You can narrow that compression leak down to rings or valves with a leak-down test. See where the air is going. If it comes out the block breather, it's the rings, major rebuild needed. If it comes out the intake or exhaust, then it's valves, much less involved to fix.
When to rebuild engine?
- Thread starter Trip_84
- Start date
You can narrow that compression leak down to rings or valves with a leak-down test. See where the air is going. If it comes out the block breather, it's the rings, major rebuild needed. If it comes out the intake or exhaust, then it's valves, much less involved to fix.
NachesPass4x4
Member
I'm with those that suggest adjusting the valves and doing a leak down test.
I would say the optimal time to have an engine rebuild done is when you have run out of other options.
I would say the optimal time to have an engine rebuild done is when you have run out of other options.
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
A DIY valve adjustment will cost around $100 for gaskets, $50 for tools and $50 - $100 for shims. Compare that to a full rebuild which can cost $1500 or more. Worn piston rings on a 5VZ-FE or damaged cylinder walls is very uncommon.
sportscarfan
New member
A full rebuild is not worth the investment. Get a replacement from one of the Japanese engine importers if you don't find a relatively easy repair for the low compression on those 3.
19963.4lsr5
New member
I have almost 2000 in my rebuild. To me it’s worth it because I know the history.
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ReconcileUs
New member
It's easy to find very low mileage engines in Japan because their country is smaller and they drive less. A 5VZ-FE with under 100k miles, or under 50k miles, what more history do you need?
The reason you find lower mileage JDM engines has more to do with emissions testing. Once the vehicle is ten years old it requires yearly inspection which is very costly so most Japanese people just get rid of them. The problem with knowing you're going to get rid of it at the 10 year mark can lead to some engines that are truly junk from all the sludge buildup due to lack of maintenance. I'm not saying it's the end of the world, but it is something to consider when buying a JDM engine. Also, the JDM 5VZ engines usually come from Hiace vans and require swapping over a lot of components from your original engine to the JDM engine.
By the way Japan is almost as large as the entire East Coast of the US.
