Balance shaft bearing failure: Prado 3RZ-FE engine (2.7 liter)
I live in Ecuador and recently purchased a very clean and smooth running 2006 Prado with a 2.7 liter gas (2693cc) 3RZ-FE, with just 50,000 miles on it. Recently, after some 3,000 miles of easy driving with my new truck, I decided to make a road trip to the coast. After about five hours of easy highly driving I began to hear a rattling in the engine. It sounded like marbles towards to front of the engine, near the timing chain. With the limited tools I had on hand, I took off the valve cover, but could not find anything unusual. The lifters and guides appeared to be in tact; the chain and tensioner looked in good order, the bearings from the alternator and oil pump were good. To be safe, I called in a platform and had the truck towed to the nearest city -- some five hours away. After careful inspection, the mechanic informed that the timing chain and tensioners had to be replaced, but he did not find any other problems. Further inspection identified a balance shaft bearing failure.
My concern is what could have caused this problem in the first place? Have others experienced this sort of problem with the 2.7 liter engines (also common in Hilux and Runners)? Should I be worried about past mistreatment of the engine? I have two 70-series LC (3F and 22R engines) and have never had this sort of engine problem...
Thanks in advance for any advice or thoughts you might be willing to share.
I live in Ecuador and recently purchased a very clean and smooth running 2006 Prado with a 2.7 liter gas (2693cc) 3RZ-FE, with just 50,000 miles on it. Recently, after some 3,000 miles of easy driving with my new truck, I decided to make a road trip to the coast. After about five hours of easy highly driving I began to hear a rattling in the engine. It sounded like marbles towards to front of the engine, near the timing chain. With the limited tools I had on hand, I took off the valve cover, but could not find anything unusual. The lifters and guides appeared to be in tact; the chain and tensioner looked in good order, the bearings from the alternator and oil pump were good. To be safe, I called in a platform and had the truck towed to the nearest city -- some five hours away. After careful inspection, the mechanic informed that the timing chain and tensioners had to be replaced, but he did not find any other problems. Further inspection identified a balance shaft bearing failure.
My concern is what could have caused this problem in the first place? Have others experienced this sort of problem with the 2.7 liter engines (also common in Hilux and Runners)? Should I be worried about past mistreatment of the engine? I have two 70-series LC (3F and 22R engines) and have never had this sort of engine problem...
Thanks in advance for any advice or thoughts you might be willing to share.
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