Replacing the Engine in a Jeep Wrangler 3.8 Liters

[@gailtaylor1636]

Without doubt the easiest to watch and listen to mechanical video I've seen on here. Awesome job. So many guys go too far into detail. Love the quick edits, just moving on to next part. Lack of radio noise in background was nice too. I'm an ASE Master tech and am probably going to do one of these soon. You REALLY helped me know what i was getting into. I would be tempted to do a partial body lift to make bellhousing bolts easier to access. We will see.

[@joshuaallen4739]

208,000 miles on my 2008 JK and I’ve been collecting videos on a future engine change for when that time comes. I had to replace the clutch at 206,000 and it was just a throw out bearing, but replaced everything instead with the kit from Autozone. Thanks for the vids.

[@1970chevelle396]

+Joshua Allen Thanks

[@bjjbrawler1]

THIS is dedication! These early JK's are tough, lots of little problems arise. Thankfully they're somewhat easy to work on, beside the occasional bone-headed engineering flaws.

[@JeepAndThings]

Nice overview! 86K on my 2007 and doing fine, Mobil 1 only. I replaced the Thermostat in a hotel parking lot, but that's it so far.

[@Bodaduchee]

I bet you done worked on that jeep like i have

[@ethangonzales3000]

@@Bodaducheeany major problems or repairs on yours?

[@bulldogmcs1]

I did mine a few years back. I removed the intakes , timing cover etc etc before I pulled the engine. Was easy enough. Also you can drop the tranny a little and tilt the engine to get to the hard to reach engine/tranny bolts. I pulled it from the top with a small hoist. Dropped the new block in and then reinstalled everything.

[@1970chevelle396]

+Martin Pearn I normally try to pull and install the engine as complete as possible. Most of the time it’s easier to assmble the engine out of the vehicle.

[@cigarcaptain]

Nice clean install on a very difficult job.

[@JeepJeep234]

Just my honest opinion, I think alot of these engine failures is simply a failure of the owner maintaining the vehicle properly.

[@vardfriki7274]

They totally are

[@Bodaduchee]

You have never owned a jeep with the 3.8 v6

[@gastonbuffet]

You sir, have my unending RESPECT!!!!! UTHEMAN Ken!!!!!

[@1970chevelle396]

Thanks

[@chop345]

Did a great job in this man. Oil maintenance is key!

[@1970chevelle396]

+Rob Warner The owner changes the oil on a regular basis. It looked like the engine had been replaced before. Seems like those V6’s have problems.

[@omahaL98]

Great video of showing the highlights of remove and install and issues, great video.

[@1970chevelle396]

Thanks

[@johnbrakingground]

These engines are far from junk. My wrangler has 280,000 MILES and I just now need to replace it, That entire 280,000 miles was spent delivering mail so how many hours do think this engine has on it? Replacing my engine with a used T&C 3.8 from a van. My other vehicle is a 2008 Grand caravan with 215,000 miles and still runs like new. Maintenance is the key.

[@whatroads4x4]

Shieet i got 2013 jk....with 167k i hope mine last as much as yours

[@yungkhajiit]

3.8 engines from a Caravan and T&C are the same as the ones in the JK?

[@hualani6785]

so Sorry if I offended in anyway. 2007/3.8 is my 5thJeep.but first secondhander. Previous straight6’s as a comaprison of Personal preference combined w/too many hours on Jeep Forum. Sadly 3.8V is also-proving point(Maintenance is key)-prior owners pulled Well over weight trailer vs.straught 6s=as only owner w/100%+TLC compliance to Jeepa strictest Maintenance schedules even though Not in extreme environ Loved & cared for vs abused. You do have to admit straight 6 easier to work on. Thanks for sharing your Great 3.8 experience.

[@bjjbrawler1]

I had a conversation with a former Chrysler mechanic, who now services Mercedes and Jaguar autos, and I told him my Jeep 3.8 was sluggish, and was starting to consume oil. He convinced me that, in his experience, the 3.8 motor is a workhorse, and just to "keep oil in it".... So far it's worked for me. Almost 135,00 miles so far. Yes, I have to watch oil levels, like everyone should perform, and get in the habit of doing.

[@scotkatz5269]

I had to replace my 2011 with less than 75k miles. I don't drive it hard nor do I take it off road.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

How am I going to be able to catch up to you if you keep putting out nice videos like this? Great job Ken, very informative on the pressure valve.

[@bjjbrawler1]

My '08 Wrangler Sahara has been burning oil since approx 22k miles. Came outta nowhere. I've been always careful since, always monitoring the level.. and it hasnt been too bad. Just keep oil in 'er!

[@jodychance70]

bjjbrawler1

[@tnridge]

Awesome job these new vehicles are really hard to work on.

[@lltrailers]

great job Ken Jeep is good as new now...

[@trod286]

Nice to see someone who knows their stuff.

[@1970chevelle396]

T ROD Thanks.

[@bugguy8447]

Excellent video. You sir are a true professional.

[@1970chevelle396]

Bug Guy Thanks

[@ChristopherTSweeney]

Excellent video; much better idea now of what to expect when I do this.

[@1970chevelle396]

Christopher Sweeney Thanks

[@ivanthedog8064]

How did you prime the oil pump? I've been reading mixed ideas on how to do this. Thanks for your help. Spun a bearing in my 08 last month and finally ready to drop the engine back in tomorrow.

[@1970chevelle396]

Ivan Thedog No I did not prime the oil pump. I think the V-6 engines in these Jeeps are junk. That one I did had low mileage and it looked like it had already been replaced before.

[@steverose6473]

1970chevelle396 I perform my own maintenance and I can attest to the 3.8s rear connector rod bearing failure due to oil starvation. Always always always stayed up on ALL maintenance and then some. 114k and also the 2nđ time btw, hooked up and ready to pull as I type. I'm ready for a LT1, something. Gheesh.

[@vardfriki7274]

Thanks Ken, much appreciated 😊

[@1970chevelle396]

Thanks

[@bookdad1]

Ken where is the connector to the engine you said we could remove and leave the harness?

[@1970chevelle396]

It’s been a long time. I don’t really remember. You just have to look at where the wires go from the engine and you will find where it’s plugged in at. Probably near the firewall.

[@Bryan916]

Enjoyed that video!

[@1970chevelle396]

Bryan916 Thanks

[@Msleelee9487]

awesome to watch where the heck are you located i wish i had a Jeep Dr. like you to keep my Jeep running smooth.

[@1970chevelle396]

MsLeelee94 I live in Northern California.

[@Msleelee9487]

darn i'm in Texas but i am from San Diego! new subbie!

[@randalwarren109]

@@1970chevelle396 How much do u charge to swap engines in jeep wranglers. I'm curious may want to swap mine out at some point im in La

[@1970chevelle396]

@@randalwarren109 $1,500 plus the parts.

[@BlueBeemerBoy77]

Thankyou for this video. Im just about to put my engine back in the Jeep. I was planning to lower the transmission to get o the bolts but your way looks easier. Is that still the way you do it?

[@1970chevelle396]

Yes that’s still the way I would do it.

[@fastmzx]

Great job with the video!!

[@1970chevelle396]

Thanks

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

You are a wealth of knowledge. Wow, it looks like a bowl of spaghetti under that hood. Nice job on the engine replacement.

[@raulserna4668]

How long did it take you to replace the whole thing

[@johnbrakingground]

This spun bearing stuff is happening from people treating these Jeeps like an appliance and never changing the damn oil or making sure there is oil in it. These engines rarely had issues for the last 20 years in the minivans so something has changed in the engine or the people that own them.

[@1970chevelle396]

johnbrakingground That Jeep is owned by a young girl. Her dad was with her when it blew up. She was driving it on the freeway when it went. I don't think she was hard on it.

[@ntaubitz]

Transverse mount in minivans. Same with Pentastar, the vans are destroying heads due to how oil flows differently or something being that it's transverse. Probably they had it dialed in for transverse mount and then when it went in the Jeep the oil drains flows differently. Plus Jeeps run the engine at angles that probably run it dry. The pickup is in the rear, so going down steep hills probably starves it, especially if you don't have enough oil in it. Generally the 3.8 is fine, it's just high maintenance compared to the 4.0 that people were used to. I have no complaints with mine other than you have to maintain it like a high school girlfriend.

[@Jkur2009]

johnbrakingground no. There’s two problems with the design of these motors that wasn’t present in the minivan motors. They are not identical. The first problem is that these motors will suddenly, for no apparent reason, start burning oil prematurely. Some started as soon as 20,000 miles. Adding to that problem is that rate at which they burn oil will drastically increase and then return to a lower rate again. This unpredictability caused many people to run them way too low on oil without realizing it. If you’re used to owning a Japanese or German car you aren’t used to having to check the oil every time you get gas and that’s what you had to do with these 3.8’s. The second problem is the that the jk 3.8 came with different rod caps than the minivan 3.8 did. The jk 3.8 oil galleys in the rods do not allow for as much oil flow as the minivan rod galleys did. And there’s actually a third problem with the jk 3.8 and that is the oil dipstick. If you fill the oil to the full mark on the stick you’re still actually an entire quart low (at least). It’s like they put the wrong dipstick in these for some reason. So if you’ve lost a quart of oil you’ve got problems because you’re already a quart low if you filled it based on the dipstick markings.

[@bjjbrawler1]

@@Jkur2009 Wow, this is EXACTLY how my oil consumption episode went. I bought my Jeep wrangler in 2008 brand new. Usually I check my oil levels, I've owned two cars prior that were oil burners, but the Jeep was new. At the Jeep's normal 3-4k mile oil change, at approx 25k miles, there was a severe shortage of oil. It came out of nowhere. A quart or two came out. Never got an oil light error.. nothing. Glad I caught it when i did. No oil drips in driveway, no smoke/ exhaust burn, nothing. Dealer did their "oil consumption test", and determined it was "using" oil and this is normal for this engine. Such BS. Although I must say my engine has run fine, now at approx 135k miles... I narrowly avoided catastrophe. It's a load of crap, they get by it legally because technically the Chrysler Jeep owners manual states to "check oil levels at all refueling stops". So basically, if you fail to check your oil when you routinely stop for gas, and your motor burns up it's on you! CHECK YOUR OIL EVERYONE!

[@Jkur2009]

@@bjjbrawler1 I have actually learned what causes the oil consumption and why the minivan 3.8 never had the problem. The pistons on the minivan 3.8 has much thicker oil rings than the ones in the jk. If you look at the two pistons side by side it’s pretty obvious.

[@dannyroberts5056]

That's insane to me. I have a 2007 JKU and my engine finally gave up to. Mine has 300,000 original miles though. I had the transmission replaced at 273,000 miles. I'm getting ready to replace my engine also. I can't imagine what someone did to ruin that engine twice. Mine has the automatic transmission also.

[@jenv4074]

The engine in my 2003 wrangler, with an auto inline 6, went out at 382,000 miles. I recently got a 2010 3.8l that needs engine work and it has 405,000 miles

[@ethangonzales3000]

Did you put the same engine in your jeep? Another 3.8?

[@chiefsphan741]

great video I am about to do this in my 07 question. on my old school engines I replaced I had to prime the oil pump. do I need to do the same on this and if so how do you prime them. Thanks and great pointers

[@1970chevelle396]

Rob Butler There really is no way to prime the oil pump on these engines., it’s not like the Chevy’s and Fords where they make a tool that goes where the distributor goes.

[@appstate1996]

Great video Ken! I just bought a 2008 JK with the 3.8 motor. This is my first Jeep and I didn't do any research before I bought it. I was just stoked that I was getting a Jeep. Mine is sluggish as can be and when I started asking about the motor all I hear is how BAD it is. I bought the Jeep with 106,000 miles on it and runs ok other than having NO power. In preparation for the inevitable, let me ask you, is it possible to replace the 3.8 with the 3.6 Pentastar instead of another 3.8? Or do you have another replacement suggestion? I can't afford a HEMI.

[@1970chevelle396]

Pete Minter I think you can only replace it with the 3.8 liter engine. I think the 3.8 is a bad engine. That Jeep had low mileage on it and it looked like it had already been replaced once before. It's owned by a young girl and her dad was with her when the engine went. So she wasn't hard on it. The older ones with the inline engines are better.

[@appstate1996]

1970chevelle396 That confirms the 3.8 motor sucks! Maybe I better trade mine in for one with the 3.6 while it is in good running condition.

[@lvmybears]

Pete Minter just put a deisel in it then.

[@queensapphire7717]

@@appstate1996 the 3.6 is even worse.

[@Clay-i7y]

My mechanic just told me my 2011 JK engine is dead at 150,000 miles. What is the most economical way to get back up and running? Drop in another of the same (rebuilt) engine? I'm not trying to get beefier or higher performance. I just need my Jeep to work again. Thanks.

[@1970chevelle396]

It’s best to buy a rebuilt engine. The customer supplied that engine. So Im not sure where it came from or how much it costs.

[@BizzmarkBajimbus]

Do you know where this engine was purchased? And do you know if this motor lasted?

[@1970chevelle396]

The customer supplied the engine. So Im not sure where it came from. They sold the Jeep a few years later. So I don’t know if there was any problems with it

[@johnfayat8428]

For the flex plate . Is there a placement for it or just bolt in on . Theres no key way or dowl pin for exact placement. That's why I ask ! Thank You !

[@1970chevelle396]

Just bolt it on.

[@johnfayat8428]

@@1970chevelle396 really ! Wow ! I thought there would be relation to the crank for firing order signal to crank position sensor ! Really though just bolt it on in any position is ok ?

[@1970chevelle396]

If it only goes on one way the bolt holes will be slightly off to where you can only bolt it on one way.

[@johnfayat8428]

@@1970chevelle396 Thank You Bud ! 👍

[@Bodaduchee]

My engine is stock 3.8 v6 2007 sahara 2 door and the a/c lines dont go in the radiator

[@sampatton548]

Where did you get the new block at? RockAuto? I saw they have one for 1800.

[@1970chevelle396]

+Sam Patton The customer bought the new engine. So I’m not sure where it came from.

[@victorarevalo108]

Where is the new engine from? Thanks for the video!

[@1970chevelle396]

+victor arevalo I’m not sure. The customer bought it.

[@paulphillion1716]

Hi Ken, I have a 2007 JK Wrangler that needs an engine swap. I live in Oakland and would like to send the Jeep to you for the work if possible. Please let me know if we can connect for a quote. THanks.

[@toddgarner7948]

I probably missed it but how many miles did you say were on the old engine?

[@xtr3m385]

Ken, great job and better video. How much does a job like this cost? My Jeep wrangler 2010 is burning oil and I am being told i may have to have the engine rebuilt. Thanks!

[@1970chevelle396]

I’m not sure what the engine costs. The customer bought it. Then I charged him $1,500 for the labor.

[@vardfriki7274]

Put Castrol Edge 10w-60 in it after the 120-150k mark.

[@xtr3m385]

@@vardfriki7274 Mine has 67k and was/is burning oil. After the last oil change it appears things went back to normal. But I am not 100% convinced that's the case. I tried switching to higher viscosity oil but the guys at the shop told me I would have to sign a disclaimer...

[@vardfriki7274]

@@xtr3m385 pcv?

[@vardfriki7274]

@@xtr3m385 I've been running it in mine since 100k. Excellent oil.

[@Alexarguello99]

What was the mechanic hours involved? What should i expect to pay at a local shop/dealership in south Houston Texas minus engine?

[@1970chevelle396]

alex arguello Took two days to do that job. I have no idea what someone else would charge .

[@Alexarguello99]

Whats your cost to do another like this? Could you find out where this customer got this engine and cost?

[@1970chevelle396]

alex arguello I have no way to find out where the customer got the engine at. I charge $1,200 in labor.

[@broadwayFan28]

Engine looks just like the ones in my two minivans. They are mounted sideways and both made it 200K without problems. Don't know why jeeps are having problems with them. I even pulled at 3K trailer for some distance. Plenty of power.

[@Azoyt1]

I’m under if the are same engine to the 3.8 Dodge Grand Caravan?

[@Buckswoodshop]

Nice work.

[@rickyeager354]

good video, i have a 2010 jku 3.8 with 175K miles, and the only thing ive had to do is replace the oil pan gasket, does not burn any oil, ive always used mobile one oil...i keep thinking ill have to replace the engine, but it never breaks.....

[@1970chevelle396]

Thanks

[@vardfriki7274]

Same here. 2011 3.8 jk. No faults. They don't like being nursed or doing really short trips.

[@RandyBrogenCPP]

how long of a job was this from beginning to end for you?

[@1970chevelle396]

2 days

[@265chevy]

very nice work

[@teachingtinyhumanz]

hey wondering if you can help me out with a question on my jeep wrangler engine? thanks

[@1970chevelle396]

+Courtney Norton You sure can. What’s the question?

[@teachingtinyhumanz]

@@1970chevelle396 thank you so much for replying to fast ! So long story short, I have a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, and 6 weeks ago the engine went on it. Took it to two different mechanics and they both told me the same thing. It's looking upwards of $3000 + to get everything fixed which is just not obtainable for me, but I need it fixed. Any advice? Any cheaper options you can suggest? Thanks again !

[@1970chevelle396]

Courtney Norton That actually sounds right. That’s about the same as I would charge to do a job like that.

[@mcquioidrm]

Where did you get the engine from

[@1970chevelle396]

I’m not sure. The customer got it.

[@boost4fun]

Great video! I'm doing this job right now. I have a question about those top bolts. You said you dropped the engine down to get at them. Is there enough slack to just undo the mounts and lower it, or do I have to unbolt the trans crossmember as well? Mine's a 6-speed which I've read is easier but I can't get at those bolts. Thanks!

[@1970chevelle396]

I just took the motor mounts out and it went down far enough.

[@boost4fun]

Great! Thanks for the lightning quick reply!

[@BlueBeemerBoy77]

@@1970chevelle396 What tools did you use to reach those top bolts? Extender and impact gun from underneath or something else? Thanks

[@dannyweller1991]

Did you prime the oil pump or did you just put oil in it and start it up?

[@1970chevelle396]

Danny Weller I just put oil in it and started it up.

[@michaelwolever2260]

what is the approximate cost to buy a crate engine and the install?

[@1970chevelle396]

Michael Wolever The customer bought the engine. So I’m not sure what it costs.

[@michaelwolever2260]

thanks for the quick reply brother.

[@hualani6785]

So 3.8litre was known as worst ever made and not surprising its maybe going on 3rd engine at 100k chassis miles. Heres the big question for the expert: what other engine could replace the Jeep 3.8?? What would you recommend? Thanks for video.

[@1970chevelle396]

The inline 4 liter v6 used in 2006 and older ones is a much better engine. I’m not sure what all you would have to change to put one in there.

[@hualani6785]

@@1970chevelle396 agree 100%, Having 2straight 6’s -in older Cherikees.But.Ive no idea if possible to fit.Time for me to visit JeepForun as a dumb blonde to see what others say. Thanks again!

[@aaronrowepalmer]

Who did you get the new engine from if you don't mind sharing a bit of useful information?

[@1970chevelle396]

+Aaron Palmer I’m not sure where the customer got the new engine from. He bought the engine and the parts. I just did the work.

[@aaronrowepalmer]

​@@1970chevelle396​Well bravo. Hopefully you did it without getting injured, and if so, you are an automotive scientist of the highest order, and engineer as well.

[@1970chevelle396]

Aaron Palmer I didn’t get injured. The hardest part was getting to the transmission bolts. I had to take the motor mounts out and lower the engine down to do that.

[@johnbrakingground]

How did you prime the oil pump?

[@chiefsphan741]

was wondering the same. I am about to do one this weekend. Did you ever find out

[@johnbrakingground]

I just put some thicker oil in the oil pump and then when I had the front cover on I pulled the oil pressure sending unit from the left side and poured oil in the that hole. Worked just fine when I started and I have put a couple 1000 miles on it. Runs great.

[@miguelfloriano9039]

My JK is making a rattling noise it comes and goes ? do you think its an Oil leak? or ?

[@1970chevelle396]

Miguel Floriano A rattling noise would have nothing to do with an oil leak.

[@miguelfloriano9039]

Its almost a grinding noise when i clutch, and rev up to 2k after a while it goes away, the Jeep is 10 years old and has 126k miles on it.... I was just thinking of getting a new engine.

[@1970chevelle396]

Miguel Floriano If you put it in neutral and rev it up does it still have the noise?

[@miguelfloriano9039]

No it only happens when i drive it for a while, and with low gears from 2-4 when i hit 2k rev it makes the rattling/grinding sound then i have to downshift to make it go away. I thought it was my clutch but im starting to think it could be the engine.

[@miguelfloriano9039]

1970chevelle396 thank you taking your time and replying.

[@jim9win]

What is the rate of a job like this go for price wise

[@1970chevelle396]

jimmy jk332 I charged $1000 plus the parts. Kind of depends on what state you live in as to how much to charge for a job like this.

[@gilberttamez926]

Did you install engine with intake on it or was it installed afterwards?

[@1970chevelle396]

Gilbert tamez You install the engine with the intake manifold already on it.

[@gilberttamez926]

Willl that make it harder to get to back bolts? I had a hell of a time getting to those. How did you reinstall back bolts?

[@1970chevelle396]

Gilbert tamez You leave the motor mounts out and drop the engine down farther. That gives just barely enough space to get to the bolts behind the engine.

[@jimmymyers7683]

nice job!

[@SpaceyCasey44]

how much would it cost to replace an engine in a wrangler? how much would it cost to put a V8 in one?

[@1970chevelle396]

Ryan Casey Depends on where you live on the hourly rate and what someone would charge.

[@SpaceyCasey44]

1970chevelle396 Louisville KY $70 an hour

[@1970chevelle396]

Ryan Casey It depends on how many hours it will take to do that. Here in California the hourly rate is $125. It’s hard to say how long it would take yo put s V8 in it.

[@SpaceyCasey44]

1970chevelle396 how long does it usually take for an i6? I appreciate all the information!

[@70mjc]

You da man!

[@lvmybears]

Nice work,how much do yu charge for something like this?

[@1970chevelle396]

Ahoohi $1,000 plus the parts.

[@1970chevelle396]

n You do have to get the transmission to line up. The best way to do it is get the transmission bolted to the engine. Then you put the motor mounts in.

[@toddgarner7948]

@@1970chevelle396 how many miles were on the old engine?

[@rickboh]

2 Thumbs Up !

[@Msleelee9487]

the problem i am having is i have had my 2012 JK Sahara 4 dr for 3 months and the check engine light came on the day i got home with it. made me sick anyway took it to auto zone and the code for camshaft position sensor bank 1 sensor B came up so i did not take it to the place i bought it i took it to the nearest dealership told them and i waited 3 days for a part and it took him about an hr and a half and 300 dollars later i was driving away and check engine light came back on. so brought it back next day the guy could not find any codes. so he told me to drive a coulple days and it will go off. it didnt so i went to autozone ordered 2 sensors for sensor 1 and sensor two. the bolts were so tight and hard to get two i know that lazy guy at the dealership just cleared the codes and sent me on. anyway i got the sensors on the wires all look good and checked for codes with my meter and 0 codes went to take my victory ride and the danm light came back on this time it said crankshaft position sensor so i found it under the Jeep on the right hand side drove out of town for this little sensor put it on everything seem fine and then the light came on but no code. don't know other than take it back and let the dealership stick it to me. just want to share this story with ya i'm about ready to pick it up and throw it. ....lol

[@1970chevelle396]

MsLeelee94 I have had a few vehicles I've worked on over the years where the check engine looked light is on , and there was no codes. Clear it again and see what happens.

[@northjerseykevin3915]

👍

[@ultramindcontrolrealzz8367]

She never did oil changes

[@mcquioidrm]

3.8 jeep 2008wr

[@k9dark10]

I have a 2010 JK with 54k miles and this is what happened to mine. Junk.

[@keithcerce8445]

Hope your replacing that engine w/ something good

[@keithcerce8445]

10 minutes later Awwww. Great job security though

[@bjonh3099]

100,000 miles and the second engine? Jeeps are such garbage.

[@1970chevelle396]

The older ones with the inline engines were ok.