Thoughts on Engine Grinding Noise, Oil Light Comes On

I would ask for more details. What exactly says you need a new engine? I want specifics if someone says I need to replace something entirely. Not saying that they are wrong, as I think they are probably right, but still, just saying "You need a new engine" is pretty dang vague.

 

He said that the clicking was coming from the back lower part of the engine. He said something about the lower bearings getting ready to seize and causing the upper valves to knock, if that makes sense (sorry, I'm not a mechanic and was trying to jot everything down as he rattled it off).

 

Got her home today, driving easy in 85+ degree heat for about 5 miles. No oil light or loss of power until the last mile when I was climbing a slight incline. Noticed loss of power first, then oil light came on. Oil light persisted at the 3-way stop when at at stop, and I noticed that it was all downhill from there (fortunately I was less than 1/2 a mile from the hood).

Made it home and parked it in the driveway, but it's leaking anti-freeze now. I don't think I need to waste another $150 on a second opinion from another shop, I think the engine is fried.

Bill - Do you concur? Or should I get it into my regular shop for a 2nd look?

 

It sounded to me like the engine was probably toast ever since you said it had less than 3 qts in it. I'm not surprised at all that the bearings are shot. That's rough on your rod bearings, journals, oil pump, main bearings, everything. Luckily a 2.7l engine should be easy to find.

 

At this point you have most likely completely fried your engine. Time to start looking for another one.

 

Buy a hilux d4 motor!

 

Thanks. I'll be looking into all options & entertaining any & all suggestions!

Heh, what a rough start to my first Tacoma!

 

I can't stop looking a Katy Perry.

 

UPDATE: Work has had me on the road the last month plus other things going on, but I finally bought an engine hoist and pulled the engine last night. As soon as I removed the oil pan I picked this out of the bottom!

Not good. The crankshaft has some metal chunks missing as well (I'll get some pics tonight) where the bearing tore it up. Can't wait to see what's jacked up on the top end and causing the clicking...

Stay tuned.....

 

would that be a chewed up bearing insert? I would get this to your local high quality automotive machine shop, I bet it will need a crank before you get done.

Howard

 

the clicking was probably the valves running dry...They are the first to get noisy when the pump fails because no oil gets to the top of the motor. I wouldn't even consider rebuilding that beast.

 

Find a decent used motor, and drop it in. Sell the old one for parts.

 

I have done much better in rebuilding the existing engine if possible over a used motor...just about every used motor I have installed, I have regretted while the last two I had rebuilt, one in 99 and one is 05 are still in service.

Howard

 

I'm gonna press on breaking it down and make a final determination once I assess the overall damage. I'll keep you all posted...

 

i would say that looks like crank shaft bearing... anyone else?