Replacing engine questions

[delloro]

Additionally I sure wish some of you guys lived in my city and I should have gotten better advice early on.

Well this is a way to learn, don't let people get you down. You just bought a project is all.

If you have not pulled the heads, then button it back up and try starting fluid if you have not already.

Reperform the compression test with a different gauge and let us know what it reads.

 

[Watchdogg]

Doesn't the computer shut the engine down after a wreck. Maybe that's why it won't restart. Don't know for sure, just throwing that out there.

 

[MossJenks]

FYI - yes we got spark and yes we got fuel. It turns over like it wants to catch but just can't.

At this point the engine is taken apart to the valves since we (me and the mechanic thought it must be a valve job) and I have to say I think my mechanic is not the best for this but I'm kinda screwed at this point to take it to the dealer (in pieces)

My only hope now is to put in a known running engine and get on with the repairs to the frame/steering

So, unless I am reading wrong on my initial questions, the key should work when I use the existing ECU with the new engine.

I guess if I do this and it still doesn't work, it is an expensive stupid tax.

It sure sounds like you're trying to make it a lot more expensive! Why do you think it's something with the mechanical unit? It's a lot more likely to be electrical. You'd really be ahead by figuring out a Techstream setup and asking the truck what's wrong with it. I personally think the towing fee and a couple hours worth of mechanic time would be a good investment to have it towed to a shop (NOT the dealership - why?!?!) and have a diagnosis done. Forgive me for saying so but flying off the handle and running out to buy a new engine when you have no idea what's wrong with this one is completely nuts. What makes you think that you can even install and wire up a new engine correctly if you can't even diagnose this one? You can put it back together, can't you? If you can't.....again, what makes you think you can put a new one in?

If you want this to end up as anything other than a money pit you need to get yourself together and rationally explore your options.

 

[houlds]

Wow the lengths people are going to get a TRD Pro are amazing. OP the real question is how much did you pay? That way we can determine if a new engine is worth going through the trouble

 

[WVhillbilly]

Doesn't the computer shut the engine down after a wreck. Maybe that's why it won't restart. Don't know for sure, just throwing that out there.

Fuel pump relay?

 

[northcoast]

How far was the drop off the bridge?

 

[derek_flint]

Do not want to sound rude but are you really wanting to go down that rabbit hole with that truck? Not only will it possibly be a new engine but what about the driveshafts,hubs and all the bearings. And depending on how it fell new rear end,transfer cases and possibly all new steering rack and front suspension.

Probably fixing it will cost more than a new 4runner. Again is it really worth it?

 

[wfo9]

I guess if I do this and it still doesn't work, it is an expensive stupid tax.

The stupid tax is not paying $20 to get a TIS cable and install some free software to hookup it to the truck and have it to tell you exactly what is wrong.

This does not always work... or even provide good clues in all cases, but not using it as the first step is nuts.

Might have saved you a lot of time and money.. Good luck though.

 

[Antman]

You guys have given me a lot to think about.

The auction said "starts" and the engine did not appear to have damage done to it. The oil looked good, no radiator damage, etc. Had a hard hit to the oil pan but it appeared in good shape structurally. OBVIOUSLY I am no mechanic and have relied in the past on my local mechanics that have done okay to this point. I've bought a couple minimally wrecked vehicles and I know a great frame shop, so I figured for sure frame damage and steering but never thought that there would be a problem with the engine (Being a Toyota and all). This will be my 5th 4 Runner, and I think the excitement got the better of me when I saw this one. Obviously I am over my head with this one. mgprodfit is right - I shouldn't have bought it.


FYI - yes we got spark and yes we got fuel. It turns over like it wants to catch but just can't.

At this point the engine is taken apart to the valves since we (me and the mechanic thought it must be a valve job) and I have to say I think my mechanic is not the best for this but I'm kinda screwed at this point to take it to the dealer (in pieces)

My only hope now is to put in a known running engine and get on with the repairs to the frame/steering

So, unless I am reading wrong on my initial questions, the key should work when I use the existing ECU with the new engine.

I guess if I do this and it still doesn't work, it is an expensive stupid tax.

It could be as simple as the key immobilizer in the keyfob. It'll crank and crank but not start if you have the wrong (magnetic code) key.