Replace engine or rebuilt 2016 Tacoma

I was wondering if anyone has replaced or rebuilt on the third generations Tacoma? 3.5L

The dealership found metal shavings in my oil pan I took it in after it kept saying low oil pressure Even though my oil wasn’t low and was clear like honey. They told me I need to replace the engine. So my question is what’s better replace or rebuild the engine? Has anyone done this on their 2016 or newer truck ?

 

Find a good engine from a wrecked 3rd gen would be your best and quickest bet. How many miles did yours have? Did the dealer mention anything in particular as to why there may have been metal shavings?

 

*Did they show you the actual shavings?

*Did they perform any kind of clearly defined diagnostics that validates the low oil pressure display? I mean, pressure senders fail too.

I'm not saying they are being shady, but I also wouldn't rule it out either.

 

Change sensor first, along with fresh oil/filter change. if the engine is in fact on its way to croak-town it won't hurt much. Quick question, are you covered by warranty? Gotta watch these buzzards at the dealership. Good luck.

 

This is the 3rd truck with a bad engine this week I've heard of, not inspiring to hear.

 

More info is needed. Don’t just take what they say and run with it. How many miles on truck? If they’re telling you the truth, there’s plenty of low mileage wrecked Tacoma’s on eBay you can get a engine from far cheaper than having it rebuilt.

 

...it's the internet. People come here to post this stuff. The majority of us are driving our trucks as usual.

@OP... need more info here. I don't understand how they just conclude you need a reman or a rebuild by finding metal shavings. What EXACTLY did they diagnose? What kind of metal was it?

Sounds like they are trying to rip you off with the lack of info provided

 

there are a few specific people in the world that i would trust to build an engine and they dont work at dealerships. Go with a good used engine.

 

Pretty sure dealerships don't rebuild motors these days, at least as a common practice. Just like they don't rebuild transmissions. They will install a crate motor, crate heads, crate transmission.........

But I'm sure there are exceptions that others will offer.

 

I'm more interested in why they want to rebuild and how they came to that conclusion. Also, what level of rebuild? Pistons? Or top end? And how did they find this out?

I'd get more info before I shelled out money for either a rebuild or reman. Or a swap, which should get the same treatment a rebuild would.

 

i would want more info also but finding the issue cost time and money and doesnt really fix the problem.

 

But they had to come to this conclusion somehow... Metal shavings seems pretty broad.

Loss of oil pressure can be a lot of things and we all have metal in the oil. Id want to see it and find out why the best solution is a new motor before just handing over my money.

 

Yeah OP, get a 2nd opinion at the very least. Normally, a shop will check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge to rule out the electronics. You need someone you trust to make this determination. As was mentioned, I would go with a good used engine with a warranty (I think yards give 30 days?).

 

Lost of oil pressure + metal shaving would put money on worn bearing / out of spec tolerances Main bearings, Rod bearings, any bearings. either way not good.

 

I agree some people come here and write complaints and chances are they don't even own a Taco just like to cause shit and hide behind the screen. So don't believe everything that comes on here. It's your truck you know what is wrong with it or not. Just saying

 

chances are if its real it suffered from abuse and lack of maintenance

 

Yes I agree with you.
I have owned 1-2 and 3 Gen of Tacos never had any issues with engine problem big or minor.
Did the maintenance required and put a lot of mileage on those engines and they still ran great. So maintenance is very important for the life of the engine and truck.

 

MAKE SURE YOU GET A SECOND OPINION !!!!!

 

Rebuilding a 3.5L is not something that will be easy. The liners are a special insert that is cast into the block with very little wiggle room for boring. If a cylinder is out of tolerance, then a new block will have to be found. As mentioned above, if you truly do need a new engine, I would look for a low mileage unit. First I would get a second opinion on the first one though.

 

Agree with all second opinion.

Used 3.5's are very very rare. Even good 4.0's are hard to find now.

The only real solution is a short block.

Typically if there's oil shavings and loss of oil pressure, it's safe to say a bearing bit the dust and is puking out oil.

In the old days you could run the engine with the pan off and watch which bearing is puking out. But with the 3.5 you need to disassemble completely for investigative teardown, then likely come to the same conclusion that the engine is not serviceable.

I'd put in thick oil and trade that bitch in to a dealer with no access to your service records lol.