Advice on a blown engine for an 88' GQ SWB Please!

[aliamus]

Hi all,

long time reader, new member.

Was just wondering if I could get any advice on my beloved shorty. We have had our 1988 Ford Maverick SWB in the family for nearly 30 years. I have spent a lot of money fixing it up slowly.

Unfortunately about 2 weeks ago whilst driving the engine blew on me. It appears there was no oil despite only recently having it serviced.

I am going to organise a mechanic to assess the motor, ideally I'll repair and recondition the motor if its possible.

I don't know a whole heap about cars and I dont have a lot of money so I dont want to get mislead or ripped off. Was just wondering does anyone here know and trust anyone in Melbourne who I can get to take a look at my motor and see if it's repairable? and secondly, if it's not repairable, what is the best solution for me? eg better off buying a new custom made engine even thought it'll be pricy? or finding a reconditioned motor? If so anyone know people who work on motors and ideally have worked on GQ's?

The original motor in it at the moment was the 4.2l petrol engine with manual transmission. I realise whichever option I choose im looking at $$$ but since I want to keep this car long term I rather do it the best way. I should also note I drive this car day to day.

If anyone can give their advice I'd be very grateful!

[GQtdauto]

Unfortunately about 2 weeks ago whilst driving the engine blew on me. It appears there was no oil despite only recently having it serviced.

Sounds Suss to me , if it was serviced a few weeks prior .
Heard many a tale of no oil wrong oil etc they do occasionally make mistakes .

[AB]

Without pointing fingers of course how recently was the service beforehand?


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[aliamus]

about 3 weeks prior mate. They claim that there must have been a leak or the motor was burning the oil a lot quicker for some unknown reason. I'll be taking it further with them but I dont want them looking at or fixing the car

[garett]

a second hand motor would be the cheapest quickest option. if it was lack of oil issue, i wouldn't hold much hope of it being worth reco ing. a reco engine depends greatly on the care taken by the person reco ing it, so a recommendation would go a long way for me if i were to get someone to do it.

i'm in sydney so don't know anyone in your area. just my 2 cents

[AB]

Have you taken the car back to them since or not?

Just a simple check, the sump plug under the engine, check that if no ones tampered with it yet, is there oil under there, bolt done up tight?


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[AB]

Is there any excess oil spilt down the block, where the filters are, etc?


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[GQtdauto]

If you were burning it you'd know by the cloud of blue smoke following you , if it was leaking there should be oil from arse to breakfast on the car underneath .

[Turtle_au]

If there was no oil the warning light should have come on before serious damage was done, and the engine would have been really noisy.
Where there any warning signs like smoke, noise, rough running?

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[aliamus]

Thanks mate, appreciate the advice