this one throw it together and head on down the road

http://[URL]https://www.ebay.com/itm/277076654613

[/URL]

Can't say much about condition of engine other than " Ran good when pulled" ???? don't they all !, yeah this would be a poor mans rebuild...just a driver engine

 

[moparmarks]

My 97 5.2 has 330,000 and my 98 5.2 has 298,000 miles on them. They still run great so the cracked heads don't seem to an issue with these. I've had the intakes off of both motors at over 200K and didn't see any cam issues. Damm good motors in my book.

 

[junkyardhero]

at 100 clams you can't hardly go wrong, even if it's pooched you could part it and make the coin back.

if it's still in something and can crank over, a quick compression test would answer some lingering questions.

but seriously at that price, i'd just buy it on spec.

 

[rustytoolss]

at 100 clams you can't hardly go wrong, even if it's pooched you could part it and make the coin back.

if it's still in something and can crank over, a quick compression test would answer some lingering questions.

but seriously at that price, i'd just buy it on spec.

Yah, I just sent the guy a message, to see if I can get a little more info about it....the ad did say it ran( GOOD) and that the transmission gave up. hope to hear back from him.