Yeah basically I think they don't care? So in theory a dishonest car dealer could just keep rolling car odometers back to somewhere above 100K and no one would take any notice? This must be some antiquated law from when car engines didn't last that long? I've only bought one car in the past 10 years that had less than 100K miles on it, so I think they should update this!

 

At the end of the day, I was just saying I have no reliable way of knowing how many miles the vehicle has really done.

I have reason to believe that this is not the original engine as I think its a 4.0 modified to use a distributor, not a 3.9 basically. There is after market gasket sealant everywhere including the timing case. I am just trying to find out for sure what my engine is before I go buying stuff for the wrong one. As suggested, I will probably have to go to the dealer with the engine serial number.
I have a repair cd from ebay on its way and that may help also.

Steve

 

aaaaaaaaah, ok. Yeah, I think all states have laws with titles on vehicles over 100K because cars didn't used to have odometers that would read over 100K. That makes them exempt on mileage requirements. Buy something with over 100K and it will just say exempt on your new title.

 

If you can see a difference from the outside of the block, I can post a pic of my engine. If it would help...

 

Thanks, a difference can be seen on the outside, as I described in a earlier posting. If you have a known 3.9, I would love to see a photo of the block below the head and above the oil pan. One side would be enough.
I have found pictures of the 4.0 all over the net but I have not found a picture of a 3.9 yet.

Thanks, Steve

 

I have a 4.0, and it was replaced in 99 with a new one. Don't guess that would help..sorry.

 

If you go to Wikipedia and search for Rover V8 engines, you will get a good idea of the differences in all of the engines Rover "produced" and may find links there to get some photos of a 3.9L.

 

I can take pics of mine, but it's in a working vehicle and fully assembled, so not sure if you'd be able to see what you want to see? Let me know and what parts to try and get a shot of?

 

Well I dont think I am going to bother much with this engine.
It is indeed a 4.0 even if it says 3.9 on the plenum and has a distributor.
I found several things wrong with it.
1 Oil rings are stuck. Gaps are about 70 thou on oil rings, about 60 on the compression rings.
2 Rod bearings are worn to the copper so I imagine the crank shows some wear also.
3 I found some aluminum debris around the trumpets in the plenum, some quite big. I found evidence of foreign bodies having been in some of the cylinders, pistons and head dinged up a little.
4 One inlet was almost completely blocked with a large chunk of aluminum over 1" wide, too big to make it through the valve opening..

This engine has clearly ingested something serious....lord knows what. Frankly I'm amazed it was running ar all.
I think I am going to dump it and flog the parts if needed.
My only question now is...should I get another 4.0 and modify it in a similar way or should I look for a good 3.9 ???

thanks for listening,

Steve

 

Just go to a shop like this where you can buy an engine, with verified mileage, a warranty and put it in your truck.
http://www.roverlandparts.com/index....TS&Category=76
Mike