Need an engine rebuild?

[black_2.5]

Hi all!

This is my first post other than my intro post... and sadly its bad news.

I bought a used 05 2.5 NA liberty about 2 months ago from a dealer. Did all the right things and had an independent mechanic check it over it and give it the thumbs up as well as looking at the service history etc.

Last week it developed a bad knock . For reference, it sounds similar to the car in the link below :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvxaR7HSmWc

The dealer's mechanic said it was likely a spun bearing or rod knock.. And depending on how much the oil has been contaminated by that, it will require either a full rebuild, or another engine. (Both funded by the dealer as its under warranty.)

Has anyone on these forums gone through a similar deal? Usually Subaru engines are tough as.

Also, I'm not sure what the dealer will do. If they get another engine, I'm worried they are going to get a thrashed engine from a yard somewhere with similar km's and stick that in there. In the end, they will do whatever is cheaper for them right?

What are my rights in this case?

The whole thing is a bit of a bummer.

Cheers guys! Look forward to getting some advice,

Mike

[Turtlez]

Hey Mate,

Sorry to hear the engine is on the fritz. I would chat to the dealer and see what type of engine they will put in, and then see what they will do to rebuild it. I would then take a look at what might be the better option in the long run.

A New (Used engine) might have better life in some of the parts other then the block/head that will work for a while. Say Spark plugs/injectors etc. where as the rebuild might only fix the block/head, then the rest of the engine is older and might be prone to fixing in the near future. Try and look at it from a future spending cost.

this is just my opinion mate, I don't know much about rebuilding engine's but this is what I would do in your situation, ask about both options, and see what goes one. BTW from my experience the Spark Plugs lasted me about 4 years, and new ones cost $6 a plug. Injectors are a little more expensive.

Cheers Matt

[Dropz]

I just rebuilt my engine, same deal 2.5i, '05 model. I rebuilt the bottom end with new bearings and rings, and got it all machined, and the heads machined. Taking out the cost of the clutch and machining my flywheel I spent about $2,800. That included a new timing belt and tensioner kit and all the head gaskets etc. I used all genuine parts except for the bearings, which I used ACL Race bearings as recommended by my engine builder and the guys at work. For me I felt it the right path as I know everything is new and it will last for years to come.

I priced up some used engines and they cost about $1,500-2,000 and you don't know the service history, and then you need to go to an inspection centre to get it approved for the rego papers after the swap. Just not worth it if your bottom end is still ok for a rebuild (which it should be if the noise has only just started).

IMO It is more cost effective/efficient to rebuild your old engine as your have the peace of mind knowing that it is all brand new, rather than getting a second hand engine and then needing to go through rego to get it all approved etc.

[black_2.5]

Yea i agree.. but unfortunately the dealer gets to decide what path they want to take. And they decided to go for another engine. i'm checking with them the mileage of the motor and the code, to make sure they are on the straight and narrow with me.

Dropz, if i have trouble later on and want to go for a rebuild, i might chase you up and pick your brains. You seem to have it all sorted.

mike

[Dropz]

Yeah no problems man, happy to help.

[LibJam]

Little late on this, but I went through a similar thing about 6-8 months ago when the bottom end chewed itself out. There's a group in Syd (can't remember the name) that can provide rebuild engines (both shorts and longs, NA, turbo, etc). If they do the work you get a 2yr warranty on the hardware. If you're in melb then URD in Wantirna Sth is a good start. Good work and Tony knows his stuff (but can waffle on a little if you get him talking). I had new short, fly, clutch, etc done for $6400. Not worlds cheapest option, but most of the important bits are brand new.

Regards,
Will

[black_2.5]

update.

So the dealer went and put a 3rd gen (2001 model) 2.5 into my 4th gen (2005). Apparently its too much of a hassle for them to find the same motor.

And its not worth going about getting the dealer to do a better job because that involves consumer affairs and lawyers... There are differences between the EJ251 and the EJ253 engines, but they are 'minor' and in the end it will still go pretty much the same as the one i had. Car dealer won this round!

At least i have my car back . time to start saving for some more mods

[blademaster]

Little late on this, but I went through a similar thing about 6-8 months ago when the bottom end chewed itself out. There's a group in Syd (can't remember the name) that can provide rebuild engines (both shorts and longs, NA, turbo, etc). If they do the work you get a 2yr warranty on the hardware. If you're in melb then URD in Wantirna Sth is a good start. Good work and Tony knows his stuff (but can waffle on a little if you get him talking). I had new short, fly, clutch, etc done for $6400. Not worlds cheapest option, but most of the important bits are brand new.l

Are you referring to Tony Rigoli Performance?
http://www.tonyrigoliperformance.com.au/

[LibJam]

no, this is for URD in Wantirna South in Melbourne. I know he preps race machines but not part of that crew.

[sooobi]

update.

So the dealer went and put a 3rd gen (2001 model) 2.5 into my 4th gen (2005). Apparently its too much of a hassle for them to find the same motor.

And its not worth going about getting the dealer to do a better job because that involves consumer affairs and lawyers... There are differences between the EJ251 and the EJ253 engines, but they are 'minor' and in the end it will still go pretty much the same as the one i had. Car dealer won this round!

At least i have my car back . time to start saving for some more mods

Are you sure this can be registered in all states? Pretty sure you can't put in an engine that's older than the car??