Help ASAP! Engine rebuild :(

C

Coops75

New member
Hi everyone. My truck is sitting at a shop. Looks like it has a broken valve spring or worse. They're telling me at least $2300. The v6 has 217000kms on it so I called around to see rebuild prices. One place does everything and comes with a 50000km warranty but it's at least $10000 :(
I'm waiting to hear from another place that said ithat will be about $3500 to $4000. Other option is getting a used engine and it would come out to $7500.
This is why I knew I shouldnt buy a high mileage used car which I've never done before and never will again :'(

Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich
 
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$4000 around here would get you a junkyard motor, with a taillight warranty.

$7500 would get you a rebuilt with a 12/12000 warranty.

Tough choice for you,guess it depends if you have a note on the 4runner, own it out right, and how much is already tied up.

Although if it's just a spring, and it didn't get swarf deeper into the motor, just fix it and drive. Need a firm diagnosis to really make a good decision.
 
Trumpet said:
$4000 around here would get you a junkyard motor, with a taillight warranty.

$7500 would get you a rebuilt with a 12/12000 warranty.

Tough choice for you,guess it depends if you have a note on the 4runner, own it out right, and how much is already tied up.

Although if it's just a spring, and it didn't get swarf deeper into the motor, just fix it and drive. Need a firm diagnosis to really make a good decision.
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I would take it to a different shop and get a different opinion. Whats it doing that you took it to a shop? Misfire?
 
I just got a call from them after removing the valve cover and they still haven't figure it out.
Sounds like a loud tapping metal on metal. Started on the hwy and when I accelerate it was louter. Then it started feeling like it was bucking a bit. Makes the sound too when idling. It sounds like it's coming from the fan and pulley area.
 
Could it be a bad tensioner causing timing chain slap. Like I said, unless you trust those guys, I would go somewhere else and get another opinion.
 
Iluvboost said:
Could it be a bad tensioner causing timing chain slap. Like I said, unless you trust those guys, I would go somewhere else and get another opinion.
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Not sure what to think your problem is, but I agree you should always get a second opinion when it's seems this seriouis, if it's a problem with your timing chain and it isn't broken yet you're only looking at a few hundred to have if fixed instead of thousands!!!

These 4Runners are not known to die with only 200,000 miles, they usually go upward to 300,000 miles or more before they even start to die unless it was extremely abused, and you're saying 217,000 kms which is only 135,000 miles which is considered low mileage for these 4Runners!!
 
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+1 on a second opinion... Take it to the dealer, diagnostic is around $120, and you can be on your way with an answer if you don't like the repair price either.

There were times I have done that just to end up fixing it myself.

Hopefully you have access to another car... I hate being rushed and inconvenienced when making decisions like this.
 
As has been said, get a second opinion. At that mileage I wouldn't suspect a catastrophic failure requiring replacement or major bebuild. As inconvenient as it is consider having it towed to a quality mechanic and renting something to drive rather than responding to a questionable/speculative diagnosis.
 
Coops75 said:
I just got a call from them after removing the valve cover and they still haven't figure it out.
Sounds like a loud tapping metal on metal. Started on the hwy and when I accelerate it was louter. Then it started feeling like it was bucking a bit. Makes the sound too when idling. It sounds like it's coming from the fan and pulley area.
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Sounds like a burnt valve. It happened to a Honda Civic I owned many years ago and the symptoms were identical.
If this is the case it's not catastrophic although won't be cheap if you want it fixed right. Definitely a lot cheaper than a used engine though. Good luck.
 
Well still no idea what it is. They took the valve cover off and tested a bunch of stuff. Then they took off the front cover and timing chain and tensioner are fine. I don't know what to do. They want to know what I want. I'm at $600 bill now. Definitely want to take it somewhere but do I take it to a rebuilder? Toyota? Just give up and junk it?
This sucks!
 
if they havent already done a compression test and or used a bore scope to look at the valves through the spark plug hole they dont sound very smart. its pretty easy to see a burnt valve with a bore scope/ inspection camera. i would try to find a well regarded import/engine specific shop in your area and have it taken to them. however if they already have the timing cover off youre already halfway into a timing chain job. so theres that i guess.
 
Yes they used a scope and did a compression test, but nothing. They're first thought was a spring or valve. Now they have no idea but just say they're sure it's internal. But everything looks fine. Don't really want to go to the dealer.
 
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Coops75 said:
Yes they used a scope and did a compression test, but nothing. They're first thought was a spring or valve. Now they have no idea but just say they're sure it's internal. But everything looks fine. Don't really want to go to the dealer.
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Going to the dealer will not get you much, except a very light wallet. From my experience, when I was a tech myself at a Lexus dealership, dealers never want to rebuild anything. They only want to replace, so if you want an overpriced job on getting a new engine installed... a dealer is the right place to go. :playball:
 
I'm just wondering if I should pay them to put the front cover and valve cover back on and get it running again? Will probably charge me another 600 but cold take it somewhere else or take a video and post it here for suggestions.
 
Coops,

Aren't there any local dudes who are also on this board who can help you with some diagnosis? Seems like if few guys tore the engine apart in a home garage, then the problem can be diagnosed w/o a lot of money while learning the ins/outs of this engine.
 
blind squirrel said:
Going to the dealer will not get you much, except a very light wallet. From my experience, when I was a tech myself at a Lexus dealership, dealers never want to rebuild anything. They only want to replace, so if you want an overpriced job on getting a new engine installed... a dealer is the right place to go. :playball:
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...you have a point.

They are much more inclined towards changing a part than fixing a part.

I know an engine would be no different, but how far do you think they would go into the diagnostic before throwing a new motor at it?

What type of insight do you think a diagnostic would yield? Considering the alternates and costs involved, small risk in my mind.
 
Yes if there's anyone in Calgary that would be great. I think I'm going to pay them to put it back together and just park it out front of my house to try and figure it out myself for a couple days. Ill at least post a video on the forum.
 
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