Alphaman19

My 98 gs400 has 300 miles on the motor and still runs strong. Sure, I get a little blue smoke at startup sometimes and I know the cams seals are starting to leak but otherwise it's a great motor.

So I know of another gs400 motor and tranny with 96k miles on it and the guy only wants $500 for it (he's pressed for cash). ​​​​​ The car has sat for three years with a bad fuel pump.

Question: Is it worth the effort to replace my motor with a significantly lower mileage unit? I'd do the work myself. It'd be a great project for the winter.

Thanks in advance.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Its worth the money to buy the engine, store it until your current motor really goes.

Alphaman19

Hey Jokster,

At a high level, to remove the gs400 motor is it basically?:
Remove hood (the donor car body is crap)
Unbolt engine mounts
Unbolt tranny from drive train
Detach exhaust at header / cat
Lift engine and tranny out using hooks near intake manifold
?

Thanks in advance

kevin3344

Are you sure it's your cam seals? These motors have been know to run 300,400 even 500,000 miles. If it were me I would do some investigation. It might be cheaper in the long run.

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

Get that low mileage motor, store it then refresh it as you go. When your motor goes out swap it.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Essentially yes, not sure your mechanical knowledge on all the other details. But cant forget to drain all the fluids, coolant, trans fluid, access fuel. Also, removing wire harness from fuse box and ecu, etc.

Alphaman19

Yea, I can see where I have a little leakage. I can see where the old/dirty oil/crud collects around of the bottom the cover. old and/or very minimal. Not enough to actually drip.
I just think that at 293K, I'm nearing the end of this motor's easy going life. I'm sure if I pamper it, I can get another 100k out of it.
But the thought of having a cheap low mileage motor on standby is appealing.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Nowadays you can pick up a lower mileage engine on ebay for $800 but $500 is a steel.. If you have the room get it and just sit on it..

Tank

iTrader: (19)

Check your intake manifold for excessive oil pooled inside of it. That oil goes right into the rear cylinders causing smoke on startup.