how would i check to see the amount of damage to my engine.

Take it apart.

Michael

you could go with an expensive upgrade
http://www.reynoldsmachine.com/isuzu26eng.htm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

i guess i would have to strip everthing apart to find the damage. I didn't want to do that since this is my DD.

i've decided to buid a new engine since the amigo still runs good. I don't know the damage to my engine so i figured build a new one and stick it in the amigo when mine dies.

I would suggest at least dianosing the problem on your current engine.

In the least, I would suggest going through the hassle to drop the front axle and the pan to see if the thrust washers are there. If they are, you should be able to replace(with new ones) the thrust washers with the block still in the rig. Not easy, but do able by pulling the #3 bearing cap.

This, will at the least prevent you from destroying the engine. If you continue to run it like it is, and if it is indeed the thrust washers, then you will ruin the entire bottom end. Poof, gone.

If you do get the washers replaced, it will buy you some time while you build something else. And, it will probably ensure you have a rebuildable core to work off of.

If it were me, this is something I would seriously consider doing if I had to keep it mobile while another engine was being built.

Good Luck,
Michael

if i replace the thrust washers would i need to replace my engine block in the future or keep it how it is. I don't know how long its been like this. I'm straped for cash so i hope i just have to replace the thrust washers. i found w washer set on napa. it is a engine bearing thrust washer set. is that what i need. also if it is then is there any body in colorado willing to help with the install. i'm not that mechaniclly inclined.

It entirely depends on the damage. If the crank has chewed up the block and the bearing cap where the thrust washers go, then you are screwed. If not, then it is a degree of what damage has been done. There may not be enough material left to hold the washers in place. Only one washwer may have fallen out. You just cannot tell without looking. At best, this is a temp fix, and it will give you enough time to do something about finding an engine.

One thing is for sure, you should not be driving it like this. The crank is probably rubbing on the block and releasing copious amounts of metal shavings into the engine.

Yes, you need the thrust bearing set. It is a two piece set consisting of two half moon shaped washers. It ain't going to be fun, nor easy to do this with the engine in the truck. It is possible, but it will just take some time and a lot of disassembly. You may even have to unbolt and slide the tranny back a bit to get the last two bolts that hold the pan on.

Good Luck,
Michael

i guess i'll start looking for an engine then. I found 2 engine that the junk yard says run good. i'll go look at them and may buy one depa=ending on how they run. What should i look for before i buy one of the engines. One is $350 and the other is $400. If i was to buy one could i keep driving my amigo until the engine is built. I talked to my mechanic and he said just drive it until it "blows" up then just stick the new engine in it. I don't have access to another car to drive since this is my DD so i thought this was a good plan.

If a junk yard is selling the engines it is a good bet that they are not in a running situation (i.e. in a vehicle with fuel and spark). Of course they will say "they run great", but I doubt they have ever seen them run. I would, at a minimum, have the cylinders compression tested. Will a few variations, this should tell you if the rings/head/valves are any good. It will also warn you if the engine is seized. If these are rebuild cores for you, any ring/valve issues may not be a big problem. If you are actually going to use the engine used, they are more critical. Good luck!!

JD

Well make sure he gives you his home # and a fire extingusher so if the crank breaks,rods fail etc....and pop
a hole in the side of your block and hoses down the exhaust with hot oil and it catches on fire and melts the Amigo down,he can tow it off the road for you.
If the engines that bad I wouldn't drive it,it's not worth
losing the vehicle over,but if I was 16 again I probably
just say s---w it and do it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
Doug
Becareful,

By the way how does he know the crankshaft has to much end play?
You cant check it with the flexplate,convertor or the
flywheel hook to it and crankshaft pully,belts, etc. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />not to mention with all the rodcaps torqued down they would enfluence the amount of end play anyways?