Hello everyone. I have a 97 lx450 with 330,000 mile on it and it is still running well. I have replaced most of the seals that caused leaks in the past and the engine does not have any leaks and is now bone dry. However, it is starting to burn some oil and I am having to add about a quart every thousand miles or so. There is no blue smoke or anything but the engine feels less responsive and tired. I have decided to get this engine rebuild, instead of buying a rebuilt engine. I have called several machine shops around here and they are having difficulty locating a rebuilt kit. Any recommendations, suggestions regarding shops that specialize in rebuilding these motors or good companies that have good rebuilt engines would be appreciated. I am located in North Carolina. thanks.
1997 lx450 --- engine rebuild
- Thread starter Backman
- Start date
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OTRAMM in Va does rebuilds. He works on Cruisers all day. Likely that it is just the valve seals being worn and causing some blow-by. Oil consumption by the 1FZ-FE is normal for the most part.
The rebuild kit you are looking for is for the head gasket. Toyota part #: 04112-66036
Go to this thread and see post #25 for parts list in this kit.
forum.ih8mud.com
If you want a "full" re-build, call Ryan at OTRAMM and he can get you squared away, just keep in mind that it isn't cheap.
The rebuild kit you are looking for is for the head gasket. Toyota part #: 04112-66036
Go to this thread and see post #25 for parts list in this kit.
Head gasket blew...now to figure out options
forum.ih8mud.com
If you want a "full" re-build, call Ryan at OTRAMM and he can get you squared away, just keep in mind that it isn't cheap.
Automotive machine in Odessa Texas rebuilt mine and did an excellent job. Not sure where you are located
OTRAMM is as legit as they come!
maxamillion2345
Franken-80
Yeah I’d take it to OTTAMM, hes within driving distance. He’ll know exactly what needs done as he tears into it and you can trust him — that counts for almost everything.
If you do use someone closer do your research. Lots of shoddy engine builders and machine shops out there. Use the Toyota parts — new rings, light hone, bearings — maybe, seals and have them grind and adjust valves and then machine the head and block.
If you do use someone closer do your research. Lots of shoddy engine builders and machine shops out there. Use the Toyota parts — new rings, light hone, bearings — maybe, seals and have them grind and adjust valves and then machine the head and block.
Wish there was a Socal OTRAMM
inkpot
SILVER Star
If it runs well, chances are it only has aging valve seals. It may not really need anything else.
Cost of a rebuild versus cost of a quart every 1000 miles, 50 miles a day is about a quart per month........
Cost of a rebuild versus cost of a quart every 1000 miles, 50 miles a day is about a quart per month........
For reference my rebuild was $3000 for machine work and reassembly by the shop. This was a full rebuild. I did purchase the gasket kit from ishino Stone and new head bolts on my own. That was an additional $400 or so. Plus new injectors, power steering pump, injector clips, knock sensors, O2 sensors, plugs, wires, rotor, cap, power steering lines, ac compressor, vsv, tvv, vacuum hoses,. Etc... all of this combined with the rebuild was around 5000. That was with me pulling the engine, painting the engine, assembling the rest of the components and installing the engine myself. If you have a place to do that work you can save a ton in labor.
You can get away with going cheaper but once you get the engine out you start thinking about all of the things you should also replace while you have space. Either way take your time and do it right and it will last you another 20 years.
You can get away with going cheaper but once you get the engine out you start thinking about all of the things you should also replace while you have space. Either way take your time and do it right and it will last you another 20 years.
maxamillion2345
Franken-80
I really doubt you’ll pick up much power by freshening up rings anyway as your compression is probably fine. I’d bet that theres nothing in freshening it up that you will feel the power increase. MAYBE if your valves are worn and need adjustment, maybe it might be enough to feel but I’m doubtful.
Maybe have him tear the head off, freshen that up, and do the oil cooler and pump seals and just inspect the bores. No reason to go further unless he finds a problem.
Just my opinion anyway.
Maybe have him tear the head off, freshen that up, and do the oil cooler and pump seals and just inspect the bores. No reason to go further unless he finds a problem.
Just my opinion anyway.
- Thread starter
- #11
thanks guys. I guess these old motors are even tougher than I thought. I assumed that I was lucky to get 330K miles without any issues and was wanting to get everything overhauled to keep it going. I am going to try some of the suggestions made by you all first without going to a complete rebuild. I got more info. today than I got in weeks of internet searches and YouTube videos. thanks again.
Before you have it torn apart.....
Do the following:
Compression test wet/dry
Leak Down Test
Blackstone Oil Analysis
Those will determine if you NEED to rebuild.
Do the following:
Compression test wet/dry
Leak Down Test
Blackstone Oil Analysis
Those will determine if you NEED to rebuild.
Definitely do a compression test before anything else.
I have 312K on my engine and still have 190 psi on all cylinders (dry/cold).
I have 312K on my engine and still have 190 psi on all cylinders (dry/cold).
inkpot
SILVER Star
Buy a used engine, tear it down, freshen it up, build it up, take yur time. Swap it in later?
