Death of an Excursion

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:

Wes wrote:
It was repo'ed for an unpaid bill

If they could not pay their bills do you think they maintained their vehicles? Do yourself a favor and stay far away from that engine. I have bought Repoes for flipping to make some cash on. I'll tell you I have never found one that was "well cared for".

Don

Don,

That's what I thought too. My inquiry of what shape it might be in was prompted by this suspicion. But the comparatively low miles makes it the chief contender if "used" is the path taken. I am wary, but determined to keep my mind open at this point. I need to see it with my own eyes.

I don't know what else I could do but an oil analysis. Listen to the engine or lacking plates, I could maybe drive it on private property.

Maybe I could also verify plugs were done earlier, very close to 100k. On my current EX, I had my mechanic check other plugs just for tightness when the blown one was repaired. My specific instructions were to apply minimal torque, under normal 11 ft/lb specs, just to reveal any others that had worked loose. He said they were tight but he gave them an extra half turn, causing me to cringe in horror. Guess they stayed in without stripping, a moot point now.

I wonder what the entire donor Ex would go for. It's only 2wd, but I'm also interested in the rear axle for another project. The working transmission is probably rebuildable (maybe even replaced) and I would consider rebuilding that if needed.

In the end I find a more expensive rebuilt engine more palatable. In my day I drove some lowball rough work cars locally, but the Ex, or its equivalent, will see highway duty, towing if needed.

Thanks,
Wes
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