I'm new to the forums, but have been reading (lurking) around for awhile. I need some advice on what to do about my Land Cruiser. I have a 97 LC with 182,000 miles. White with tan leather and in fair to good condition. It has the front and rear lockers. I have only owned this truck for a few months. When I bought it I had it checked out and it seemed solid.
On the way home the other day my LC started sputtering and felt like it was missing. I drove the rest of the way home (maybe 2 miles) and parked in my driveway. I left it running and checked under the hood. I couldn't see anything wrong and didn't hear any strange noises. I did notice a slight burning/oil smell when I first parked. I shut the truck off and went inside to call my mechanic. I already had an engine light on and checked the code which showed the O2 sensor so I figured I would have him look at it and replace the sensor at the same time. Went back out to drive it to his shop and when I turned the key all I got was a loud Ca-Clunk. The engine would not turn over. My mechanic made a house call and we were able to turn the engine backwards, but when trying to turn it forward, it wouldn't budge. I am going to tow it to his shop and have him pull the pan and head to see what is really going on, but I wanted to get some advice up front on what I should be looking to do. I feel sure that at least one rod is loose or broke. I have started looking for used engines as well as looked into the rebuilds. So here are a couple of my questions..
1. Is there a chance that I could get by with replacing the damaged rod or valve without having to rebuild the entire engine?
2. If the engine takes major work, should I rebuild the one I have or look into getting another?
3. If I get another engine, should I look at another used one or the rebuilt ones and if so, where?
I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!
On the way home the other day my LC started sputtering and felt like it was missing. I drove the rest of the way home (maybe 2 miles) and parked in my driveway. I left it running and checked under the hood. I couldn't see anything wrong and didn't hear any strange noises. I did notice a slight burning/oil smell when I first parked. I shut the truck off and went inside to call my mechanic. I already had an engine light on and checked the code which showed the O2 sensor so I figured I would have him look at it and replace the sensor at the same time. Went back out to drive it to his shop and when I turned the key all I got was a loud Ca-Clunk. The engine would not turn over. My mechanic made a house call and we were able to turn the engine backwards, but when trying to turn it forward, it wouldn't budge. I am going to tow it to his shop and have him pull the pan and head to see what is really going on, but I wanted to get some advice up front on what I should be looking to do. I feel sure that at least one rod is loose or broke. I have started looking for used engines as well as looked into the rebuilds. So here are a couple of my questions..
1. Is there a chance that I could get by with replacing the damaged rod or valve without having to rebuild the entire engine?
2. If the engine takes major work, should I rebuild the one I have or look into getting another?
3. If I get another engine, should I look at another used one or the rebuilt ones and if so, where?
I appreciate any and all input. Thanks!