Hmm. sounds just like my '65 stang did in high school...sucked a valve (still have what's left of it). the eaiser fix at the time was a replacement 289 from the wrecking yard...should have sleved it, replaced the pistion and rod and done the head.thehulk said:I gotten a lot of good information from you guys by reading most of the posts, and I'm looking for some good advice now. It seems that I may have either broken my timing chain, or sucked a valve, or something else. Here's the description of what happened:
This morning driving to work, I noticed my truck idling funny after I got off the highway. It was kinda lopping at idle...I reved the engine and thought I should get the idle adjusted soon because it was idling rough.
Parked the truck for the day (work day). When I went to start it to go home (it was cold all day, about 20 degrees or so)...the starter engaged, turned over a for a few seconds and then I heard a loud grinding noise and the starter stopped dead and so did the engine. At first I thought it was a starter problem and tried to start it a few more times. Same thing...starter engages, then a grinding noise, starter stops...no start. :xcrybaby:
Obviously I've done some internal engine damage (to the head, valves, pistons...maybe even the pistons or all of the above), but can anyone out there give me an order a magnitude? I mean...has anyone ever experienced this? If they have or know what the problem might be from my description...do you know the costs involved? And if I did need to get a new head...would LC Engineering a good place to get it? Any knowledge is appreciated.
2.7 w/ automatic, 170k, no engine mods and oil change every 3-4k
Thanks...
there are a couple companies that deal exclusively with Japanese motors that sell them with under 50k. Both Oakland and South San Francisco out here in Cali have them as well as somewhere in LA. I don't know about your end of the planet but these guys do ship. the last time I checked prices ranged from $1500-$2400 for a complete motor. you might try a google search. If that doesn't work, pm me and I'll look up the local yards for you.thehulk said:Thanks guys... I'm bringing it to my mechanic today so he can scope the engine to see what is going on. I have to find out what the issue is (I'm hoping for the best and bracing for the worst).
If I do need a replacement motor, does anyone know where to get a quality reman. 2.7 L engine? I live in CT. Or possibly if someone knows of a totalled 97 Tacoma w/ 2.7 in it? I also checked on Ebay and didn't find anything.
I called LC Engieering and they want $4,500 for a long block (the truck is only worth about $7,000) for a street engine...and that's without shipping to CT. The stealership in my area wants about $2,400 for a short block (no head). If I do have to replace the motor and considering the short block would be brand new, I would probably go with the stealership's price and find a used head and recondition it. Or of course if I found a low milage used motor, I would go with that.
I'll keep you posted (for those who are interested in finding out what happened)...
Thanks in advance.
I would replace the motor; you don't need a '97. let me know if you need the #s to the japanese motor outfits out here.thehulk said:Well it wasn't major damage, but it is a total pain the ass and will cost me lots of $$.
What happened was the head gasket went inside the motor. When the motor was running the coolant didn't leak into the cylinder...when I stopped the motor and let it sit all day...the coolant leaked into the # 1 cylinder. And you guessed it...hydro lock... The horrible noise I heard came from the starter and the flywheel grinding.
Basically the motor is fine and so is the head. But I do have to get my timing chain, gears and guides replaced. Along with the water pump and so on... Which brings me to the next step. Repairing the existing motor might be the cheapest route, but I plan on keeping the truck for a few more years (don't want a note). And to repair a motor with 170k miles on it seems dumb.
So I think I have two options. Here they are...let me know what you guys think...or have another idea.
Option A. Buy a new short block from Toyota and recondition the existing head. This is the most expensive route.
Option B. Buy a used motor with low miles (fat chance seeing how its a 97) and drop it in. Second most expensive route.
Thanks for your help guys.
any '97-'04 should work. and the motor would be from a Tacoma only. just specify it to be a 2.7 and NOT a 2.4.thehulk said:That would be great...I have a buddy who told me about a website that sells cheap Jap. motors. They are imported from japan.
Yes...please hook me up with the numbers. I will call them asap.
What do you mean about not needing a 97? Could I use 97 - 04? The only thing im worried about using a used motor from japan is the emissions and the ECU. I've also heard the jap. motors sometimes have different hp ratings. Obviously I'd want it to be higher...but what if it's lower than 150 hp? It could be out of a car or something. Do you know if this is true?
Thanks for your help...
that's odd, I've called the local yards in the past and they have both 2.7s and 3.4 gas engines for US Tacomas all with between 35 and 50k miles. but now you have me currious so I'll call both of them in the morning.98 Taco said:I have a spare set of heads for the 2.7(new)
I bought them off another member and never did anything with them
I paid $500, I will consider all reasonable offers
BTW, the engines tha come from Japan will not work for us Tacoma owners, they are the Hilux Turbo diesel motors, not gas engines, I checked around for myself
I called Japan Engines in Oakland and they have one for your '97 with 40k for $1500 + freight. the guy said there are differences between the model years.thehulk said:That would be great...I have a buddy who told me about a website that sells cheap Jap. motors. They are imported from japan.
Yes...please hook me up with the numbers. I will call them asap.
What do you mean about not needing a 97? Could I use 97 - 04? The only thing im worried about using a used motor from japan is the emissions and the ECU. I've also heard the jap. motors sometimes have different hp ratings. Obviously I'd want it to be higher...but what if it's lower than 150 hp? It could be out of a car or something. Do you know if this is true?
Thanks for your help...
