Topic: Can I build in stages?

[DodgeMudder]

I have a '95 YJ, 2.5l, NV3550, hp30, 8.8 rear etc. I haven't regeared yet but that is comming soon, and I also have a problem w/ my clutch that is getting fixed while the Jeep is down, I also need to do something w/ the motor as I have some horrible blow-by and it's pumpng oil out the through the air box and it's litterly running out of the airbox, or at times it's pumping the oil out the dipstick.  So I'm assuming I need to re-ring the motor and figure this would be the best time to bore it out.  I would like to do the whole build YJMehanic did and re-cam and all but money's getting really tight and I don't want to wait a coupe years to be able to save the money and be able to use my Jeep while I do.  So what I'm wondering is can I bore the motor now, and leave the top end alone till I can get the mone and go ack and do it later, I know I won't get as much benefit from it as i would if I re-camed it too, but will I hurt anything/performance building it in stages?  I know I will probubly cost myself a couple extra sets of gaskets and allot of extra time doing it this way and I'm willing to deal with that.

So whats your thoughts?
Will it work?
Whats the cheapest way to do this?

[dexetr30]

Do you plan on replacing the pistons with the larger size when you bore? I'd check the bore size and if they are still within o.e. spec I just hone and re-ring.

You can do the top end at another time. I don't see why that would be a problem. Someone correct me if I'm wrong in thinking that.

[chardrc]

as fare as i know stages will work only down side is takes more time

[aw12345]

Doing things in stages is fine but taking the cyl head of twice is not the brightest idea. When you get the block bored might as well have the crank check and most likely it needs to be ground or replaced with a rebuilt one.
Also a valve job on a 4 cyl head does not cost the world. In my book the engine would be done first. Then think about regearing.

[Bounty Hunter]

Your engine may not be bad, could be a clogged CCV system (Closed Crankcase Ventilation).  If the CCV is clogged, crankcase pressure will not vent into the intake properly, forcing crankcase pressure (and oil) into the airbox.

To check for this, find the tube from the airbox to the valve cover.  Pull it at the airbox and check for vacuum pulling into the valve cover.

[jagular7]

Do a basic engine tune: check compression, valve timing/lift, PVC, exhaust, etc just like you should when buying a used vehicle. This will tell you the state that the engine is in. If its below acceptable standards, then think about the whole driveline, cooling/heating, etc., everything else associated to the engine. If the engine is in this condition, how well are the other systems.

You could do a quick rebuild with the engine block in the frame, but that may be only putting a bandaid on the problem and not a plausible solution. Without taking measurements of the internals when taking the block apart, you really don't get a 'rebuild' as you would think.

If anything, look for a used engine and check it out like above. It may be a lot cheaper and quicker to replace your old tired engine with something little better, then you can dig into your original engine on your time, money, and schedule.

Do note that life will change plans all the time!!

[DodgeMudder]

Do you plan on replacing the pistons with the larger size when you bore? I'd check the bore size and if they are still within o.e. spec I just hone and re-ring.

Thats what I was thinking, get it bored out adding new larger pistons, and leaving everything else stock, hopefully gaining a few extra lb/ft for the trouble.

Doing things in stages is fine but taking the cyl head of twice is not the brightest idea. When you get the block bored might as well have the crank check and most likely it needs to be ground or replaced with a rebuilt one.
Also a valve job on a 4 cyl head does not cost the world. In my book the engine would be done first. Then think about regearing.

It's not that it alone is killing me on money, it's just everything hitting me all at once is starting to add up and I miss driving my Jeep.  I have bad bearings in both axles, that have been pathed together for as longas I could, and I need to now replace everything in the front and bearings in the rear, it will cost almost as much to not re-gear as it will to re-gear.

Your engine may not be bad, could be a clogged CCV system (Closed Crankcase Ventilation).  If the CCV is clogged, crankcase pressure will not vent into the intake properly, forcing crankcase pressure (and oil) into the airbox.

To check for this, find the tube from the airbox to the valve cover.  Pull it at the airbox and check for vacuum pulling into the valve cover.

Thanks for the info, if I don't have any vacuum what would I need to do to fix it?

[Bounty Hunter]

Clear the clogged CCV line, usually carbon buildup at the small orifice restrictor.