Rebuilt 1FZ-FE? (2 Viewers)

[musicmaan]

Hi all, I'm dealing with a rattling noise from the front end of my 1FZ. 190,000 miles and no idea if it's ever been serviced other than belts and exterior stuff when I bought it 3 years ago. I'm thinking it's the chain and/or tensioner, but not for sure. I'm obviously looking at having the front end of the engine pulled apart to find and fix the issue, and having the oil/water pump done at the same time while it's apart. I'm thinking the cost of this is going to get to the point where I might as well have the damn thing re-built, or find one that has already been rebuilt and swap it out. I've found a few places online that advertise rebuilt long blocks, but I'm wondering if anyone has had dealings with any company offering re-built 1FZs or can recommend a good company. I'm in Canada, which is going to be lovely for shipping, but I need to weigh out all options.

Thank you,

MM

 

[Mighty690]

If it were me, I'd fix the problem itself, particularly if you're mechanically adept. That's not a high mileage engine IMO. An oil analysis might also provide you with a few valuable facts first: the nature of the wear, if it's metal on metal, the condition of the engine overall, and any potential indications of a needy head gasket. My $0.02

 

[flintknapper]

I'd try to narrow it down first. A automotive stethoscope might help locate the 'area' the noise is coming from. This would give us a better idea what to look for.

Is the noise constant? Worse or better after driving some (engine warms up)?

Not just 'start up rattle'?

Tensioner, slipper or damper could be issues, but you've got relatively low mileage for that.

 

[musicmaan]

I'd try to narrow it down first. A automotive stethoscope might help locate the 'area' the noise is coming from. This would give us a better idea what to look for.

Is the noise constant? Worse or better after driving some (engine warms up)?

Not just 'start up rattle'?

Tensioner, slipper or damper could be issues, but you've got relatively low mileage for that.

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[musicmaan]

I’ve tried to track it down with a stethoscope, but I just can’t seem to find it. I first noticed it last winter when the weather got cold. It would rattle a little on start up then go away once the engine warmed up. Come summer, the issue dissapeared. This year when the weather got cold again it returned. It’s definitly more pronounced when I start in the morning, it usually goes away when ilthe engine warms up, but not always

 

[flintknapper]

I’ve tried to track it down with a stethoscope, but I just can’t seem to find it. I first noticed it last winter when the weather got cold. It would rattle a little on start up then go away once the engine warmed up. Come summer, the issue dissapeared. This year when the weather got cold again it returned. It’s definitly more pronounced when I start in the morning, it usually goes away when ilthe engine warms up, but not always

Sounds like you are describing 'start up rattle', nothing to really worry about. The tensioner is a Spring/Hydraulic design...so it might be that engine oil is taking a bit to circulate and the parts are also warming up. The chain is lubricated by an oil jet.

IF it is 'start up rattle' some folks have been able to reduce the amount by using a small capacity oil filter. Others have changed oil viscosity with some results and others still...have installed the Ford 90° oil filter adapter to good effect.

Hope you find out what it is...but I wouldn't rush to consider engine replacement.

 

[stevezero]

Mine does the same thing when its under 15 degrees. Sounds scary, but the engine should be fine.

 

[Red Merle]

I had the same issue, even after rebuilding the head and replacing the tensioner. It only happened in cold weather so I switched from 15w40 Rotella to 10w30 dino and I haven't had the issue since. I also started using the smaller Toyota oil filter which may have also contributed to solving the issue. I think it's a very common thing for these motors and I have yet to read something that indicates that becomes a larger issue.

 

[skkppy]

What year is it? If its a 94 I would wager it is your PAIR smog system. My 94 sounds like the tensioner is going out on startup, but when i tracked it down with a stethoscope it's 100% the reed valve box. Another tell tale is you can hear the noise in the exhaust on cold start.

 

[musicmaan]

Well, this is why I love forums... between this one and the 80 series facebook page I've found the culprit. What sounded like bad metal on metal rattle turns out to be the damn belts. This explains why I couldn't find the rattle with a stethoscope. Upon closer inspection, the belts that were installed by a "reputable" Land Cruiser specialist are indeed the wrong belts, they don't sit down in the pulley and are wearing improperly. This would also explain why the noise dissipates when the weather and engine warm up.

Anyways, Thank you all for the replies, what was peaking my stress levels and worrying my bank account turns out to be a very inexpensive fix... for now.

Cheers,

MM

 

[Red Merle]

Well, this is why I love forums... between this one and the 80 series facebook page I've found the culprit. What sounded like bad metal on metal rattle turns out to be the damn belts. This explains why I couldn't find the rattle with a stethoscope. Upon closer inspection, the belts that were installed by a "reputable" Land Cruiser specialist are indeed the wrong belts, they don't sit down in the pulley and are wearing improperly. This would also explain why the noise dissipates when the weather and engine warm up.

Anyways, Thank you all for the replies, what was peaking my stress levels and worrying my bank account turns out to be a very inexpensive fix... for now.

Cheers,

MM

That's great! I do think it's entertaining that you were ready to rebuild the motor though. That's a good start to a career as a Mud OCD patient.

 

[flintknapper]

Well, this is why I love forums... between this one and the 80 series facebook page I've found the culprit. What sounded like bad metal on metal rattle turns out to be the damn belts. This explains why I couldn't find the rattle with a stethoscope. Upon closer inspection, the belts that were installed by a "reputable" Land Cruiser specialist are indeed the wrong belts, they don't sit down in the pulley and are wearing improperly. This would also explain why the noise dissipates when the weather and engine warm up.

Anyways, Thank you all for the replies, what was peaking my stress levels and worrying my bank account turns out to be a very inexpensive fix... for now.

Cheers,

MM

Great to hear. It is not uncommon to see non-OEM belts causing problems (especially the cogged type). OEM belts are a 'matched' pair. So if you ever have noise of any kind (due to belts) its probably because they aren't matched.

Also, remember the belts are oriented such that the tensioner pulley (if still there) goes on the inside of the belts. We have seen cases where someone used a longer (non-OEM) belt and ran them over the outside of the belt on the tensioner.

OEM part # for my 97 model: 90916-02353-83

 

[allan man]

Glad you found it...I was also puzzled a couple of years ago...it is really hard to pin point where its coming from when the engine is running.
So what I did just to rule out the belts I sprayed some WD 40 while engine was running the noise immediately went away.

 

[musicmaan]

That's great! I do think it's entertaining that you were ready to rebuild the motor though. That's a good start to a career as a Mud OCD patient.

LOL!... I won't deny that I am at least on the upper end of the Mild OCD scale!

 

[DirtScaresMe]

Since you're replacing the belts, you might as well knock out the HG too while the hood is open. I mean, you're halfway there.