Destroyed Engine

Hello,

I am new to jeeps and just destroyed the engine on my recently purchased 1971 CJ5. It had a V6 engine in it. I drove it once and tried to tow it home following the instructions I found on the Internet. Needless to say it didn't go well. From reading on here im not sure what kind of V6 it was or where to find a replacement. Would a small block chevy engine be a good alternative? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

It was probably a 225 dauntless Odd fire, V6..... a very good engine, with high torque and 155 hp......

 

Not sure how driving it once, and trying to tow it home "destroyed the engine". Please provide more information.

 

If it was in a lower gear, it could have spun the engine fast enough to throw a rod.

That said, it would be good to have more info.

Assuming the engine is complete toast, finding another 225 is the easiest thing to do. 2nd easiest would be a Chevy 4.3l V6 (which would likely come with fuel injection as an added bonus). If you find a pre '71 T-14 adapter a Chevy bellhousing will bolt right to it.

Lots of V8s have been swapped into these older Jeeps, but the length of the engine is a challenge in short hood Jeeps and you may need to upgrade the transmission since a T-14 isn't the strongest thing in the world.

 

I saw an Mazda engine that exploded when left in reverse while being towed behind a motorhome! Just imagine: not only was the poor thing way over revved, but the oil pump was spinning backwards.

 

I should have also mentioned a Buick 231 from 1975 into the early 80s is a bolt in swap. 1975/1976 engines are odd-fire like the 225 and can use the 225 flywheel. 1977 and up even fire engines will need a different flywheel but will bolt in otherwise.

 

Engine for sale....not mine


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Keep a v6 they are good engines. They come up from time to time. Iv seen many on fb marketplace. There is also a dauntless group that may be able to help

 

The 231 engines come up for reasonable prices. I bought one which came out of a 1985 Regal last Spring that only had 14K miles on it. If yours is indeed an "Odd Fire" 225 you would need to get a different flywheel, or have the 225 flywheel balanced neutral.

If you go that route just be sure to get one that came out of a rear wheel drive car. The front wheel drive version is not a drop in replacement for your engine. Motor mounts and other things are different on those.

 

The Buick V6 was chosen for this use because it fits the short CJ-5 engine compartment easily. The 4.3L Chevrolet V6 is also popular, but it's not a bolt-in substitute for the 225/231. Plenty of Chevrolet V8s have gone into Jeeps too - it can be done with some planning. The 4.3L V6 seems more popular than the V8 today, in part I presume because it's widely available, and there are plenty of inexpensive donor vehicles.

 

Yes, would be nice, but the conversation has gone on without the OP ever joining back in first after asking for help.

 

Did he say 71 or 21?

https://youtube.com/shorts/4szP5IyotFU?feature=share

 

This person says that he is 57 years old, so this is not a youth mistake; if he really needs help, he will comeback.
With money there are always solutions, repairing, changing for a new engine, upgrade...
I have a problem with my CJ5, I ordered a new distributor from USA, coil will be changed too, then we see how it works.
It costs money, maybe there is more to repair, needs time to check but at the end it will be OK.
Buying an old Jeep is not buying a quite new car...
It is entering a new world with patience, need of friends like you people of this forum.
It is not buying a 2018 Jeep and asking at the local Jeep shop for repair and parts!

 

I bought it as my retirement present, flat towed it to my cabin as instructed by the seller and had no issues, Ended up having knee replacement surgery and didn't drive it for 8 weeks after surgery and then went up to the cabin to tow it home, using the same towing procedures as instructed. I was 20 miles into a 40 mile trip traveling at 50 MPH, looked in the rear mirror and saw what i thought was smoke and pulled over. After examining the jeep, i discovered two large holes in the engine block near the motor mounts. Not sure what went wrong but, as a well trained husband of 40 years i know its my fault! Now I am just trying to figure out what to do now.

 

Thanks for your reply! would this work?

ATK Engines DC98: Remanufactured Crate Engine for 1987-1989 Buick/Chevy/Olds/Pontiac Car with 2.8L V6 - JEGS High Performance

Thanks,

Tim

 

Nice looking Jeep!

 

No, that's a different engine completely for front wheel drive cars.

 

Here's a reman from S&J Engines in Spokane Washington. They have a very good reputation. rebuilt auto engines 1970 Jeep CJ 5

You'll likely eat the core charge with your ventilated block.