Tacoma Bad Motor

That's a big IF.

Gonna have to buy it really right to make that goal, including sourcing parts yourself and putting in lots of personal labor to keep the total down.

But if you can do all that, go for it!

 

Also, assuming everything works out and engine is rebuildable, Pro's and cons for rebuilding or replacing? What do y'all recommend?

 

It depends what is wrong with the engine.

 

What @shakerhood said.

If it needs work to make it run and be reliable, but doesn't need the bottom end refreshed, fixing is likely the best option.

If the bottom end is fragged, a used running motor, with warranty and many less miles than this thing has on it will be a lot cheaper than a full on rebuild.

I'm assuming that you'd have to farm out machine work and that you don't have a deep discount source for parts. If additionally you'd need to pay for the motor disassembly and assembly, that would definitely make it way pricier than swapping in a used runner.

 

If I were in your shoes, I would buy a junkyard motor and throw in it myself.

They can be had for under $2000. Most junkyards offer up to a 90 day warranty on motors. Within 90 days you will know if the motor is good or not. Downside to that is that you have to pull the motor [again] if it is a bad one...
I wouldn't recharge any of the AC components until after I've had the engine in and running for a while just to make sure it's staying in. Disable the compressor for the time being.

Use the blown motor as a core -- don't mess around with the rebuild. Time vs Money? Save the time, spend the money and swap the motors. You can do that in a day with little down time vs send parts to machine shops for re-work and testing.


Last bit of advise -- Make sure the rest of the truck is sound and without frame issues. I wouldn't offer more than $3000 to start. I paid under $7K CAD for a DCSB that I've been driving daily without issue since I picked it up last month.

 

I'm assuming 4x4, is it double cab, or access cab? Max $2k if double cab, or $1500 if access cab IMHO, assuming solid frame. I've learned this lesson the hard way in the past, there most likely will be lots of other issues that show up once you get it up and going, especially at that mileage and having sat so long. If you'll be paying to have the labour done, then run Forrest, run!

 

I'd stay away from this truck completely, I'd bet a shot engine is just the beginning of a long list of problems. Unless you are very mechanically inclined, enjoy working on Tacos and have an unlimited bank account I'd pass.