Sad and Conflicted Pajero Owner
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:15 pm
Hey guys and gals, I'm a new member but have been prowling these boards for a year whenever I had questions to solve regarding my 1990 Pajero SWB. I love the truck and that is part of my problem.
A few nights ago I was cruising back from a camping trip is northern Vancouver Island and I suddenly lost power and silently rolled to a stop. After getting it towed to a good shop (I'll keep the details to myself for now) I discovered that my newly installed (<30000kms) timing belt had snapped right in half and that as a result 4 of the 5 bearing caps in the cylinder head have cracked. This was a case of things going from bad to worse as I had been expecting maybe a few rocker arms or valves to be damaged and I could stomach the cost of replacing those but this problem leaves me with two options:
1. A new head, which is going to be very costly after installation and other parts are added-up
2. A new (to me and my Paj) engine which will be just a little more expensive than option 1
These repairs done at a shop will cost me almost as much as I paid for the truck. I have a friend who is experienced with diesel engines and has the facilities to work on my truck but his availability and willingness to do this is still up in the air.
Can anyone think of any other options? A secondhand head is one that would be great but those are apparently hard to find.
Also, would you do this repair? I love my truck and would consider buying another but that would involve putting down even more money for a vehicle of around the same age that I don't know and that hasn't had the love I already put into my truck.
Thanks for any input,
Andy
A few nights ago I was cruising back from a camping trip is northern Vancouver Island and I suddenly lost power and silently rolled to a stop. After getting it towed to a good shop (I'll keep the details to myself for now) I discovered that my newly installed (<30000kms) timing belt had snapped right in half and that as a result 4 of the 5 bearing caps in the cylinder head have cracked. This was a case of things going from bad to worse as I had been expecting maybe a few rocker arms or valves to be damaged and I could stomach the cost of replacing those but this problem leaves me with two options:
1. A new head, which is going to be very costly after installation and other parts are added-up
2. A new (to me and my Paj) engine which will be just a little more expensive than option 1
These repairs done at a shop will cost me almost as much as I paid for the truck. I have a friend who is experienced with diesel engines and has the facilities to work on my truck but his availability and willingness to do this is still up in the air.
Can anyone think of any other options? A secondhand head is one that would be great but those are apparently hard to find.
Also, would you do this repair? I love my truck and would consider buying another but that would involve putting down even more money for a vehicle of around the same age that I don't know and that hasn't had the love I already put into my truck.
Thanks for any input,
Andy