Difference between '83 and '85 258?

[loyalpoke]

i have am '83 Scrammy w original AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , smog stuff removed, 150k, leaking oil from both ends, losing compression, ext. Found an '85 rebuild, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l with 30k. What difference will there be between 83-85 in putting in the new one?

 

[coldair]

Really nothing important you have to worrie about.

 

[loyalpoke]

Thanks, coldair.

 

[Petescj]

I was hoping to come with some real sophisticated answer that would make me look smart , but it never happened. Ive had both years and since your not worried about the smog stuff thats the only little differences I can think of.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I was hoping to come with some real sophisticated answer that would make me look smart , but it never happened. .

Thats ok Pete we already know you are smart

 

[priceg]

2 [two] dos II

 

[loyalpoke]

Thanks Pete. Obviously smarter than me.



The engine I'm buying is already out. 30k on a machinist rebuild. the Mech that took oit out started it and heard it run said it sounded quiet but didn't ck compression or anything. $500. Any advice on what i should look for besides leaks or ask about?

Found out an interesting story behind it. The CJ7 has set in a barn for 6 yrs. The woman who owns it has a 16 yrold nephew with cancer. Make-a-Wish granted him the wish of fixing up this CJ7 for him. They are putting in a new FI V6 as part of the restore. I fully intended to talk down the price, but when the kids dad, a luthern pastor, told me the story I knew i would have to pay full price if i bought it.

 

[Petescj]

Thats ok Pete we already know you are smart

Ha , it took 4 years but I finally have someone on the internet fooled.

Thanks Pete. Obviously smarter than me.



The engine I'm buying is already out. 30k on a machinist rebuild. the Mech that took oit out started it and heard it run said it sounded quiet but didn't ck compression or anything. $500. Any advice on what i should look for besides leaks or ask about?

Found out an interesting story behind it. The CJ7 has set in a barn for 6 yrs. The woman who owns it has a 16 yrold nephew with cancer. Make-a-Wish granted him the wish of fixing up this CJ7 for him. They are putting in a new FI V6 as part of the restore. I fully intended to talk down the price, but when the kids dad, a luthern pastor, told me the story I knew i would have to pay full price if i bought it.

Lets go with Ive been around 80s era Cjs for awhile. There are plenty here that are smarter than I. Id be looking to make sure it was complete right off the bat. All those extra parts are great for spares or to offset a little of the cost of the engine itself. Look for cracks in the exhaust manifold and weeping around any of the freeze plugs and water pump. The plastic valve cover is often warped and leaking as well. Check the condition of the teath on the ring gear where the starter engages as well. Look inside the valve cover for build up and if they let you remove it. If not look around as best you can with a flashlight.At 30k it should be clean if well kept. A compression check before it was removed wouldve been the ideal check. That said Im buying a whole Cj from pics and a description.

95% of the time Im all about getting the best deal I can. In your case I commend you for the no haggle approach. From what youve described it seems like an honest deal. Any paperwork they have that can verify what was done at the time of the rebuild should also go with the engine. Do you have any pics of it by chance?