what to do with my 22re?

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R

rckmntoys

Joined
Oct 30, 2009
Threads
6
Messages
11
Location
Durango, CO
Hi all, this is the first time I've needed advice on this motor...simply because it has treated me well. but, I think it's time to do something, just not sure what is the most cost effective and best way to overhaul, rebuild or replace.

1. The motor has 190,000 on it. In a pinch, I had the top end rebuilt by some a**hole about 25,000 miles ago. Took me two years to figure out that the persistent loosening of the exhaust manifold was a consequence of him using a 3/4 in bolt to secure it. After JB welding the crack, it is now fairly secure with a helicoil...but for how long? I think I'll need a new head before long.

2. I've got a gradually worsening oil leak, I think is coming from the harmonic balancer. This has already drowned one alternator with oil.

3. After fixing the manifold issue, it sure seems to be just tired. I haven't checked the compression yet, but the timing is still on and it has a recent tune up including, cap and rotor, wires and coil. Just lacks what little get up and go it used to have.

In short, I'm not sure the head job was done at all well and the ever growing oil leak is more than annoying. Whatever I do, I'd like to do it myself....I can usually figure things out by swearing a lot. I use this rig primarily for driving to work, but I do beat the hell out if during various hunting seasons and occasional 4 wheeling adventures...it is my atv.

Questions:

1. how hard is it for an average, halfarsed mechanic to rebuild one of these? It doesn't look too bad in the book? If it's not too bad, what is a good source for a quality rebuild kit? Lastly, any estimates on how much it would cost to do it myself?

2. Are there any decent sources for a replacement or rebuilt motor. I see some adds on ebay for a new rebuild for $1,000 or more....is it a stupid idea to purchase a rebuilt motor and just replace it?

thanks...any advice is welcome.
 
How many miles on the engine? 22RE's are tough little motors but they do lose HP after 150k or so (not that they had that much brand new).

Engnbldr.com is a good source for rebuild kits. I have no experience with the "cheap" rebuilt motors. DOARacing and LCEngineering make some nice engines but they aren't inexpensive.
 
marker, tape, digital camera.

take pictures of everything before and as you take it apart.
label both sides of the connectors.

pull motor, take off head.
have head checked, valve job.
have block honed if needed.
have machine shop, re ring, re bearing, re seal block.

take home, put on head.
put it all back together.

around 600 at machine shop with new bearings, seals, rings and head job.

make sure that the bolt holes are very clean when putting in head bolts. use a LITTLE oil on the threads.

there are some hidden bolts.
one 6mm Allen at the back of the thermostat that holds on the intake.

one in the puddle of oil in the front of the timing chain after you take off the valve cover.

ac, power steering, can all just be pulled off to the side.

while you are waiting for the machine shop.
break out with the soldering iron and pull the marked injector harness apart and solder the Y connections for the injectors.

flush out the heater core and radiator really well.


also a good time to put in new timing chain and guides.
DOA RV cam.
new TOYOTA oil pump.

set rocker arms with the cold settings listed on here. to loose is better then to tight.


I use a garden sprayer and pump 4 quarts of oil through the pressure Gage hole before the first start up.

know what to do to break in cam, see instructions from DOA.

have coolant and oil with you and a cell phone.

start up, check for leaks and take it out for the break in drive.

come home, adjust valves, check head bolts, change oil and filter.

drive it for another 200k miles.
 
DOA

First off, I'm very partial to Tim @ DOA. He has provided me with two very sweet engines (22RE with over 100K and still going strong, and a fresh 3FE stroker that is best described as a torque monster), plus a 22RE head for another truck. Since it sounds like you want to improve performance a bit, but you have a budget. I would recommend ...

Get a turn key head from Tim with the C270 camshaft. I would also get the rebuild kit from Tim with his steel chain guides. Then take the block assembly to a machine shop with the parts and have them take care of the rest. It will save you lots of time and aggravation, but will cost a few more pennies. I would research the hell out of the shop first. DO NOT SHOP ON PRICE! I have friends who went cheap and their engines didn't last (neither did the businesses). Ask around. See if there is a local TLCA chapter in your area (hint: look under the "Clubhouse" tab at the top of every MUD page.) Ask them for a recommendation.

The 22RE is a simple engine, and I'm very comfortable working on it. But, when it comes to machining and assembly, I would leave it to the pros. You might consider balancing the rotating assembly while you have the engine apart.

Just MHO.

Doa Racing
 
great advice Missouriman and Pappy.

X2 from me.

Maybe the only thing to add is to follow the torque sequence very carefully for attaching the head, and don't use a Harbor Freight torque wrench. If you are not comfortable with doing that, have the engine builder put the head on too. Shouldn't cost much extra. And most of all, have fun, take pride, and take your time. Rushing through will cost you somehow.

Oh, and don't get a chinese E-bay head.
 
Thanks for the advice...guess I'll start looking for a machine shop to do the work. I have a bit of a budget, but keeping the total costs under $2K would be best for my marriage....just need to finish some repairs on my fj60 so I can take my time with this project.
 
you may want to check on just a rebuilt long block from a local parts store.

I havent checked in awhile but I thought they were around $1500?

EDIT: just called my work....theyre $1630 for a long block

if that were the case Id get one of those and just put a torque cam in the thing for a little extra power...

my 3cents:meh:
 
You have another ride? Take it off the road for a month,send off the block and rebuild the rest yourself. these little motors are so easy if you take your time,bag and label everything carefully.
 
I have been looking at rebuilding my 22re too. I've picked up a beater car so that i do no have to rush the job. ive never rebuilt anything before but from what i have researched it is pretty easy to do(so long as you leave rebuilding the head and block to the pro's). I had a quote of 1100$ worst case scenario from a machine shop plus 300$ including shipping for the rebuild kit and another 200 for a new rv cam and camshaft from enginebuilder. one other thing i have found is that when you do the rebuild relocate your fuel filter for easier replacement later on.
 
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