Hi guys, haven't been here much since swapping the TS for a Paj, but having discovered that we perhaps caught the problems the former Paj owner was trying to dodge, I thought maybe someone here might have some answers/ideas that could help...

Anyway...I'm canvassing pretty much any viable and affordable option for a replacement engine that will give the best chance for a reliable engine for as many years as possible!

I've seen plenty of people mention conversions based on the 6G72, taking the Magna block and swapping in the Paj heads and other bits required for it to work. Haven't seen much on doing the same for the 6G74 (our Paj is a '96 NJ GLX Escape, with DOHC 6G74, btw), but if it can be done...?

Any ideas on the best places to get either a short or long 6G74? I've googled my backside off, and still haven't come across anything particularly useful, so I'm hoping someone here might have some better leads. I'd prefer a long engine if the price is right, as it's a whole lot less work, but would quite happily go the short if the dollars worked out better.

6G74 in a paj and 6G74 in a magna are different IIRC in terms of crossover and non crossover oil pumps.
Its why 3000GT owners can use a Pajero 74 for a conversion, but not a diamante 74.

Whats wrong with it?

What is up with the engine you currently have

As Paul stated, there are some differences and for the ease of set up you would be far better off getting your current engine repaired

There'd been a bit of top-end noise for a while, but it was fairly subdued and in no way a concern. No indications of any other issues, and generally looking pretty good.

And then a week ago I drove to Wollongong from Goulburn, and found I had problems, to say the least. As I was going to a concern in Sydney that night after finishing in Wollongong, I'd had the music up most of the way, and so it wasn't until I was coming into Wollongong that I noticed the noise - something akin to an army of monkeys going full-on with jackhammers under the bonnet! When I checked the oil, the dipstick was bone dry, and it took 3.5L before the level came back up to normal. The bugger of it is that I'd been checking the oil pressure gauge periodically and yet it remained steady on at a healthy level the whole way - no signs of trouble at all.

I'm no mechanic, but I do know that engines tend to like oil, and there's no way an engine is going to run with only a litre or so of oil and make that much noise and not sustain significant wear/damage in the process.

Yes, I could just try to have my engine repaired, but I really can't have it off the road for any longer than absolutely necessary, so it's not a good option to potentially have it off for who knows how long if further problems aren't discovered until it's out and apart etc. Hence my interest in a solution that gets me the best quality engine back in there in the shortest time! :) I'd like a long engine if possible, but a suitable short would still be good for the right price - gives me a nice solid reliable bottom end, and the top end is pretty simple to fix up as required.

So, is it leaking oil, or did it just eat 3.5L of oil? Standard oil pressure gauges are usually junk....pays to fit an aftermarket gauge and sender..

No leaks that I've ever noticed. As best I can tell, it just decided to eat the oil, although I've not noticed any smoke either.

I think I will take your advice and include a quality sender and gauge to the shopping list when the engine gets pulled.

if its knocking and was low on oil for a long time could of done a bottom or bigend bearing. pity ya not in NZ, theres a DOHC 6G74 out of a paj going for $650.

if its knocking and was low on oil for a long time could of done a bottom or bigend bearing. pity ya not in NZ, theres a DOHC 6G74 out of a paj going for $650.

Yeah the DOHC's like to spin big ends.

Hmmm very strange....oil must be going somewhere!

Are they known to? is there much difference in the bottom end compared to the sohc, ie same crank,rods? i know the pistons are different. yeah the oil must be !!! maybe a leaking filter spewing it onto the road??

a common issue with the paj is worn valve stem seals. that would be most likely where your oil is going.
when the seals are worn you will experience a high oil usage. this is a common issue due to poor servicing on these engines.... if you want to know how to check the seals, top it up with oil and start it and take it for a good spin and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.when you get back,
let it idle for at least 2 or 3 minutes or more then get some one to give it a quick but good rev while your standing behind the car.
what should happen next is that you will see smoke leave from the exhaust while throttle is applied and when it returns to idle for a short period.... i would do this before you spend any money on anything else... if you buy a second hand engine to replace it make sure you can hear it running and you can check for the same issue.. if your engine isn't damaged due to low oil then you can get the seals replaced for about 600 to 1000 depending on the mechanic.

good luck mate.......

a common issue with the paj is worn valve stem seals. that would be most likely where your oil is going.
when the seals are worn you will experience a high oil usage. this is a common issue due to poor servicing on these engines.... if you want to know how to check the seals, top it up with oil and start it and take it for a good spin and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.when you get back,
let it idle for at least 2 or 3 minutes or more then get some one to give it a quick but good rev while your standing behind the car.
what should happen is that you will see smoke come from the exhaust while throttle is applied and when it returns to idle for a short period.... i would do this before you spend any money on anything else... if you buy a second hand engine to replace it make sure you can hear it running and you can check for the same issue.. if your engine isn't damaged due to low oil then you can get the seals replaced for about 600 to 1000 depending on the mechanic.

good luck mate.......

I thought this was mainly the issue with the SOHC 12v 72's though....although still a possibility not very common amongst the DOHC motors