Recommendations for recon engine?

[JTB]

Hi all,

So a few weeks ago my car (2003 facelift, standard) over heated. It was low on coolant and practically empty of oil. I suspect I have been misreading the dipstick (it's crap and I feel like a fool). Topped both up and it ran for two weeks. Checked it every two days after that and thought it seemed to be showing over half way on the dip, again it's a crap dipstick. Two weeks later I noticed the temp gauge creeping up. Decided to take it to my father's for diagnosis (originally trained as a mechanic and had about 30 years in the trade). So checked levels needed coolant so topped up. Wasn't sure on oil so added some to get me the 15 miles.

About 3 miles later as I gently accelerated off a roundabout I felt a hesitation and saw a puff of white smoke out the back. Immediately put it into neutral and coasted to a layby and turned the car off as I rolled in.

Got out and it was leaking a lot of coolant out the front which it definitely wasn't doing before (never saw any fluid on the floor).

Towed to my father's. Replaced the radiator which had blown the bottom off.

Added coolant and bled. Started the car and there's a lot of white smoke from the exhaust.

So now being faced with the thought that the head gasket has gone and also I seem to be burning through a lot of oil. I'm considering my options.

I am thinking having a recon engine fitted will solve both problems, hopefully at a similar cost to fixing my current engine.

So, does anyone have any advice on where to source an engine from?

[Carolyn]

There's a bunch of 'reconditioned' engines on Ebay..  Most of the ads are generic and do not inspire confidence.  Some say 'supply and fit' and then it turns out fitting is NOT included in the price. 

There is one decent offering from Mag engines (who have a very good reputation) but it ain't cheap.  £1039 plus £235 shipping plus customs.... one of our members got a recon 2ZZ from Mag and is very happy with it.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ENGINE-TOYOTA-1ZZ-FE-FOR-COROLLA-AVENSIS-MR2-1-8-LTR-VVTi-PETROL-2001-08/183263426202?hash=item2aab59f69a:g:o2EAAOSwJkJWlfeq:rk:11:pf:0

Normally, I'd advise that the cheapest and most reliable solution is to rebuild the one you've got.  BUT.  You do seem to have really done a number on yours - you could well open it up and find it uneconomical to repair.  You could take it out, open it up and see how bad the damage is and then decide.  Either way it has to come out, so opening it up is not a big deal.

Are you (and your Dad) up to fitting an engine yourselves? 

If so, I'd take out the buggered one and get a second-hand runner from Rutland MR2, give that motor a light rebuild (rings, honing, clean and modify pistons and put that in.

At the moment he has quite a few engines and is selling them for less than £300.

You could just put the used runner straight in and trust to a bit of luck that it is a good'un.  They often are. 

Breakers like Rutland MR2 do run the engines up and check them out to some extent, but they can't possibly drive them far enough to know just how good/bad they are.

I'ts worth having a word with Dean at Rutland and seeing what he's got. 

[JTB]

Thanks for your quick response!

We would be able to take it out if this was my 2nd car and it was fine for it to be off the road for a couple of months. But sorting out time when we can work on it together and the limited space/equipment means we decided it wasn't worth the effort to do ourselves.

You're absolutely right about the large number of eBay adverts that don't inspire confidence.

I'll certainly look into Rutland thanks for the suggestion!

[frogger]

Assuming the engine does now need replacement anyway , and putting that thought aside for a minute ...

Analysing your initial issue (overheating and low and coolant), this was likely not linked at all to oil burning, given the later leak. And most likely linked to losing fluid from a leak and air getting in the system.

It is important to keep this in mind when fitting your new block. Having a good leak free and well bled system is crucial. Else you'll overheat the next block too.

[K T M Rider]

Added coolant and bled. Started the car and there's a lot of white smoke from the exhaust.

So now being faced with the thought that the head gasket has gone and also I seem to be burning through a lot of oil. I'm considering my options.

Based on your initial post it would seem a reasonable assumption that an engine rebuild or replacement is in order, however you have not mentioned how the engine sounds, how well it is running otherwise or how long you ran it for after radiator replacement.

There is a member on here @shnazzle who was also convinced his head gasket had gone, but then the car mysteriously "fixed itself"and has I believe done thousands of miles since with no repeat of suspected HG failure symptoms.

It is also worth mentioning that proven head gasket issues are practically unheard of on this forum for the stock engine.

So as you do not mention how long you ran the engine for after radiator replacement or what was happening to the coolant level in the expansion tank, then it may be worth persevering a little longer with your current engine before you go to the trouble and expense of ripping it out.

You do not provide any real evidence of oil burning in your post either (e.g. putting in a litre of oil a week like I was doing with my first car at one point). just that maybe it has been low.

As you say that you struggle to read the dipstick ( it is crap - agreed) then you could drain the oil and refill with 3.5 litres (to keep costs down you might want to re-use the oil you've just drained if it's ok) then at least you will know you've got the correct amount in there - then monitor it.

In the How To section there are a couple of methods to aid with dipstick reading.........

Just a few points to consider before you go and buy another engine