OK, this question is not a dumb as the subject sounds. I have an oil leak from a rust spot in the side of the pan. (soft to touch).

I am going to pull the motor to replace the pan, what else should I replace while I have it out?

I was thinking:

timing chain
water pump
oil pump

what about rod bearings? Motor has about 160k on it.

 

BTW, it is 1985 2.8 motor. (goodwrench replacement longblock)

 

anyone?

 

if youre going to pull it and go that far, you might as well just reseal the whole engine, head gaskets and all. as far as the bearings go, if they arent making noise or anything and youve kept up on maintenance, i dont see a reason for replacing them. if its all in good shape, they shouldnt be that bad. others may have a different opinion on that. id say replace all the gaskets while its out.

 

The motor has 160,000 on it and it is starting to make the typical bottom end chatter.

If I take off the heads to change the gasket, will I have a problem reseating the head with the original bolts or do I have to get new ones?

 

At 160k miles, I'd DEFINETLY be replacing mains/rods, and turning the crank. that way, you've got another 160k miles or so on the old girl.

Replace the oil pump, as well. Basically, anything you'd go 'Well, I'd have to pull the engine to replace that'

You really don't want to have to pull the engine again in a couple months, right?

 

heres what id do..... 1. check into getting another engine for it, it may be cheaper and lower miles. you can get a 3.4L out of a 93-95 4th gen. i just ordered one w/ only 57k miles on it. 2. you can rebuild it, all new bearings and everything, but then id suggest piston rings too, if youre going to go that far, might as well have the block machined while its disassembled.
my advise, get a new engine if youre going to do all that. or you can just replace the pan and timing chain/waterpump. that would be the cheap way to go. and since it had bottom end chatter, probably time for an engine. do a search on the 2.8 to 3.4 swap. more power and everything bolts right on. everyone says its so worth it.