Just bought a Liberty for the wife to drive around, so I can finally start working on the Monty for better use off road. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Got a couple of issues I need to deal with, though. After my 5000 mile round trip to Vermont & back, I think I've got either a cracked head or bad head gasket. Since I think this engine (although it's done great for 184K miles) is getting close to being done for, I'm looking for a Diamante replacement. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Looking at Car-Parts.com, it appears that I can also look for a SOHC from a Dodge Stealth. Can anyone else confirm this? What parts need to be swapped over from my existing engine? Would swapping the Monty cams in help the low end without requiring me to run premium?

Also, the seatbelt light started staying on all the time. Anyway to defeat it or just replace the seatbelt end?

Thanks!

The seatbelt light on my '92 Montero came on, and stayed on until I disconnected the battery and reconnected it while cleaning the terminals. The light then started to work correctly all the time after that, also the buzzer came back to life as well when you open the door or leave the ign key in the switch. Which is a good thing, since the little Buzzer/Seatbelt light ECU is mounted in a bad access area on the center console supports if you need to get to it . Try the battery disconnect trick. Houston

Probally a head gasket on that truck. I havent heard of many of those trucks with cracked heads. Maybe warped, but not many cracked.

I was able to rebuild a whole 6g72. I did all the work myself (aside from the machine work and setting up the crank), and although I am good with technical junk, I wouldnt label myself a mechanic, and certainly not a engine rebuilder.

BUT... it went very well, and with time and patience, it was rather easy.

fyi... they'll crack if you drive the engine without any coolant in it until it won't go anymore. That's how I got the '90 black truck for $300. Amazing thing was that the short block survived! I just put two good heads on it. It cranked right up and ran all the way to NC from GA!!

These trucks are TOUGH!

Powell

Dough,

About how much did you spend to repbuild your engine with the 10:1 pistons, including machine work?

To much because I didnt plan right, or shop around well enough.

When I rebuild my second one... I figure I will shave atleast 1 grand off the cost.

With machining I think I was around 2400... but I bought stupid stuff that nickle and dimed me up that high. Also I am counting tools in that cost.

I am pretty confident I could rebuild one for under 1500. The pistons and heads were the cheap parts.

Lol, yes, Powell; i think maybe both my cyl heads on the old engine were cracked by the time i pulled it into the garage where i tore the engine out. My brother said he had to back off about a city block behind me so he could see where the heck he was going.

I am guessing i could have made it back and forth to work the next week with it, but did not want to risk it.