How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Jeep Engine?

The engine plays a vital role in the performance of the Jeep. Once its service life is over, you will face multiple repetitive issues like stalling, odd noises, or smokey smell from the engine. So, replacing the engine is the best way to deal with these ongoing issues.

However, engine replacement is an extensive job for timing and budget; therefore, you must work out a complete plan with the assistance of a professional mechanic.

Generally, the Jeep engine replacement cost varies from $2500 to $8,000, including labor, parts price, retailer, and working hours. So, if you are looking for a comprehensive guide for engine replacement, this article will be helpful.

Without much ado, let’s dive into business.

How much does it cost to replace a Jeep engine?

Jeep engine replacement cost mainly depends on your approach to achieving your goal. It can vary concerning your skill set and the time and effort you are ready to invest in replacing the engine.

The two approaches could be; if you are mechanically inclined, you can minimize the labor cost and perform this whole replacement process yourself. In comparison, the next approach could be hiring a professional to perform this task for you.

There are huge options available for cheap to moderate engine parts. Since labor costs significantly affect the total engine replacement cost, you can save a bit of a dent in your pocket if you perform it yourself. Otherwise, the Jeep engine replacement cost may vary from 2,500 to 8,000 dollars.

When should you replace your Jeep’s engine? 

When the service life of a Jeep engine ends, several symptoms signal a needed engine replacement. Here are the major ones:

• Unusual sounds: The engine produces unusual squeaking, knocking, or abnormal sounds.
• Heavy smoke from exhaust: The engine produces dense smoke of white, blue, or black color depending upon the underlying issue like coolant leak, fuel consumption, or oil leakage.
• Over fuel consumption: When the engine becomes weak, it starts consuming extra fuel, which is also a significant sign leading to engine replacement.
• Low performance: A delay in engine starting or cut-off of the engine during driving is also a symptom of a breakdown.

Factors contributing to the replacement cost of Jeep engine

These factors majorly contribute to the replacement cost of the Jeep engine.

1. Engine type

Different brand options like Titan, Dalmer, Tri Star, and others are available for Jeep. Therefore, it depends on which manufacturer you choose, as they vary significantly in price. Moreover, you must know your driving needs while choosing an engine, as different brands offer different specifications, performance variations, and driving abilities.

You can simply go for as low as $2,500 if you are not an off-roader. In contrast, being an off-roader, the most affordable engine you will get is in nothing less than $4,000.

2. Labor cost

Replacing the engine is a lot of time and energy-consuming work. Due to this, labor cost contributes a significant share of the total replacement cost. Even a drop-in fit engine requires many days of disassembly and reassembly. 

As most of the workshops charge per hourly rate, therefore, generally, the minimum labor cost by the end of engine replacement lies between $1000 to $2000. 

Moreover, the engine’s condition is a sub-factor that plays a role in labor cost. If the old engine is in bad condition, it will take more time to disassemble, directly affecting the labor cost.

3. Time

Engine replacement is a complex job, and we strongly advise you to plan this activity with your mechanic before taking your Jeep to the workshop. Decide what engine type to use and what other parts are needed in the replacement, as once the engine goes into disassembly, every passing minute will count in labor time. Eventually, your labor cost will increase. 

4. Age of engine

In other words, the engine’s condition is another factor contributing  to the total replacement cost. As the engine grows, older parts like pistons, crankshafts, bearings, etc., take more time to remove due to rust or other issues. Ultimately, labor cost increases.

5. Engine parts

Several after-market options are available when buying engine parts if you are going for a low-cost changeover. But if you prefer to purchase parts from an OEM, you eventually have to pay more due to their fine quality and brand name. Therefore, it totally depends upon your choice and budget.

Steps to follow while replacing the Jeep Wrangler engine

Follow these instructions step by step to replace your Jeep engine:

1. Disconnect the battery

First, you must disconnect the Jeep battery before starting the process. Also, the whole process will become a lot easier if you remove your bonnet.

Now unplug the negative and positive terminals of the battery.

2. Spill out the fluids.

Spread some rags on the floor before doing this step, as no matter how cautious you are, some of the fluids will mess up the ground. After that, drain out engine oil and coolant on the drip trays cautiously so that you can refill them later if they are in good condition.

3. Remove FRP parts and other accessories.

Take out the bumper, headlights, and other removable body parts, as they will obstruct working. 

4. Unplug the intake, exhaust, coolant lines, and radiator.

Unbolt the intake and exhaust pipes. Also, detach the coolant system and take out the radiator. If you don’t attempt these activities before engine removal, then it will be hanging at the time of taking out the engine.

So, it is better to plan these activities before.

5. Remove the old engine.

Once you have disconnected all the wiring and other electrical equipment, it is time to pull out the old engine. Tie the crane straps to the engine and use steel chains to secure the gearbox. Pull out the engine very carefully now. 

After this, clean all the components, specifically oil parts, to make everything neat before the new engine installation.

6. Install the new engine.

Using a crane, drop in the new engine and fit all the accessories that we removed previously. Reconnect all the electrical wiring, exhaust, intake boxes, radiator, and other similar things.

Now retighten all the bolts and attach the bonnet and headlights. After doing this, refill the coolant and engine oil as needed.

Voila! You are ready to fire your new engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee engine variants

You can choose any of the below-listed engines if you have a Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Engine Variants	Price
DPI457835- Exclusive engine by Dalmer	$6,701
2095- Tri Star Long Block Engine	$3,537
RE08159- J-Force PRO Parts Engine	$5,423

Jeep Wrangler engine variants

Engine Variants	Price
Nu Tech Engine DDHD2	$5,314
Titan Remanufactured Long Block Engine TENG119	$3,617
Tri Star Long Block Engine 2131	$3,461

Summary

Choosing between engine replacement and rebuilding is a tough decision. Moreover, it varies on personal preferences and driving needs.

It is undeniable that engine replacement is costly, and it is only favorable if you have the professional skills to do it yourself. So, it would be best to look into the reasons behind changing your engine. If other parts of the Jeep are perfectly functional and you are facing trouble due to the engine only, then you should opt for a replacement; otherwise, it is not a win-win situation.

FAQs

What is the Jeep Wrangler engine rebuild cost?

If you want to rebuild your Jeep Wrangler engine, it will cost you around $2,000. However, you can also buy a used engine for a comparatively less price. But remember that this price doesn’t include a DIY engine building kit and engine parts in case of damage.

What is the Jeep Wrangler’s new engine cost?

The average cost of replacing the Jeep Wrangler engine is around $3,000 to $7,000. In contrast, you can get a better deal if you prefer surfing your mechanical skills in a junkyard.

What is the Jeep 4.0 engine replacement cost?

4.0L, 6-cylinder is the best engine design, automotive engineers have made up till now. Complete replacement will cost you in a range of $1,800 to $2,200 from an online retailer, which can be reduced if you check the physical markets.

What is the Jeep Wrangler 3.6 engine replacement cost?

If you want to replace your 4.0L engine, then 3.6L is a good option. You can make this deal for around $2,500 to 3,500. You might get a different performance measure, but it is a great option, although a little pricey.

What is the Jeep 3.8 engine replacement cost?

The Jeep 3.8 engine replacement cost is around $3500 to $6500. It may vary with the labor costs, spare parts, and manufacturing parts prices.