'87 2.6

[dodgy71]

Found a pretty clean but high miles '87 d50 w/ the 2.6. Looking for opinions about the motor. I'm guessing it's underpowered on the hwy. Told myself yrs ago I'd never own another carbed 4 banger yet here I am looking at one.

[geezer101]

As long as it's a 5 speed it'll manage highway speeds. If you do the basic upgrades of headers/exhaust and carb it will perform a lot better all round. Not a lot you can do if the engine is already tired without cracking it open and replacing rings and bearings bare minimum. Even experimenting with ignition tune will unearth some torque and hp.

[SubGothius]

My '87 2.6 has been perfectly adequate on the freeway at 75+ MPH, tho' I did upgrade to a Weber 32/36 carb.

I might not chance any particularly risky passing maneuvers on a 2-lane highway, but if oncoming traffic is clear, a downshift to 4th and flooring it results in acceptably brisk acceleration to pass without much worry; you can really tell when that 36mm secondary throttle opens!

[dodgy71]

I haven't went and checked it out yet as it's 4 hrs away, he said he put a weber on it already, it's a 5 sp.

[dodgy71]

He wants $3K for it, I have no idea if that's a good buy or not

[geezer101]

If it's a genuine Weber and it's set up properly (and the trucks' not full of hidden cancer or any structural issues...) then $3k is in the ball park for a decent truck. See if you can beat the guy down a little. Be thorough - tires, exhaust, steering play, interior wear etc. Listen for timing chain chatter, valve train noise, look for exhaust smoke from a standing start and eyeball the coolant and oil condition - anything that may indicate it'll need work sooner than later. It is a 35 year old truck - it's likely it will need 'some' work and most body and trim parts are not easy to find.

[dodgy71]

It's got 250K on it, would it be wise to do the timing chain? No idea of it's been done. Current owner doesn't know.

[geezer101]

If it hasn't been touched in 80-100k miles you should consider it. It will depend on how regularly the engine has been serviced. Less frequent service = more frequent wear.

[dodgy71]

There's zero "mechanics" where I live that I'd trust w/ something unique like this. Where could I take it?

[dodgy71]

I bought it. I'd like to put a pic up if I knew how. Now days it should be pretty simple what with the dum phones & all

[geezer101]

Oh, that is a predicament. You may be taking it to the school of 'I gotta learn how to do this myself'. It's a timing chain and I've seen some hideous timing chain layouts in more modern engines compared to the 4G54 (V6 quad cam with VVT anyone?) I'd source a decent quality kit first, buy a new water pump + belts and anything else that might leave a door open for a mechanic to gouge the hell out of you. If you have the right parts on hand you won't get held up while it goes into a shop.

[dodgy71]

Wasn't there some pretty technical stuff to upgrade when fixing the timing chain or was that 1st gen ?1

[geezer101]

The 4G54 2.6 had the same configuration throughout it's entire production life. It's not a great job to take on. 2 timing chains (one is a counter balance chain) The primary timing chain does the oil pump/balance shaft, cam and drive off the crank. You have the chain tensioner and a couple of guides. Then there's getting it back together without it leaking oil everywhere on start up. If you have all of the timing marks lined up and the guides are all bolted down you're set to go. It is advisable to turn the crank a few full revolutions by hand once you've got it timed to check that it is in sync before putting the cover back on.

[dodgy71]

I appreciate all that! Can you recommend a mechanic somewhere, and I don't really care where, that would be able to do this correctly? ie Has experience working on them

[dash]

dunno if Mmax facebook group, but you could try starion FB. See if amy clubmember close enough.
Same 2.6. They often know these motors in & out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291925320942153/

[SubGothius]

A lot of Mopar models also used this same 2.6L engine, albeit usually in transverse FWD applications, but the timing/valve train is the same regardless. Check your local mechanics for Japanese or Mopar specialists; if they're not familiar with or don't wanna deal with the Mitsu 2.6, they might recommend someone else who would. I gather the 2.6 was also used in a lot of forklifts, so your local forklift service shop might be a lead.

All that said, at that mileage the timing chain/etc. have almost certainly been replaced at least once, and I gather they make an unholy clattering racket (esp. on startup) when they're about to go south. Also not sure offhand if the chain guide needs periodic manual adjustment or if that became hydraulic by '87, but a worn/loose guide could also cause clattering.

[Soular]

Can the valves be a adjusted on the 2.6L motor? I have an 87 and just put in a motor from the Junkyard in it. I don't want it to meet the same fate as the last motor that was put in it. (block cylinder wall got bunt up and cracked. My guess is the exhaust valves where out of whack. I don't know as I am not a mechanic... I just own stuff that needs me to play one.

So I am about to do the valve cover and put on some headers and new exhaust if I can these exhaust bolts off and junk.

So just wondering... If they can be adjusted does anyone know the specs for the 2.6L for he 4x4.

Thanks all.

[geezer101]

No adjustment on the hydraulic heads. The early Astron I heads were mechanical, as were 4G52 2.0's.

[Soular]

Thank you!! For the info!