[fenderworks]

So here is the question?

Is it time to get rid of the jeep? i love the rubicon, 2005 81000 miles 6 speed, hard top still close to stock,it runs perfect, but....
i have been reading on this site that, the engine codes and stuff, cause lots of problems.

i have had code p2096 about 3 times last one was about 6 months ago, has not returned after i cleared it.

i thought these motors were bulletproof for 150K.....it sure seems like they are having these codes and camshaft and valve and roller problems

Am I wrong? should i dump this before the engine problems start?


p.s. went to moab yesterday 12-24-10, no one there, great weather, perfect damp, no dust trails. did a couple of easy ones...gemini bridges and bull canyon. jeep ran great!! What a great Christmas eve!

 

[Elwarpo]

The thing to think about is how much to fix a problem that may happen versus the loss on selling and buying another. generally the 4.0 is good for at least 250k miles. There were only a small series of engines that had the issues.

 

[byhumba]

There were only a small series of engines that had the issues.

But, how do we know which series of engines have the issues?

 

[fenderworks]

Yes, thats my point. how do i know this motor will last. i dont mind the regular maint., but if the motor is gonna have problems, i want to sell it before it goes nuts.

please, more comments

merry Christmas everybody

 

[gene p]

I would just run it. When it gives you trouble fix it.(get all you can out of it) Inless you just want a new jeep.

 

[gregert12]

If you do want to sell it, send me a PM, my cousin wants a Rubi.

 

[emarlowe39]

keep it and when it breaks, whats a new motor go for... 2g by the time u get done with the install? u will lose 10g if u buy new the second u put the key in the ignition. if u ask me, not worth getting rid of it at all.

 

[rubicon joe]

I have the 03 (40k)which is no guarantee that the opda won't decide to start to give me trouble. The day it starts to give me the funny codes...it's history, I just don't want to deal with the, gear,camshaft etc., I love my jeep but not too emotionally invoved to kick it to the curb and move on, just my thought...

 

[kidmugg]

I'm with emarlowe39.... if you like your Jeep, don't let the engine get in your way. In some ways, i HOPE mine goes bad so I have an excuse to upgrade. :laugh:

 

[1982cj7]

I have an 03 Rubicon, 163k on it with no engine problems. I work at a Jeep dealer, we do not see alot of engine problems with 4.0l's. If you read this forum or some others you would think every other Jeep had this problem, but we are one of the busiest dealers in the PNW and have only changed a couple of engines in these years. I would not worry about it until you have problems.

 

[MTDIRK]

I don't think this problem is as wide spread as you think. I was worried about this a while back and I think it was one member who had a bed bad experience and was active on several threads and caused a little panic. Take care of your jeep upgrade when you have the opportunity and it will take care of you. After that decide what your dollar limit is on repairs and when you hit that limit then get a different one either new or low mileage used. Personally I have the JK bug but I want my LJ too. So when I get a JK it won't be a big deal to park the LJ for while for repairs. I think once you have 30k plus mods invested in your jeep what's another couple grand once its paid off. I think it would be a rare individual that could trash their engine before its paid off. You could always make 4 extra payments to your savings account and let sit for the day your engine goes.

Bottom line keep the jeep.

 

[DAA]

I'm with emarlowe39.... if you like your Jeep, don't let the engine get in your way. In some ways, i HOPE mine goes bad so I have an excuse to upgrade. :laugh:

Same here. Although, honestly, I'm afraid I got stuck with one of the 4.0's that's gonna run like a top for 200K. But maybe by the time mine gets tired they'll be some nice complete DIY kits for the Pentastar or something.

But even if I wasn't looking forward to the motor going bad as an upgrade opportunity, I surely wouldn't let worries about it keep me up at night. Even if it goes up in smoke tomorrow, it really isn't all that expensive to replace with a complete reman long block and downright cheap to replace with a junkyard motor. Hell, the seats I've been wanting to get cost as much or more than replacing the 4.0 would...

- DAA

 

[f9k9]

I'm with emarlowe39.... if you like your Jeep, don't let the engine get in your way. In some ways, i HOPE mine goes bad so I have an excuse to upgrade. :laugh:

x3

He??, I didn't even get my Rubi until '08 and it had 81K on it then. There's no need to plan on crossing a bridge until you get to it. Now if, it is your only source of transportation, then you need to do some minor planning. I like to compare repair costs versus vehicle payments. A 3-5K engine replacement/rebuild cost is pretty close to what happens when they hand you the keys and you drive off their lot.

 

[fenderworks]

Great response...

Well, i guess i should keep it and not worry about it. The main reason i ask in the first place is that i am thinking about lifting it and new tires...so i dont want to drop 2 or 3 grand and then the motor start having issues.

 

[eatrocks]

My 2005 LJ had 119000 miles on when i swaped the I6 for a chevy 5.3. I pulled the tranny and the tcase down at about 126k just to see and both were better than fine. I still run the stock gears and get 22 MPG

 

[f9k9]

Great response...

Well, i guess i should keep it and not worry about it. The main reason i ask in the first place is that i am thinking about lifting it and new tires...so i dont want to drop 2 or 3 grand and then the motor start having issues.

Two and a half years later, I now have put 30K on mine and I wish I only spent 2-3k on mods but, I'm happy.

 

[jfandem]

Is there any way to prevent this issue at all just as a precaution? I also want to keep my LJ rubi for a long, long time and want it to keep running perfectly. Would just swapping in a high flow oil pump/drive gear unit take care of it all? Or is the issue deeper than that?

 

[seapahn]

81,000 miles? That's a barely broken in in my book . It really depends on how you have taken care of the engine and how it has been used (overheated or not, fluids checked often or not, abused or not, etc).

 

[chris03rubicon]

I would agree with most people on this thread. The reason it seams like a lot of people have had problems is this is a Rubicon Owners Forum. There are people that have problems and express there thoughts online to find resolutions.

That being said, I would keep the Jeep and if the motor craps out...you have several options:
-Long block replacement
-Stroker motor = 3700.00 + install unless you are going to do it (not hard). You will need to buy injectors and a few other little things. Pretty much going to call this one a 4-4300.00 upgrade. Still have a inline 6 however.
-V-8 conversion. 5.3/6.0 motors are pretty decent. I have seen motor and trans go for 1200.00 with under 70K miles. Send the ECM off to Howell, 900.00 and 4 wires later you have a running jeep. You will need new motor mounts, radiator and some custom fab work, drive shafts shortened/lengthened. All in all you will have around 3-3500.00 into the install