Hello. I own a 1989 2-door Montero. It has been in the family since it rolled off the lot in 1989. Today we are faced with a decision about whether to part ways with a vehicle that has served us well.

The original engine failed in 2006 at 137,000 miles. At that time I had a rebuilt engine installed. The vehicle has not run the same since: a rough idle and a persistently intermitent ticking. The head in that engine cracked within a year and was repaired. The mechanic addressed the lifter valves in response to the ticking at that time. Didn't solve the problem.

Now the head gasket has blown out at 20,000 miles. I am reluctant to put any more into this engine. I am very fond of the vehicle and would not hesitate on the repair if I had confidence in the engine. However, I fear that I am just borrowing time until the next failure. The mechanic agrees. While there is no visible warping in the head or block, the cylinders are scored and the jet valves are failing. I don't know exactly what that means, but I do know the engine is at the end of its life.

Please consider this an open plea for advice: Does anyone have similar experience with the Montero engines? And advice on how to approach the existing repair? Or is the Montero platform receptive to another engine? Is there a shop that could handle the modification?

I am very fond of the vehicle and will consider any practical solutions, with one exception. I don't have the skills, time or equipment to do the job myself. I need a professional solution.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Scott

 

Can you hear me now? Anybody? Any thoughts at all??

 

I’m in a similar boot. I have a 2002 Monty Sport LX 3.0L that I drove off the lot that now needs work after almost 300k moles. It’s been such a good reliable rig, I just don’t want to give it up.

I looked to replace the engine, but there are no rebuilds available. All my trouble is in the heads, so I’m looking to just replace those right now.

I’ll be giving it to my kid when it is running; good/safe ride for a 16yo.
He wants to convert it to electric…. I’m not against it, but I don’t know much about doing it. I going to look around to see what it takes to put an electric motor in mine, maybe that’s an option for you too.