So I already posted one thread stating that I am very close to buying a beefed up wrangler with some really nice mods. Now my only real concern is the engine burning oil. Is there any way at all to tell if the engine is having those issues before I buy it? any warning signs I can look for? I really do not want to purchase this and end up with issues.

If anyone is in the staten island/ nj/ long island/ metro area haha and would be willing to come with me to check this thing out it would be greatly appreciated! I need someone who truly knows what they are looking at. And I dont know much about jeeps yet, I have always been a toyota guy till now. If anyone is up for it there a Benjamin Franklin with your name on it ($100)

 

Hah, good man.. but If I lived up that way.. I would do it for nothing assuming one would value my opinion. I recall once looking at an old YJ before buying th TJ and although the aesthetics seem ok.. I open the hood.. It had the inline 4 and not the 6 and was lifted about 3-4 inches.. Larger tires etc.. But crawling under the jeep.. proved that little 4 banger just couldn't handle the lift.. oil was everywhere.. and although I didn't see any signs of dripping.. the whole engine was a big drip.. so to me.. this was a big avoidance.. and we went elsewhere and purchased the TJ..

The only other thing I can offer.. is check all vital connections & gaskets.. open the radiator cap.. (assuming it hasn't been running for a while) check the dipstick.. if this is a dealer or shop sale.. then having them do an oil change.. even if it means you have to pay for the oil change yourself and inspect the oil and filter afterwards..

 

So with my toyota a did a ton of work to it. but mostly all suspension, drive shafts, axles, and so on. I never got into performance or engine work. So when you say gaskets I have an idea but don't really know what to be looking for. And when I open up the radiator cap, what should I be looking for as well?

As far as the oil change, it is not a dealer, it is a private seller, which is why I am concerned (no warranty or anything), but doing a oil change and inspecting the oil is definitely a good idea that I would not have thought of.

 

More Detail.. If the private seller is willing to have the oil changed while you're there with him.. shop or where ever.. to me that shows he's not hiding anything.. even if he does an oil change himself.. but ask if he has records of how frequently or on a regular basis when he has the oil changed.. In other words.. seeing how I keep all my oil change and repair records.. is anyone asks, they would see the frequency of our changes, etc.

Removing the radiator cap could show that the fluid isn't or hasn't been changed or one might see oil deposits within the fluid.. One might even take the coolant tester just to check the acidity of the fluid.. Same with the dip stick.. touch the oil off the dipstick.. rub it between your thumb and forefinger.. You're looking for consistently and no grit etc..

If I'm not mistaken.. didn't you say it had a turbo?.. or supercharger?.. That I can't help you with.. thou, the blower or wind chamber system might need to have some sort of service record..

He'll prob look at you weird afterward..

 

I would just expect it to use some oil as most I have seen do use oil and it varies. I have two 3.8 motors and they both use oil. You just have to check it often. One of them has 150k miles and the other has 40k both run fine with no other issues. Look for leaks under the jeep and at the egr valve that is near the rear of the motor on the passenger side.

 

Yup it has a supercharger on it.


Nice to hear someone who has one of these engines and it has last them awhile. I feel like all I have read about is complete horror stories on these things, and that its a complete gamble. Either you get a good one or you don't

 

I mentioned in your other thread mine has 150k and runs great. Don't worry about the 3.8. Much less with only 50k miles on it.

 

I think I'm worrying too much about it! haha Don't want to end up with a case of buyer's remorse. And I tend to get ocd with checking things out to the T before investing time and money into them. But thanks for the advice and the info. It puts me at ease a bit!

 

My jeep has the 3.8 and burns about a quart of oil every 1k miles. It has about 130k miles on it now and runs like a champ still. Not had any issues with the engine.

 

My 3.8 has 120k and a rear main leak. Always a drip hanging on the bell. I monitor the usage and change the fluids regularly. Uses a half quart every 3-4k miles. I'm not worried. "If it ain't leakin, it ain't a jeep". Ha. Good luck!