Background:
My 2009 JKUR (Ruby the Ruby Red Rubicon) is finally about to let go of her factory freak 3.8 (the motor that gets over 20mpg, tons of power, and has never had an issue in 110k miles). I have a few questions for the more seasoned JK owners in here, as this is my first wrangler period and I have almost zero knowledge on dodges, my experience is limited to street bikes and mustangs. Anyways, any input would be great.

Ruby started being a bitch lately:
My wrangler and I have travelled from saint louis to minneapolis, dallas texas to atlanta, and florida, alabama, and charlestown SC have all been on our adventures list. I've never had an issue and were getting along just fine until recently. I brought my 2003 Cobra down to georgia and I think Ruby got jealous, cause she started being a little bitchy.. I noticed coolant leaking from the front of the driver side head, and also marks on the trans that made it appear it was leaking from the back of the block as well (which I thought was super weird until I read about a common issue where the 3.8 just cracks). Oddly enough, at the same time that this started happening, a transmission line began to leak and I noticed what sounds to me like a rod knock on startup. Not good. Well me being the motor savvy fella I am, I checked the oil for water (none) I checked the tail pipe for burning coolant (none). I have never seen a car "kinda blow a head gasket a little", so just for shits and giggles I doused the afflicted head with brake cleaner and pressed a dab of JB weld on the leaking area. PRESTO! no more leak... from the front. There still appears to be a slight drip of water coming down the trans, but its not even enough to notice the coolant level changing. Also super weird, ever since I "welded" the head on, no more motor knock.

Questions for you guys:
Have you ever seen a head gasket only leak externally?
Any bets on how long before Ruby's heart gives out?
Has anyone replaced a 3.8 before, and are there any pitfalls to look out for?
I'm looking at getting either a Jasper or Titan engine because they have a shop they use to install them here in HOTlanta and they have a 3 year 100k mile warranty. Unless someone has a recommendation elsewhere?

Thanks in advance y'all
-Carson

 

google 505 performance

 

http://www.lswrangler.com/

 

If you never replaced the intake gasket the leak is most likely coming from there.Over time more leaks will appear,we're sitting at 92k i have a small crank seal leaking,transfer input seal leaking

 

I've been very intrigued about this lately. With almost 128K on my 3.8, I've been thinking about replacements. Thankfully, my motor isn't giving me any trouble though so I'm hopeful that it will be a long time from now. The stroked 3.8 by 505 performance seems to be what I will most likely go with when that time comes.

 

Call Robbie at Motech (this website). He does GM LS motor and trans swaps. The motor is only half of the benefit, the new 6 spd auto keeps the new v8 in its power band longer and has better fuel economy which is a big plus. This is the route i went so i am biased.

The other options,

(hemi which is about same prices for equal size motors, are much heavier and suffer in the mpg but not the power and also seem to have a common overheat problem-not all but quite a few)
(Diesel, much much heavier and costlier for not alot of hp-narrow powerband, and a ton of torque-people keep talking about wanting this option but pricing is prohibitive-im not a fan but i see the appeal of the engine. Trans options suck for it tho)
(Replacement 3.8 oem engine-disappointing from birth and doesnt get better with age. Power that would impress only a moped owner-barely. Nonexistant torque. Poor mpg. Can u tell im not a fan of this option at all.)
(Hi performance options for 3.8. superchargers/tubos/blowers, common surging problems, extra maintance, poor mpg and power is not even-kicks in during the middle of the powerband, at certain speeds it will cycle in and out and very irritating. Will increase power but all at mid to top end, not down low like u need in 4x4 for torque. Pricing isnt bad but search the forums, u will see that alot of peeps that went this route, regretted it and pulled the boost system and sold it to do a v8 swap.)
(Stroker 3.8 - 4.2 engines. The motor was flawed from birth and its internal parts are barely good enough for the stock hp levels. Add boost or stroker parts and it doesnt get better. Bang for the buck isnt here either. Dollor per hp gained is very poor-and mpg isnt an option. Not a great plan for the money or work involved but does help u sneak past warrantee issues later if need be)

These are my solely my opinions, do some research. Dont just take my word for it.

 

I've thought about doing a built motor or LS swap, but honestly the cost/benefit just isn't there for me. I never take my jeep wheeling, I live in Georgia now so it never gets stuck in ice or snow storms like we had in Minneapolis or STL, and the only thing I ever tow is Jet ski's or my streetbike. I can get a new crate motor 3.8 for $2300 that bolts right in and doesn't need computer swaps or tuning or custom mounts, etc. Mainly this post is just looking for anyone that has done a DIY 3.8 engine replacement. I'll look into the intake gasket and see if I might have missed something, that could definitely explain the coolant on the trans, but still makes me wonder about the head gasket on the front of the motor. The leak I patched up was way too low to be the intake gasket, and was literally right on the seam between the head and block.

 

Okay so funny story about this, a month later and 2,000 miles down. Motor still running fine despite having what sounds to me like a small exhaust leak on the driver header. No more leaks either. I'll let you guys know when it decides to blow up

 

The 505 4.1 strokers replace all the weak parts. They are based here and ive seen great results even when turbod. They also said internals are shit and the 3.8 is a throw away motor but replace alot. They even did the jp mag build. I spoke with a engine guy there (whos just left there and is starting his own shop) a few day back for a good hour about there strokers. Not many other people will do it. They are doing tons and 3 months backlogged. Some parts are pure custom some are from other motors..

 

If you are going to go with a 3.8 replacement at any time go buy one at pep boys. Best warranty I could find 3year/unlimited mileage