Should I Rebuild?

Hey all,

Looking for some feedback on the 5.0 in my 12 LR4. Bought the vehicle, crank no start, knowing it would be a project. Spent a few weekends chasing possible fuel issues (hi pressure fuel pumps, coils and plugs, dumped the tank refilled with fresh fuel). Finally decided to check and see if the timing had jumped and pulled the valve covers and camshaft covers today. Upon getting the serpentine belt off I found a lot of obvious leaking from the water pump that had dried and not been sprayed down like the rest of the engine. Once I got the valve cover off and started turning the engine a spray of coolant shot out of cylinder 3, so I know the head gaskets are done for. I also noticed some issues on the exhaust cam lobes on cylinder 5 that indicate exhaust valves will need to be replaced as well as the camshaft. Looking for opinions on whether to continue the rebuild in house or go get another engine? Thanks for your input!

Scv8? Joking aside, I think if you have known engine damage then getting another engine might be a better path to success.

If the block deck has warped it is going to be a royal pain to get a good head gasket seal. Add the cylinder wall lining to the equation and I would recommend a reman motor.

Went through a similar project last year (2013 LR4 5.0 NA). I went between having it rebuilt or buying a used engine. I liked Galaxy in Los Angeles for the rebuild and even visited them. By far the most reasonable and will include a series of upgrades to correct deficiencies in design/parts. I ended up purchasing a used engine online - note that many advertised with a video of them running along with compression values and warranty. Since the engine was out, I replaced the timing chains, all gaskets/seals, cooling system components, and injectors. Pulled the engine from the front rather than raising the body. It was a job but well worth it. The car runs fantastic.

The previous owner probably overheated the engine, then tried to cover it up. At this point the best path forward is a new reman. You can get them for $14k. I was ready to put one into my rig when I bought it in 2023, but it didn't need it.

powershift said:

The previous owner probably overheated the engine, then tried to cover it up. At this point the best path forward is a new reman. You can get them for $14k. I was ready to put one into my rig when I bought it in 2023, but it didn't need it.

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The key aspect here is:

"I was ready to put one into my rig when I bought it in 2023, but it didn't need it."

How did you determine this and could OP use a similar approach to come to the same conclusion?

Longtrail said:

The key aspect here is:

"I was ready to put one into my rig when I bought it in 2023, but it didn't need it."

How did you determine this and could OP use a similar approach to come to the same conclusion?

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I targeted an additional 100k miles out of the truck when I got it at 97k mi. Then I looked at the engine I had and compared it to a new reman long block. I looked hard initially because a company called TAPA in So Cal talked me into thinking they offered an engine with more power across the RPM band because it was bored out. That turn out to be a total lie its a 307 CI engine off the shelf, so I wasn't going to to gain anything by buying new over what I already had, except for additional life to wear beyond 200k mi. The factory engine should hit 200k mi pretty easily when maintained.

FYI. You can purchase a reman 5.0L from JLR for $10k.

Rover Range said:

FYI. You can purchase a reman 5.0L from JLR for $10k.

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do you have a link or would i just contact my local dealer?

jastutte said:

do you have a link or would i just contact my local dealer?

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Contact local dealer.
This is the price we quoted a customer.