Custom HZJ79 from parts, built in the US! (4 Viewers)

[Gun Runner 5]

Man Oh Man .......

 

[yooper]

To recap: After the engine rebuild we had some cooling problems and found a loss of compression. After much inspection and measurement it was found that both the brand new head and the worn out old block are slightly uneven, but both are barely within Toyota spec. Everything was fully inspected by multiple machinists; we had three opinions and they all agreed that the problem must have just been a bad new head gasket. So we got another new head gasket and slapped it back together. It was fine for a few hundred miles.

So I'm not sure what to do next. Everyone we talked to about this said the first head gasket must have just been bad. ENS actually comped us on the second one and my mechanic ate the cost for a second set of torque to fail head bolts.

A 1HZ block apparently cannot be machined.


So I guess we could machine the head. This would do no good if the problem is really on the block side and would be a waste of another $300 set of head bolts.


Does anyone know if there are other head gasket options? Does it make sense to use two gaskets? Are there aftermarket gaskets available for this engine that are designed to fill uneven surfaces? I know those are available for other engines.


Could the problem be an occult crack in the block that everyone missed?


We will be opening the engine soon of course and that inspection might enlighten us and drive the plan...

 

[OGBeno]

There are 3 different thicknesses for the 1HZ HG-- maybe a thicker one needed to be used?

The block might have a crack. Not the best case scenario obviously. New OEM 1HZ blocks are available in the US.

Sorry to hear Sean. Let me know if I can assist.

 

[yooper]

thanks Onur

I will ask TJ about which HG we used.

A new block might be the way to go. Of course I have new, oversized pistons too.

 

[yoopercharged]

That blows! I would be inclined to think it's a crack in the block. There's a few techniques to find them, but I'd grab a new block for the amount of downtime it's had.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Hopefully the eventual remedy will be something much less expensive than a new block.
Good luck.

 

[wardharris]

I have nothing to contribute other than moral support.

No words to describe how profoundly wrong it is to have such a beautiful rig (and a decent guy/owner) burdened by little (and not so little) things done poorly by the original shop.

Keep the faith.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I have nothing to contribute other than moral support.

No words to describe how profoundly wrong it is to have such a beautiful rig (and a decent guy/owner) burdened by little (and not so little) things done poorly by the original shop.

Keep the faith.

The fact that a person ( or persons ) associated with the shop can produce such a poor product and face no jeopardy just sucks.

 

[ForealBoreal]

Jesus that truck is a lemon


...via IH8MUD app

 

[wardharris]

It will catch up with the bastids sooner or later.

The vendors/shops on this site I have dealt with are outstanding - Georg/Don, Wayne, Onur, Dan, Kevin (Rowland), Tor, Luke (4x4 Labs), Delancy, Yan/Akella, Chris (JDM Landcruisers), Aaron (Summit Auto Transport), Marv (RIP), etc.

I have bought whole rigs unseen, along with parts and services long distance and never been screwed or ill treated.

Lucky and grateful.

 

[crushers]

Akella has a used block in good shape
crack in the block? that would be a first for me to see.
why can't the block be milled?
the head should have been milled if out of square, cheaper and easier while off the first time.
thicker head gasker will reduce compression

 

[Tapage]

why can't the block be milled?

X2

thicker head gasker will reduce compression

you gotta see what folks do down here with those Coaster 1HZ ... when head it's way out of spec and serious milling it's needed .. 2 HG I've seen .. not ideal but works ..

Don't get me wrong .. I'm not saying it's an acceptable option just want to point how far you can go with those engines ..

 

[yooper]

update: There was an occult crack in the #5 cylinder wall, down low, which has now grown. Probably the block was already degraded from a previous hard life, and when we maximally overbored it the cylinder wall was weakened further.

Not sure what to do at this point. I have an engine with a useless block but full of new parts (new head, valve parts, new maximum sized Toyota pistons, newly rebuilt injection pump). I guess I could get a new block, but if I want to use these pistons I'd have to have it bored, or I could buy new standard size pistons.

 

[gifu]

bummer. BUMMER!
But, hey... your luck is bound to change.
can you get a built short block from Toyota (with pistons)?

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Man oh man ......

 

[crushers]

i have a good block here if you need one ...

 

[yooper]

I am fairly reluctant to use any used major parts on this engine.

Leaning toward a new block and pistons...

 

[crushers]

up to you, these blocks and cranks were cleaned and inspected at the machine shop.
but i can understand your reluctance.
damn, guy, your pain runs deep.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

up to you, these blocks and cranks were cleaned and inspected at the machine shop.
but i can understand your reluctance.
damn, guy, your pain runs deep.

Are major components for this engine available in the U.S.?

 

[yooper]

My failed block was cleaned and inspected at the machine shop too.

New assembled short block and engine gasket kit ordered through beno

Most of the engine parts are available. Some from beno/CDan, some from ENS in Canada.