I have a 2000 Montero endevour limited with 75000 miles on it. I believe a rod bearing went out. Thrashes like crazy. The engine will still run ( if that is what you want to call it) Have heard a hundred different things about rebuilding it. Most say you have to buy a short blobk, Say you cant bore because you cant get oversized pistins etc. Love the vehicle perfect condition other than this. Hate to have to spend 3500 on shortblock and the the labor cost. Can this engine be rebuilt without new block. I know this really depends on the damage., but i believe damage has to be minimal. Shut it off about 10 seconds after this happeded. Did not (throw the rod or anything).. Any suggestions or ideas. I know most people get a lot more miles than this out of these engines, just my luck I guess Ha ha

 

FWIW, I rarely hear of the 3.5's having a rod bearings go bad, in fact I only say that to be conservative. Fact of the matter is, I don't recall anyone ever having one go bad.

What do you mean by "Thrashes like crazy"? Do you mean the engine moves around excessively or idles very rough? If so, it could just be a bad or disconnected spark plug/wire.

Why would you bore it out if the rod bearings go bad?? 75K isn't alot for these engines. Also in the 2 times I've had mine rebuilt, they've only once had it re-honed which didn't require new pistons, just new rings.

HTH.

 

By thrashing I mean sounds like someone taking an aluminum ball bat to the engine. Definitely something in the bottom half of the engine. I have been told you can only buy cranks and other parts directly from the dealer and they are so expensive the short block is cheaper. Not really sure what to do. I do appreciate ant feedback you have

 

Jeff,

Many parts are in fact MITSU only parts but there may also be aftermarket manufacturers. It simply depends on what's needed. Typically bearings are available from a variety of sources but hard parts like cranks or the rods may only be available from Mitsu. Usually a good local parts store will have alternative sources for parts that are available.

You can sometimes find used engines at msrecycling.com or car-part.com

HTH

 

That is not what is sounds like when a rod bearing goes. I would tow it to the dealer and have them diagnose it. I would not start putting in a new engine until I knew what happened to my engine.

 

thats what they sound like when the timing belt (60,000 miles) jumps timing

 

Or a spark plug cable comes loose...

 

a few things you should know.
if you have a damaged rod bearing, there is no reason to replace the block (assuming it doesnt let go and punch a hole through it). the crankshaft can be replaced. An aftermarket "crank kit" from a reputable company will be machined and include bearings. the kits are usually about 300 bucks. Assuming a spun bearing, you will need at least 1 rod. And you would also want to re-ring it.
do NOT bore the cylinders. Mitsu blocks are among the hardest on the planet. They use a huge amount of nickle in their iron, and it does not wear. Ill take apart a block at 200,000 miles and still see the cross-hatch in the cylinders! That same hardness makes them difficult to machine.
So assuming you only have a spun bearing, you should be able to get it repaired/rebuilt by anyone that is compatant (preferably a mitsu tech).
labor is expensive, though, if you plan on having it rebuilt.

 

Interesting to see the comment on belt jumping timing - something that can easily happen if the tensioner is gone. My belt was loose at 60k before I replaced it....