3FE first rebuild

[jhanger]

so Dorothy has a spun rod bearing and now needs a complete engine rebuild. I'd like to do the V8 swap but not sure its economically feasible at this time. I have the engine manual (I have every FJ62 manual), but no experience. I am open to any and all suggestions. I found a rebuild kit from PerfectEngine.com called:

Toyota 4.0L 3FE Engine Overhaul Parts Kit
Landcruiser 1988 - 1992
Confirm engine code before ordering.
Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
Manufacturer: SAFETY

Contents Include:
Pistons and Piston Rings
Rod Bearing Set
Main Bearing Set
Thrust Washer Set
Camshaft Bearing Set
Full Overhaul Gasket Set

Is this a good start? Any better rebuild kits out there? What else should I order?

All I know is that there is a lot that I don't know. I am having a really good mechanic do the wrenching but he isn't a LandCruiser specialist, so any pointers are appreciated.

 

[3_puppies]

I'd pull the mains first and see how the crank and block are. If the crank is beyond repair or the block is bad. find another engine.
so many variables, if it needs to be bored, oversize bearings, etc.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

my old 3FE had worn rod bearings which in turn wore the crank journals; tho they may be able to be polished up. the cranks are alot harder than the bearings. the first step is to find a competent machinist, followed by the decision to do the work yourself or pay the machinist to do it. before any parts get ordered, you should drop the pan and check the main and rod journals on the crank(measure to know which bearing size needed). pull the head and measure the cylinder bores to determine if and how much oversize pistons you'll need. if you order a rebuild kit assuming sizing, then you'll be reordering said kit once the engine is opened and measured...do not forget to have the oil galley plug removed and threaded plug installed( in the head) Use all correct plugs not SAE stuff that "might" work. find an FSM and read all about the nuancesd of these F series engines- there are a few pitfalls to be aware of...the oil pump mounting block on the inside lip of the block should not be loosened or removed; the timing cover blots need to go back in exactly where they came from; the cam plug needs to be a correct expansion plug; not a deep dish freeze plug, and the galley plugs need to be correct to not protrude from the block the head gasket and nrocker rail and mounts all need to be correctly oriented...find JimCs thread on "how not to rebuild the fj40 and reasd from start to finish. did I mention find COMPETENT machinist?

 

[Output Shaft]

Also, if you want less of a headache, a good machine shop will figure out all the parts you will need when they disassemble it if you don't want to deal with it. Of course you can supply parts if you want to also.

There is something to be said about finding a machine shop that knows the 3FE, has worked on them, has a good reputation and all that is required of you is to pull your engine and have it ready for them on an engine hoist for them to come by and pick up... and a few weeks later they deliver it back to you all rebuilt new and shiny. There is a lot to be said about that indeed.

 

[cruisermatt]

Don't buy parts until the engine block is machined. Also keep in mind new OEM 3fe gasket kits were just discontinued from Toyota and there's a few left in the country (HURRY).

 

[mdsims]

Also, if you want less of a headache, a good machine shop will figure out all the parts you will need when they disassemble it if you don't want to deal with it. Of course you can supply parts if you want to also.

There is something to be said about finding a machine shop that knows the 3FE, has worked on them, has a good reputation and all that is required of you is to pull your engine and have it ready for them on an engine hoist for them to come by and pick up... and a few weeks later they deliver it back to you all rebuilt new and shiny. There is a lot to be said about that indeed.

Two years later...where would one find such a machine shop? This is mighty appealing to me, as I'm ready to dive in. @Output Shaft

 

[3_puppies]

.where would one find such a machine shop?

there is this book called the yellow pages, almost certain there will be some listed in there.

seriously, you'll want to talk to some shops or motor heads as to who they would use. Ask at your local club as to who they would use.
Most likely the shop will be located, not in the best neighborhood, and run by a guy who wants to know what the hell your doing in his shop.

 

[4Cruisers]

Two years later...where would one find such a machine shop? This is mighty appealing to me, as I'm ready to dive in. @Output Shaft

When I was contemplating an engine rebuild (3FE) for my '86 FJ60 project I stopped by American Toyota and asked Cdan for his thoughts. He mentioned that Empire Engines had done machine work for the dealership in the past and suggested I talk with Brian, the owner. They're pretty much across the street from the dealership. I delivered the long block to their dock and Brian and his staff tore it down, cleaned it up, and inspected everything. Turns out the only new major parts replaced were the oil pump, camshaft, and timing gears (sourced from Cdan). This was after the engine gasket set had already been discontinued by Toyota. I provided the OEM one-piece oil pan gasket and the shop ordered a FelPro gasket kit for the rest. After picking it up I did the oil galley plug fix. Total for all the parts and labor was $2,597. It sits patiently on the engine hoist in the garage waiting for me to install the OME lift kit - I figured it'll be easier to install the suspension without the weight of the 3FE/H55f/transfer case in the vehicle.

 

[Output Shaft]

Contact either of these

Stockton CA:
Valley Hybrids

La Crescenta CA:
Bob's Automotive Machine Shop
(they rebuild engines for TLC4x4 & Toyota dealerships) $$

 

[Godwin]

Most likely the shop will be located, not in the best neighborhood, and run by a guy who wants to know what the hell your doing in his shop.

This describes the shop that did my 3FE years ago. It was located in an old man's backyard and it was a family business. He was as old as dirt and likely had no formal training in rebuilding engines but came highly recommended. I pulled and dropped off the engine but also loaned the shop my copy of the FSM. I would periodically drop in to check on progress and the guys there were always helpful. This 3FE has >> 200k on it and still runs strong. Side note: the assembly lube was Vaseline .

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Anyone rebuilt one recently? Thanks, Mike

 

[Seth S]

Hi, Anyone rebuilt one recently? Thanks, Mike

No. But I still have to drop my oil pan and see if I can figure out where my bottom end clunking is coming from. If I’m lucky maybe I can just do some new bearings in the truck. If I’m not then I have to decide whether to go for a rebuild, repower, used engine etc etc