Blown Engine in my '02 LX470 - Now What?

[Chris Lynch]

I have decided to start over.

A new-to-me, "used engine" + Labor to swap + remaining projects that were slated for this truck just doesn't add up. I will search for another comparable Land Cruiser.

Now, what to do with my dead soldier? Salvage yard?

Open to creative suggestions. Located in coastal South Carolina.

 

[musthave]

If you have the time in space, part it out. There are not many 100 series being parted these days.

 

[cwmoser]

How many miles on your dead 2002 LX?

If you have the space, I suggest you part it out. LX470's and Land Cruisers hardly ever appear in the junk yards around here.

A few years ago I was heavily involved with Isuzu Troopers and I parted out a 1999 Trooper in my driveway.
No HOA where I live and I live in a nice neighborhood and none of the neighbors were bugged out.
Was able to sell the Engine and Transmission on Craigs List and a number of other parts on Ebay.
In addition, I harvested some parts for my other Troopers.
This 100 Forum is way more active than the Isuzu Forum and I bet you could sell some parts to members here.
I have only parted out two vehicles - that Trooper, and a 1981 Mercedes 380SL.
I noted from those part outs that I learned a lot about those vehicles, added a lot of fasteners to my nut and bolt box, and got to watch the carcuses crushed at the Metal Recycler place.
I purchased my Engine Hoist from Harbor Freight and Transmission Jack from a yard sale. Was able to resell them for almost what I paid from them on Craigs List too.
BUT, had to take a lot of lip from the wifey during the process

 

[Chris Lynch]

Current mileage is 209k.

Parting out scares me a little, but I do have the space & time.

What would be the upside? What are the most valuable pieces I could expect to sell?

Dealing with the public, the shipping, etc., all present a new list of challenges. A bit overwhelmed at the moment, but everything is on the table at this point, so this is why I'm looking for ideas.

Thanks everyone!

 

[FxFormat]

More info on the blown engine, what happened?

 

[Chris Lynch]

In a nutshell, the cooling sytem. It overheated, fatally.

 

[cwmoser]

In a nutshell, the cooling sytem. It overheated, fatally.

Did those plastic heater T's fail?

 

[Chris Lynch]

My initial thoughts too, but I had already replaced those about 4 years ago. Not sure at this point of the autopsy results other than coolong system. I just got the news yesterday afternoon.

It was overdue for timing belt service and parts change too, so I'm not sure if that could have played a supporting roll, but here I am.

 

[2020 Rocks]

I have decided to start over.

A new-to-me, "used engine" + Labor to swap + remaining projects that were slated for this truck just doesn't add up. I will search for another comparable Land Cruiser.

Now, what to do with my dead soldier? Salvage yard?

Open to creative suggestions. Located in coastal South Carolina.

Is it rust free being in the Carolinas? If so, you may be able to sell it on mud as someone might be willing to do the engine rebuild or swap if they are saving a rust free rig. Post pics here and people can better advise you on your options.

 

[2020 Rocks]

BTW, if you part it out, I’d be interested in the roof rack. Even if you scrap it, doubt they’d miss the rack. PM me a price if interested in selling that. GL!

 

[Chris Lynch]

Until I can get it home, (if that is what I plan to to do) this is the only photo I have.

It's a depressing one.

 

[cjmoon]

Save it. I’ve got a good engine no exhaust tic service records of timing belt and valve cover seals.

Would need to use your alt and power steering as well as fan and fan pulls bracket as those were compromised in the wreck that took this cruiser out. I’d recommend a starter also. A few times while moving it after the accident April 2019, the starter has clicked but then started just fine. Could be low battery or loose connection. Since I was disconnecting the battery.

$700 shipped freight to hub or business.

Jess

 

[2020 Rocks]

Until I can get it home, (if that is what I plan to to do) this is the only photo I have.

It's a depressing one.View attachment 2164905

The body and rims look clean, if it has a nice interior and rust free frame, then it would be a sin to send that to a junk yard, IMHO. I'm sure you're frustrated as all get out, but weigh all your options first before making a final decision.

 

[cwmoser]

From the photo, your 02 looks too nice to part out.
Should make someone an interesting project car.
Just make sure the Engine is truly blown rather than something inexpensive to fix.

 

[RND1]

I would start by trying to sell it as a project needing an engine. No idea what you could get for it, but it would be over quick and out of sight so you can focus on finding another one. Parting out takes a loooong time and often doesn't yield what you might expect. You will be spending hours removing parts, organizing parts, labeling parts, taking photos of parts, shipping parts, scheduling showings, etc. I did it once, never again lol.

 

[kelly saad]

That is bad news, sorry to hear. If you decide to sell it I might be interested.

 

[Jacob331]

I am in Dawsonville, if you are interested in selling it?

 

[JunkCrzr89]

If you part-out, go ahead and write my name on the passenger front fender and let me know what you want for it.

However, I agree with others: Drop another engine in and keep it going. Looks too clean to send to the junkyard.

 

[gregnash]

The cost to potentially drop another good, low mileage into the truck will be much cheaper than getting into something that is comparable. Were you planning on keeping the truck for the life of the truck? I would not consider this a death sentence for it as you have a pretty nice looking truck there, yeah it will eat up the "fun funds" but to have something with a fresh(ish) engine in it with potentially lower mileage would be awesome.

Other thing you could do is have the engine diagnosed and if needed maybe bore out the cylinders slightly to give you a bit more grunt. Just a thought.

 

[Porter]

Assuming this is a well maintained rig, no major rust, and it sounds like you miss it alteady-drop in a new engine. It was already due for a timing belt job, so you’ve saved money on the margin there.

Just the transaction cost of acquiring a new rig and losing value on the salvage should prove out that a replacement engine is the way to go.
Best wishes in the process.