I recently bought a 1996 LC, white, no lockers with 151K miles. It was advertised locally as needing a new engine, $3000. I went to go see it and get some background on it. This is what I found
1. engine knocks upon start (sounded like from the bottom), goes away after start. Idles a bit rough, but he said he has not driven it much, its been at his mechanics shop. I drove it for about 20 minutes, and all temps, pressure, exhaust looked normal.
2. I checked the oil and coolant levels, both looked a bit low, but normal color and consistency. No leaks under the LC and no visably engine leaks.
3. All electronics worked, leather looked very good, needs new rubber, no body damage.
4. LC has a 3" OME lift.
5. No rust at all
So I asked him a bunch of questions, primarily on why he thought it needed a new engine. His mechanic, not a Toyo mechanic (mechanic at Carmax told him that the knock, was the "knock of Death". So the mech said he needed a new engine. I asked him if it overheats, and he said no. In fact his mech told him to drive it around till it overheats (no sure why), but he said he drove around for 3 hours last week and it would not over heat.
I would like to know what you all think might be the cause of the knock on start. I paid him $2k for the rig. I tried to be as specific as possible. This would not be my daily driver, I would like to do a HG on it, but I'm not sure if doing that repair has anything to do with the rod knock. BTW, the guy said his mech did the front and rear seals. Thanks
1. engine knocks upon start (sounded like from the bottom), goes away after start. Idles a bit rough, but he said he has not driven it much, its been at his mechanics shop. I drove it for about 20 minutes, and all temps, pressure, exhaust looked normal.
2. I checked the oil and coolant levels, both looked a bit low, but normal color and consistency. No leaks under the LC and no visably engine leaks.
3. All electronics worked, leather looked very good, needs new rubber, no body damage.
4. LC has a 3" OME lift.
5. No rust at all
So I asked him a bunch of questions, primarily on why he thought it needed a new engine. His mechanic, not a Toyo mechanic (mechanic at Carmax told him that the knock, was the "knock of Death". So the mech said he needed a new engine. I asked him if it overheats, and he said no. In fact his mech told him to drive it around till it overheats (no sure why), but he said he drove around for 3 hours last week and it would not over heat.
I would like to know what you all think might be the cause of the knock on start. I paid him $2k for the rig. I tried to be as specific as possible. This would not be my daily driver, I would like to do a HG on it, but I'm not sure if doing that repair has anything to do with the rod knock. BTW, the guy said his mech did the front and rear seals. Thanks