Blown Engine in my '02 LX470 - Now What?

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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.
I’m Charleston let me know if you part it out I’d love to come by and scavenge the parts I need!
 
Your. 200k mile non running truck is worth 3~3.5k. With a motor and clean title minimum of $12~$13k(or more). If it costs you 3-$4k to have someone source and drop a motor in , you’re $6k ahead. It will take you a year+ and a heap of headaches to part that out.

Fix it
 
If you have the space, time and skill to part it out, you also have the space, time and skill to drop an engine in. I've done two engine swaps (both on Rovers) and frankly, it wasn't particularly difficult. As cheap as 2UZ's appear to be its almost a no brained if the rest of the truck is solid.
 
I’m interested in what happened to the motor. You almost have to TRY and kill it.

Oil starvation or overheating will take out even the mighty 2UZ, unfortunately...

I also vote fix it. Out 1999 motor got ruined at 250k by a shop that didn’t put the oil filter on properly. They covered the engine replacement, luckily, but even if they hadn’t it would have been far cheaper to swap it out of pocket than get a new one.

And if you do the work yourself, I hear it’s one of the easier motor swaps out there.
 
Did someone say part out??? 🤪

seriously tho, I agree if it is good cosmetic shape, and there is low rust, it’s worth fixing if we are just talking $$$ value. If you buy something new in the same price range (assuming you are considering equal values) it just becomes the cruiser you know vs. the ones you hope you know
 
dude, you're so crazy; that rig looks nice as heck!!!!

get a used engine

 
Contact your insurance company. You might have coverage. Some companies will cover it. At least one I had in the past did. The most valuable part that you could sell if you are parting it out is the engine, so I wouldn't do that. Either get the motor fixed or replace it.
 
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You’ve got time and space? Looks like a prime candidate to be the trail blazer for an LS swap?
 
You’ve got time and space? Looks like a prime candidate to be the trail blazer for an LS swap?
The cost-benefit ratio of this would be horrible compared with throwing in another 2UZ...
 
You’ve got time and space? Looks like a prime candidate to be the trail blazer for an LS swap?
Just say NO to an LS Swap. Put another 2UZ in that pretty rig, and keep it forever.
 
Yeah, that truck is worth the work to swap the engine. Plenty of 2UZs out there.
If you're not up to it, find a mechanic that'll do it for a flat rate.
Or you know, just have an engine swap party.
 
Decision has been made. I've pretty much decided to get this one running again.

Now, considering the parts required for a timing belt change & a new engine swap, what parts do I go ahead and source to get all of this done? I'd like to put together a list for getting this all totalled up. Necessities, probablies, and maybes.
 
I haven't done the 2uz, but I've done plenty. Here's what I'd do....
Pick up an engine stand, it'll be worth the $50 or so. Hoist can be worth buying but you can rent/borrow to avoid storing one.

  • Timing kit, yes.
  • Acc belt, idler pulleys.
  • Replace every rubber hose.
  • AC accumulator since you'll break the system open.
  • AC o rings, replace any that get exposed.
  • Any vacuum hose, check for block off plugs.
  • Compression test on the donor engine.
Optional but things to consider at this time:
  • Radiator
  • AC Condenser
  • AC compressor
  • Starter while the engine is on the stand.
  • Headers if manifolds are cracking
  • Engine gaskets - oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, etc. (Get a torque wrench if you don't have one)
  • I'd do the main seals and camshaft seals if you have the time.
  • Valve stem seals.
  • Go over the harness, clean it, fix any wrapping that may be disintegrating. I buy harness tape which doesn't have adhesive on it and then finish off the ends with quality tape.


Final thoughts - I apply silicone grease (I like super lube) to any electrical connection. It's dielectric and will keep moisture out. Inspect all connectors for corrosion.

I create spreadsheets for these projects and prioritize purchases based on need/importance and then tack on extras as I find time/budget.
 
What about doing engine mounts since the engine is already out? Would be a safe bet seeing as the old one are already exposed and have miles on them. Maybe add to the "while you're in there" list... Also fan clutch?
 
For euro parts, I found that I needed to compare prices alot. I've seen some similar for toyota bits. Example - rebuit Denso starter (from denso) is 137 on amazon but only 100 at summit. Spreadsheet, shop around, be wary of some aftermarket stuff.
 
Dont forget the fan bracket and serpentine belt tensioner since you will have the timing belt covers off anyway
Also, replace the alternator brushes if they haven't been replaced in a few years
 

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