So I have had my 98 'Lude for a bit more than two years now. I bought it with 120k and have put 75k on it since. Two days ago on the way to work I was doing about 65mph and went to accelerate slightly and @$@#$ and the the engine stalled. After hearing that sound I didn't even try to restart I coasted and was able to get off the ramp.
i had it towed to my house and started diagnosing. My initial assumption was that I broke a rod. Crankshaft can not be turned at all. I took spark plugs out to add Marvel Mystery Oil. Cylinder #3 spark plug was BENT---and I'm not talking a closed gap I'M TALKING BENT---, That pretty much solidified my thought that it was a rod issue. Otherwise there is no way the piston could reach the spark plug. right????
Anyways not exactly sure where to go from here. Should I rebuild???? or should I just try to track down another H22. Time IS of the essence so I leaning towards JDM/junk yard purchase.

Any and all thoughts would be appreciated

 

unless you have had some experience building motors I don't think it is feasible to try and rebuild a significantly damaged engine in a short period of time and it remain reliable. Also there is no way for your piston to hit the plug without some type of complication. The cylinder walls are probably scored beyond the limits of frm repair, there is also a good possibility other internal components are damaged if your rod did in fact break. It doesn't take very long to take off the cylinder head so you could do that if you wanted to get a better idea of the damage done. I would recommend getting a used motor to install in its place rather than a rebuild given your description.

 

I am going to look at a used motor about forty miles away tommorrow. More than likely I will be buying that engine. In either case I think I might take my time and slowly rebuild my existing motor and sell it or re-swap at a later point. I just happen to be broke at the moment...