2.8l Rebuild Options

[Shaunous]

Hi All,
So after 2 different compression tests my rough running engine and smoke machine has come down to 2 cylinders down badly in compression (Cyl 1&2). Runs beautifull when its warm, cant even tell there is anything wrong with it, but starting cold its got a bad misfire and blows a hell of alot of black, then blue, then black smoke.

Called a couple of engine reconditioners just to ask the question, and seems a full rebuild with me removing & installing the engine myself is going to cost about $4000...

Anyway, thought I would ask the question about what most people seem to do when their RD28t runs out of puff...

I realise it may only be a head problem, but its not worth just re-doing the head on a bottom end with 310000kms...

Cheers,
Shaun...

[MQ MAD]

Black smoke excess fuel,blue smoke rings, white smoke unburnt diesel

The only problem with reconditioners "Guestimates" is they dont really know how stuffed the motor is till its pulled down
IF the head is perhaps cracked beyond repair (like my ol GU 2.8) there goes 2K straight away

Id either get a 2nd opinion on the motors condition,then assess the situation
Live with it, drive it in the ground
Or look for a good running condition 2nd hand 2.8 T diesel
OR , even buy a complete running car

[Shaunous]

Black smoke excess fuel,blue smoke rings, white smoke unburnt diesel

The only problem with reconditioners "Guestimates" is they dont really know how stuffed the motor is till its pulled down
IF the head is perhaps cracked beyond repair (like my ol GU 2.8) there goes 2K straight away

Id either get a 2nd opinion on the motors condition,then assess the situation
Live with it, drive it in the ground
Or look for a good running condition 2nd hand 2.8 T diesel
OR , even buy a complete running car

I've done a compression test myself, and also had an engine shop do a compression test. Its buggered.
I'll take the head off and see the full extent of the damage, but was just wondering what people have done in the past.

[MQ MAD]

but was just wondering what people have done in the past.

What i done when my GU (not a GQ i know) 2.8 had issues
After finally spending way to much on the head cracked issue,over 4K on the top end alone
(Brand new bare head , labour,parts ect)
I sold it real quick while it was running
I was at the time in a bind re wheels,so it was fix it then unload , or sell it not goin for near nothin

If i had the choice now, and had the time,that i didnt have then
For 4K and time on my side,it would be as i mentioned a 2nd hand motor
Or look for a power upgrade

I just wouldnt spend 4K on a 2.8

Should be able to get a fairly good nick complete GQ 2.8 for around that money

[YNOT]

Another option to consider is replacing the RD28 with a petrol RB25DET. They bolt up to the same bell housing and engine mounts, provide similar fuel economy and torque with about double the power. For even more torque you can fit an RB30 bottom end under the RB25 head.

Tony

[stormpatrol]

time for a 4.2 diesel with turbo

[TUCK]

Bump.

Hi Shaunous, how was this resolved. New engine? rebuild? interested to know.

thx, Tuck.

[Shaunous]

Hi Tuck,
Well I'm back over in PNG working now, but when I get home i'm going to remove the engine and send it to get rebuilt I think (still deciding, but so far rebuild is winning). It's going to cost me just under $4000 for a complete rebuild using good quality parts.
For me, the car cost next to nothing, the clutch is brand new, the tyres are brand new and alot of other bits and pieces have all be replaced or rebuilt, non of which I paid for, so I think $4000 on a next to new engine is money thats going to give me a car that'll last many more years to come.
I am a diesel mechanic myself and could do the engine for just the cost of the parts, but it takes time, and when im only home for 2 weeks out of every 7, i don't wanna be doing major works to my 4x4, and having to send the head and block away anyway

Replacing with another model engine is also alot more time consuming, and likely to give headaches down the road...

[lachiek]

Hey Shaunous, I'm in the same boat re rebuild / replace my 2.8. What are your compression readings? I'm at 280 PSI all round but the truck is driving really strong so a bit confused about what to do.

How hard is it to remove the engine to send for rebuild? I'm not a mechanic but have patience, time an willingness to learn by mistakes....

Cheers, Lachie

[TUCK]

Sounds like a good bit of common sense. $4k for a quality rebuild seems like excellent value.

Cheers, Tuck.