Replace or Rebuild 1987 Renix 242? - MN-Jeep.com Forums

Peter's87XJ · 02-08-2010, 07:38 PM

I have a 1987 Cherokee with a 242 renix. It has 220k miles and leaks oil like a sieve. The Rear main seal has been leaking as long as i've owned it. But for for the last 4 years the rings have been leaking more and more and i have been getting blow by into my air filter, so i just attached a different hose and ran it through the engine compartment to drip on the ground (to keep the dust down on the roads). But the past few days it has been leaking so much that after driving it around town for 30 minutes it will leave a spot of oil the size of a golf ball after it sits. I also have been noticing a lack of power. The engine goes through about a quart of oil a month. I havnt checked the compression of the cylinders. Getting to the point i was just wondering if it was worth the cost to rebuild the current engine or just trust one from a junk yard. Any thoughts?

NSW Wannajeep · 02-08-2010, 10:36 PM

Most Renix will outlast the body, up to 300k, finding one that runs better than that should be easy. I could barely give away my rebuilt one.

Peter's87XJ · 02-10-2010, 12:39 PM

then the question is do i replace it with a renix, or the HO?

gump · 02-11-2010, 07:37 AM

putting a renix in would be easier. Upgrading to H.O will require you to change the electronics as well (upper end, all sensors, computer, wiring harness etc). I'd grab another renix and drop it in.

jpxj810 · 02-11-2010, 08:39 AM

wow my renix goes threw a quart of oil per tank of gas. it still rips with 213k and gets 20mpg. 1988 2wd Comanche 4.0. I run 15w 40 Rotella in it. (Summertime cruiser)

i would replace the engine. even if you found one in nice running shape with 150k or so, that engine would probably outlast whats left of your 1987 XJ. Assuming that its got cancer already.

Peter's87XJ · 02-11-2010, 02:13 PM

yea it has cancer, but not too bad yet, good excuse to make integrated rocker sliders. i just know i could prolly get a little more power out of it. Years ago i did take the compression, but i know acouple had weak compression. Does anyone know the actual compression the 242 should have? If i can come across a compression tester i'll try to take the compression this weekend. I'm also on a student budget so i dont have the biggest budget to deal with for a replacement.

gump · 02-11-2010, 04:09 PM

You could probably find a rusted out but running hulk of an XJ for 2 or 3 hundred bucks, strip it, and have all kinds of parts including a running engine.

jpxj810 · 02-15-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gump

You could probably find a rusted out but running hulk of an XJ for 2 or 3 hundred bucks, strip it, and have all kinds of parts including a running engine.

yep in my case i bought a jeep wrangler that was so rusted it was easy to unbolt things by reaching threw the body/tub.

diy87 · 03-03-2010, 10:11 PM

I'd like to find a running engine for two-three hundred. Been looking for months, so far, no luck. I have a 1987 Comanche, with the 4.0. if you know where I could find a good running engine, please p.m. me-diy87

Peter's87XJ · 03-03-2010, 11:03 PM

yea 87 renix's seem to be a bit allusive. I cant find one anywhere either despite what people say

02-08-2010, 07:38 PM	#1
Peter's87XJ Trail Rider Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St. Cloud Posts: 287	Replace or Rebuild 1987 Renix 242? I have a 1987 Cherokee with a 242 renix. It has 220k miles and leaks oil like a sieve. The Rear main seal has been leaking as long as i've owned it. But for for the last 4 years the rings have been leaking more and more and i have been getting blow by into my air filter, so i just attached a different hose and ran it through the engine compartment to drip on the ground (to keep the dust down on the roads). But the past few days it has been leaking so much that after driving it around town for 30 minutes it will leave a spot of oil the size of a golf ball after it sits. I also have been noticing a lack of power. The engine goes through about a quart of oil a month. I havnt checked the compression of the cylinders. Getting to the point i was just wondering if it was worth the cost to rebuild the current engine or just trust one from a junk yard. Any thoughts? __________________ Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die!

02-08-2010, 10:36 PM	#2
NSW Wannajeep Mall Crawler Join Date: May 2008 Location: Two Harbors Posts: 163	Most Renix will outlast the body, up to 300k, finding one that runs better than that should be easy. I could barely give away my rebuilt one. __________________ 98 ZJ Laredo SE locked, and skidded

02-10-2010, 12:39 PM	#3
Peter's87XJ Trail Rider Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St. Cloud Posts: 287	then the question is do i replace it with a renix, or the HO? __________________ Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die!

02-11-2010, 07:37 AM	#4
gump Trail Guide Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Two Harbors Posts: 644	putting a renix in would be easier. Upgrading to H.O will require you to change the electronics as well (upper end, all sensors, computer, wiring harness etc). I'd grab another renix and drop it in. __________________ North Shore Wheelers I got the Jeep thing now it hurts to pee....

02-11-2010, 08:39 AM	#5
jpxj810 Trail Rider Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Eveleth, MN Posts: 291	wow my renix goes threw a quart of oil per tank of gas. it still rips with 213k and gets 20mpg. 1988 2wd Comanche 4.0. I run 15w 40 Rotella in it. (Summertime cruiser) i would replace the engine. even if you found one in nice running shape with 150k or so, that engine would probably outlast whats left of your 1987 XJ. Assuming that its got cancer already. __________________ ~~Austin Member of NMJ, Trail Advisory Crew

02-11-2010, 02:13 PM	#6
Peter's87XJ Trail Rider Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St. Cloud Posts: 287	yea it has cancer, but not too bad yet, good excuse to make integrated rocker sliders. i just know i could prolly get a little more power out of it. Years ago i did take the compression, but i know acouple had weak compression. Does anyone know the actual compression the 242 should have? If i can come across a compression tester i'll try to take the compression this weekend. I'm also on a student budget so i dont have the biggest budget to deal with for a replacement. __________________ Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die!

02-11-2010, 04:09 PM	#7
gump Trail Guide Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Two Harbors Posts: 644	You could probably find a rusted out but running hulk of an XJ for 2 or 3 hundred bucks, strip it, and have all kinds of parts including a running engine. __________________ North Shore Wheelers I got the Jeep thing now it hurts to pee....

03-03-2010, 10:11 PM	#9
diy87 Mall Crawler Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 25	I'd like to find a running engine for two-three hundred. Been looking for months, so far, no luck. I have a 1987 Comanche, with the 4.0. if you know where I could find a good running engine, please p.m. me-diy87

03-03-2010, 11:03 PM	#10
Peter's87XJ Trail Rider Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: St. Cloud Posts: 287	yea 87 renix's seem to be a bit allusive. I cant find one anywhere either despite what people say __________________ Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die!

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