nipper Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 ive rebuilt at least 20 engines over the years (AMC Ford Chrysler Yamaha Kawaski VW GM Corvair and countless small engines), only had to replace one piston and connecting rod, and all the engines lived full lives. All the pistons were sent to the machine shop and inspected. The one i had to replace had a huge hole in it where the valve droped. I had that piston and rod balanced to match all the others. As long as the machine shop says they are good, they can be reused. Again it al goes back to a proper machine shop you can trust. Out my way (where am i in the stix or mars) we go by OE recomendations or SAE recomendations when OE is not available. Maybe German pistons are more sensative to wear, i dont know havent had the pleasure (or the break the bank displeasure) of rebuilding a mercedes. I'ld have to see the specs, i just speak from my expierience thats all. nipper Automotive Engineering Technician SAE member since 1984 (ouch) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I've done quite a number myself where I did not change pistons. The limiting factor is really cylinder wall wear. A lot of these guys don't take the time to really check things properly. I've pulled apart engines that had stock size rings in an overbore. I had a good machinist for some years but he is retired now and I think it might be tough to find someone as good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzzasy Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 I don't think the block is gone, because I'm not hearing any knocking noises or anything like that. Its only the cutting out like lack of fuel. I think the problem is either timing, sensor, or computer. As soon as the weather breaks, I will remove the timing covers and start with resetting the timing and move on from there. I was thinking about replacing the engine because I thought that might end up being cheaper than throwing money at a problem that I haven't been able to figure out yet (I have already replaced three sensors--they were cheap). Then, someone mentioned that replacing the motor might not solve the problem. That never crossed my mind, because I figured it as a top end problem in which the top end of the new motor would be new. But with the help of the forum, I will figure this motor out before moving on to another one. zzzasy '98 OBW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 do NOT replace the engine, i bet there is nothing wrong with it. If a subaru is one tooth out of time it wont run. Your timing is fine. The fact that car starts then dies tells me you have another issue, that in all likelyhood would be inherited by the new engine. Since your willing to spend the 3000.00 dollars for an engine, why not spend 300 at a shop you trust and let them fix the car. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I'm at a point where I'm getting ready to buy my second engine (third if you count the original) for a '98 OBW I've had for two-plus years. My second engine was a used one I had to buy on the interstate when my subie ran hot and cracked the heads (or so I was told). I'm having problems with the engine and it seems like it would be cheaper to replace then to keep spending on it every couple of months. I've noticed that everyone talks about buying a rebuilt engine ($2895 CCR) instead of rebuilding their own engine. Is there a good reason for this? Wouldn't it be cheaper for me to pull my engine and take it to a machine shop for a rebuild? zzzasy You have never stated what your issues are, what are they? Have you had codes pulled from the engine? Have you reset the ECU? Have you done a compression test? You say in a later post you replaced sensors.... which ones and ewhat made you think it was those? You dont want to throw money at the car. Well untill you do any of these, thats what you are doing, and its not necassarliy the cars fault. So lets start at square one, with a new thread if need be... nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzzasy Posted February 22, 2006 Author Share Posted February 22, 2006 I do most of my work myself; so I don't really know any trusted shops. That's why I took the car to dealership when I couldn't figure it out. The dealership wanted $495 just to diagnose why the camshaft position sensor CEL is on. That's not to fix anything; That's what they want just to take a look. Wish I did know where I could take it and not get ripped. I'll play with it until I either fix it or accidentally drop a lit match down the gas shoot. zzzasy '98 OBW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 But yet your willing to spend 3000.00 dollars for a new engine that wont fix the problem SO then give us a fighting chance to help you out here, otherwise im going to stop and move on. What did you replace What are the symptons When does it occur What engine is in the car How many miles What transmission is in the car Did you have any codes pulled, if not get them pulled and tell us what they are. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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