Any way to tell if an engine has overheated?

[lcchik]

I bought my 01 4Runner last October with 78K miles. A couple of months ago a rod broke while turning into a parking stall. Bought a 132K used engine from LQK with a 6 mos warranty. While taking apart the old motor, we noticed that it appeared that the water pump had leaked in the past. The timing belt looked new.

I wonder...could have the engine overheated (due to faulty water pump) with the PO leading to later rod failure? A mechanic I recently spoke to had this opinion.

When we replaced the water pump on the "new" LQK engine, it looks as if the water pump had failed on this engine (lots and lots of what appears to be dry foam around it). We are replacing just about everything...radiator w/hoses, timing belt, idlers, valve gaskets, cooler o rings, pcv valve, etc. while the engine is out.

Ok....so now I am paranoid. Could this "new" engine also have overheated? What can I check to see if it had possibly overheated? Anything else I can replace?

 

[Singtoe]

There is now way of really knowing if it had ever over heated.

The LKQ warranty is solid though. Just document the fact that you have replaced the WP and TB. I would also take a picture of the old wp too.

You can check the overall condition of engine by doing a leak down check followed by a compression check.

FWIW, I don't believe that a broken rod would have any thing to do with over heating



My grandfather once told me "Never loan out your truck or your wife because a rod could be thrown in either one of them."

 

[lcchik]

My grandfather once told me "Never loan out your truck or your wife because a rod could be thrown in either one of them."

very wise gramps!

 

[white_n_slow]

A broken rod is more likely the result of poor lubrication or horribly askew tuning (running lean). Seems like the head gaskets would go long before the internals gave out if the issue was just overheating. Either way, document everything just in case!

my $0.02

 

[lcchik]

The LKQ warranty is solid though.

Good to hear. I was impressed by the LKQ salvage yard - very organized and huge! The engine I received was very clean and a 6 mos warranty was better than most. Would definitely use them again, although I hope not to.

A broken rod is more likely the result of poor lubrication or horribly askew tuning (running lean). Seems like the head gaskets would go long before the internals gave out if the issue was just overheating. Either way, document everything just in case.

Ok I am feeling less paranoid. Good to hear that both of you do not associate a broken rod with overheating. Perhaps I just got a bad engine. Lucky me.

 

[nevada]

I bought my 01 4Runner last October with 78K miles. A couple of months ago a rod broke while turning into a parking stall. Bought a 132K used engine from LQK with a 6 mos warranty. While taking apart the old motor, we noticed that it appeared that the water pump had leaked in the past. The timing belt looked new.

I wonder...could have the engine overheated (due to faulty water pump) with the PO leading to later rod failure? A mechanic I recently spoke to had this opinion.

When we replaced the water pump on the "new" LQK engine, it looks as if the water pump had failed on this engine (lots and lots of what appears to be dry foam around it). We are replacing just about everything...radiator w/hoses, timing belt, idlers, valve gaskets, cooler o rings, pcv valve, etc. while the engine is out.

Ok....so now I am paranoid. Could this "new" engine also have overheated? What can I check to see if it had possibly overheated? Anything else I can replace?

not exactly what you're asking about..

but, was it making any noise? usually they'll knock pretty loud long before they break. they give plenty of warning..

also, a busted rod isnt related to overheating...

 

[lcchik]

but, was it making any noise? usually they'll knock pretty loud long before they break. they give plenty of warning..

Nevada....absolutely no warning at all. Was turning into a parking stall, heard a loud bang when I stopped in the stall then the truck started shaking. Dash lit up...no noises at all...just shaking. Drove 15 miles to the dealership with still no knocking. Even the dealership was surprised how normal the engine sounded.

Although rare, I have read that these engines have thrown a rod at low speeds and or while turning. At least I can say the truck didn't leave me stranded!