Blown NHC 250 engine

[WPNS421]

I just inherited a 1986 M816 wrecker with a bad engine. The previous owner was at a show and the truck started smoking, on the way home the engine developped a loud knocking sound, but it still ran so he drove it home (30 miles).
Long story short I ended up with the truck, I towed to the mechanic and he told me the the valve cam bushings were shot probably due to no oil going to the head. The previous owner had the truck for at least 4-5 years and had never done an oil change so either the oil pump packed it in or one of the oil ports is blocked. I am good at the little things like oil changes greasing or replacing small parts but this type of repair is beyond my capabilities.
The engine still starts and runs with the loud clanking noise, now I have to find a new engine because I was given a rough estimate of approx $5K to fix this one. The M816 is a really nice unit and deserves a new engine, the prices I have seen are all over the map. Now I have to find a good drop in engine, can someone recommend a good supplier in the upper NY, NJ area. Thanks for the help
Also, I now have 2 M816 wreckers, what are the chances that you will find 2 M816 wreckers in a 10 mile radius?

 

[wheelspinner]

Might be cheaper to find a runner and part it after you pull what you need. None of the 939s coming out need EUC so border jumping should be easier. There are certainly units out there that are being parted so you should do well either way. Good luck!

 

[jcappeljr]

I just pulled a good running 250 yesterday from a truck,$1000 complete.

 

[ca1517]

I have 2 depot rebuilds, complete, in cans. 3200$.

 

[jatonka]

I am in Upstate NY, Adirondack Mts, have a NHC 250 available, pm me.

 

[ichudov]

You can buy a running ugly truck for $3k from GL, get the engine, and scrap the rest and get appx. 2k back. You can make more if you part it put more effectively.

 

[Suprman]

I have a 2003 6cta motor with or without trans. You could do an upgrade to a turbo motor.

 

[wreckerman893]

I have a 2003 6cta motor with or without trans. You could do an upgrade to a turbo motor.

I have protective custody of an M36 with the 8.3 in it. Unless you turn the fuel to it that wrecker will not get out of it's own way. At 36,000 pounds it is slow. Add the towed weight of an deuce or larger vehicle and you have a toad in the road. I was once the proud owner of an M816 but it broke me of the wrecker habit. Your milage may vary.

 

[Suprman]

I never knew they were that slow.

 

[M813A1]

You can consider a NTC 350 or NTC 400 it will fit under the hood of the M816 !! get one of those from a salvage yard truck !!