N42: Rebuilt (as in overhaul) or change engine block?

[badass_ck]

Dear Sifus,

Yes, it is me again and my car is plaque with problems.

Latest issue - water sips into engine. I found my engine oil is mixed with water. I have changed the water pump.

I have been advised that:

(1) most likely the 'gasket is burnt' where overhaul is required;
(2) no point overhauling it because in the end, water still seeps into the engine block;
(3) change another n42 engine.

Now, the dilemma I have is:

(a) if i change to another chop shop n42 engine, i dont know what are the existing problems of this replacement engine. So, it is not worth to do the replacement.

Do you agree with my (a)?

( b )if I overhaul it, water still seeps in. What else can I do?

For ( b ), two different shops which had been recommended to said the same thing.

If that is the case, what is there left for my car to be fixed when it is known that the problem wont be resolved?

Input from all of the sifus are much appreciated.

Note: to change to a M54 engine is very costly (RM 25k). This is not an option as I might as well buy a new car.

****
1) Any N42 owners have overhauled and have not encountered problem for at least one or 2 years?

2) Any really reliable workshop can overhaul for me?

 

[moots]

if the cause of the coolant disappearing is due to the head gasket...just change that.don't do any more driving as you will destroy the engine as the engine oil is now contaminated.

if you have hi mileage...engine consuming oil,reduced compression,no power etc then then you may want to change engine.

on my previous e39 (m52b28) where I holed the #6 piston,I was contemplating overhauling,which is lengthy (2-3 weeks) and more costly so I did a direct engine swap.worth every penny as they say.engine power was back and all was well again.all oil seals and gaskets(except head gaskets) was replaced lto avoid having to re-do in case it leaks later.

i did the eng chg at optimum auto damnasara kayu ara...look for ah foo

note> chop shop engines are generally ok.deal with the wshop to have a good replacement engine fitted.

 

[gendong]

I really really feel u bro. N42s are too manja an engine. I am having the same issue as u, but was told by my mech, and also few other 2nd, 3rd n so on opinions, that the only option is to change the engine block. Yes wld love to change to M54s but the cost is equivalent of changing the whole car.

If possible, try to source out for N46 engine which is said to be much more reliable. My guess after swap, yes it wld last for another 2 years. Workshop? Well i'd go to my normal one, or some mech that i can trust the work with.

 

[badass_ck]

if the cause of the coolant disappearing is due to the head gasket...just change that.don't do any more driving as you will destroy the engine as the engine oil is now contaminated.

if you have hi mileage...engine consuming oil,reduced compression,no power etc then then you may want to change engine.

on my previous e39 (m52b28) where I holed the #6 piston,I was contemplating overhauling,which is lengthy (2-3 weeks) and more costly so I did a direct engine swap.worth every penny as they say.engine power was back and all was well again.all oil seals and gaskets(except head gaskets) was replaced lto avoid having to re-do in case it leaks later.

i did the eng chg at optimum auto damnasara kayu ara...look for ah foo

note> chop shop engines are generally ok.deal with the wshop to have a good replacement engine fitted.

hi bro,

i dont think it is just plainly 'coolant disappearing' but the water is kinda mixed with the engine oil already. When i topped up water, i can see the overflow of water have traces of oil.

So, you dont recommend it to be rebuild? I have to change it instead?

I really really feel u bro. N42s are too manja an engine. I am having the same issue as u, but was told by my mech, and also few other 2nd, 3rd n so on opinions, that the only option is to change the engine block. Yes wld love to change to M54s but the cost is equivalent of changing the whole car.

If possible, try to source out for N46 engine which is said to be much more reliable. My guess after swap, yes it wld last for another 2 years. Workshop? Well i'd go to my normal one, or some mech that i can trust the work with.

Hi bro,

so far, the two opinions that i got are to change the engine.

You dont recommend me to rebuild too?

 

[gendong]

in my case, rebuilding was not an option as after a few consultation with different mechanics, all came to the conclusion that my block was cracked, hence the ignition and idling issues, loss of water and the list goes on and on.

i rebuilt my engine sometime back, changed all the wear n tear, hoses, gaskets, all of it...... lasted me a couple of of years. in all honesty, i do push my engine to the max, hence the engine issues.

my rebuilt costed somewhere in the vicinity of rm8k, with a long list of parts changed. thats more or less the cost of getting a new (well used actually) engine installed

 

[astroboy]

It can be a RM250 fix.. Replace the heat exchanger first.

 

[badass_ck]

in my case, rebuilding was not an option as after a few consultation with different mechanics, all came to the conclusion that my block was cracked, hence the ignition and idling issues, loss of water and the list goes on and on.

i rebuilt my engine sometime back, changed all the wear n tear, hoses, gaskets, all of it...... lasted me a couple of of years. in all honesty, i do push my engine to the max, hence the engine issues.

my rebuilt costed somewhere in the vicinity of rm8k, with a long list of parts changed. thats more or less the cost of getting a new (well used actually) engine installed

So, it is possible to rebuild it? A few years is good enough for me.

It can be a RM250 fix.. Replace the heat exchanger first.

Noted. I will do that then. Thanks

 

[zeedo]

Another option is to get a half cut engine but make sure to do at least top overhaul on that engine, rebuilt is my preference but the cost is higher but you get a new engine feel.

There is a heat exchanger at the bottom of the radiator but that is for the gearbox oil, for engine oil it is located at the top near oil filter housing...you can try to check those since it comes in multiple oil seals and gaskets too.

Used N42 for 7 years so I pretty much have to search for the seals, gaskets and o-rings to ensure it was leak free.

 

[badass_ck]

It can be a RM250 fix.. Replace the heat exchanger first.

Another option is to get a half cut engine but make sure to do at least top overhaul on that engine, rebuilt is my preference but the cost is higher but you get a new engine feel.

There is a heat exchanger at the bottom of the radiator but that is for the gearbox oil, for engine oil it is located at the top near oil filter housing...you can try to check those since it comes in multiple oil seals and gaskets too.

Used N42 for 7 years so I pretty much have to search for the seals, gaskets and o-rings to ensure it was leak free.

Hello sifus,

I did as told, changed the heat exchanger (RM 292 GST inclusive). I am told by the mechanic that if the autocooler at the gearbox is spoiled, it would lead to the mixture of water and engine oil too. Would this be right?

Urmmm anyway, as you may be aware, I am having problem starting the car too. What I did is, i bought "STP fuel injector cleaner" to try to fix it first. It has been a nagging problem for at least 8 or 9 months already. The same mechanic suggested me to get a chopshop injectors.

 

[anaksarawak]

I had a similar issue too with N42, did an overhaul but lasted 16months only then finally moved to N46 engine. Wish I have more $$$ to get a full set of M54B30 with manual gearbox hahahaha

 

[zeedo]

Hello sifus,

I did as told, changed the heat exchanger (RM 292 GST inclusive). I am told by the mechanic that if the autocooler at the gearbox is spoiled, it would lead to the mixture of water and engine oil too. Would this be right?

Urmmm anyway, as you may be aware, I am having problem starting the car too. What I did is, i bought "STP fuel injector cleaner" to try to fix it first. It has been a nagging problem for at least 8 or 9 months already. The same mechanic suggested me to get a chopshop injectors.

The autobox oil cooler leak will cause water to mix with gearbox oil and cause damage to gearbox and you end up with oily coolant and might spoil your radiator, and water pump...causing overheat and burn your engine. It's a chain reaction so check that autobox oil cooler too....

 

[badass_ck]

I had a similar issue too with N42, did an overhaul but lasted 16months only then finally moved to N46 engine. Wish I have more $$$ to get a full set of M54B30 with manual gearbox hahahaha

i am told to abandon my N42 and change to N46. Are you still using your N46? Do you face any problem such as water seeping into engine? to change to M54 will cost 20k. So i was told.

The autobox oil cooler leak will cause water to mix with gearbox oil and cause damage to gearbox and you end up with oily coolant and might spoil your radiator, and water pump...causing overheat and burn your engine. It's a chain reaction so check that autobox oil cooler too....

I have opted to go to another workshop which has good reviews from this forum. He told me to abandon my n42 and change to n46. I asked what is the difference and he said lesser problem. Lesser means how much less? He cant answer.

I have changed the heat exchanger and the water is still mixed with oil. I am now not driving the car for fear of damaging it further. I may need to source for N46. Is N46 really better?

Thanks.