Questions about 2005 Tacoma Engine Replacement

Hello all,
I am new to this forum. I am not a car expert by any stretch of the imagination so I've come here to ask a few questions.

First off I own a 2005 Toyota Tacoma (4wd, 6 cyl., 4.0 L, Manual 6 Speed).

I have recently found out that my engine (112,000 miles) won't hold compression and that the oil was pretty black. I admit I was probably overdue for an oil change, so I am sure that is what ultimately caused the problem. Now I am in the process of researching for an engine replacement. I have been quoted $4895 for a factory remanufactured engine with a 3 year/unlimited mile warranty and I have been quoted $3495 for a used engine with 76k miles. The installation for either engine is $1695 (plus parts).

My questions:

1. Are these prices fair?
2. Which engine would you buy?
3. Does anyone have experience with the same problems I have mentioned?
4. Do you have any further advice for me?

I thank everyone in advance for replying!

 

Recommend you change the oil first to like Mobil1 synthetic 5w30 and a quality oil filter. Before you go expensive route.
I change my every 5k or 6 months .

 

Thank you for your advice. Would a simple oil change all of a sudden fix an engine compression problem?

 

If your oil is real bad, it could cause serious problem to the engine .

 

How many miles were you overdue for an oil change like 15k? Get a second opinion if you haven't already, 115k for that engine isn't a lot unless it was abused.

 

I can't be specific as to how overdue it was for an oil change, but I last had the oil changed (for both the transmission and engine) a year and a half ago. Dumb mistake i know. I'd estimate I've driven at the most 6-8k miles in that span. (I really only travel to work and back which is 6 miles roundtrip).

I am going to get a second opinion next week. Thanks for the advice.

Also, the original reason I took my truck in was because it had a hard time starting one day (definitely not the battery) and because the engine sounded louder than I have ever heard it before. Incidentally when I took my truck to the shop, it wouldn't start for them to hear the engine so they have never heard it running.

Thanks for your reply Drivesector.

 

That's sure not many miles to have that kind of a problem, I had 175k on my '06 and the new owner has 210k on it, it still runs like new. Maybe your overdue oil has caused a ring to stick? If the outgoing oil is black, you may very well be all sludged up.

If it were me, I'd buy some marvel mystery oil and dump it in with some new oil to see if it frees up a stuck ring. Black oil isn't slightly over due, that sounds way overdue. I've used Marvel on engines that sat a long time and ran for crap, MMO cleaned it up. If that doesnt work, maybe a Kreen oil soak down the plug holes is in order. If you do that, DO NOT put the plugs back in and crank it till you blow all the Kreen out or you will hydrolock it.

 

Thank you for your reply hotrod. I'll look into the MMO fix.

 

Everyone who has responded thank you. Tomorrow I will try to upload a video to show the sound the car makes when i try to start it and a picture of the dip stick (to show oil quality). Again, I know nothing about cars so this is the best I can do. I might be able to look at the oil in the oil filter as well.

 

Also I bought this truck used a little over two years ago. I am not the original owner.

 

Sounds like you just ran it out of oil, or just about out of oil...

Standing by to see whats next, or not...

 

Thanks for your reply. I will keep everyone updated.

If I ran it out of oil, or just about out of oil wouldn't an oil sensor pop up on my dash?

 

There is a dipstick, you check the level of your oil by marks on the dipstick....yes, if your oil gets critically low, a light will flicker on if the sump loses pumping pressure because the oil is too low, it flickers at first, if you stop immediately and add oil when it does this you may avoid huge damage...

Are you sure you are not trolling? Had to ask...

 

No I didn't intend to troll. I am honestly so grateful for all responses. I'm honestly not sure what trolling means, I assume it means posting something to get a rise out of people or something. If that what it means, no I am not trolling.

I did frequently check my oil level by looking at the dipstick. Occasionally I would have to top off the oil because it was a quart low. But that was every 4-6 months though.

 

Before spending any money I'd go old school and do a compression check.

Fancy oil isn't going to fix a cracked head or chooched valve.

 

Thanks for your reply 1320.

 

2005 and a compression issue? Headgasket is my bet.

Did they do a leak down test? That will answer all your questions.

 

This right here. 1st shop is trying to sell you an engine, way overpriced too IMO. Also,8k miles on a oil change will not end an engines life. I would get a second opinion.

 

Friend of mine inherited an old Ford ranger from his grandpa about 10 years back. Come to find out, the oil hadn't been changed 30k+ miles, when he went to change it, it dripped out in clumps for hours. Went on to live a fairly long life. So I agree, going a little over on an oil change isn't good, but it's not going to kill an engine that quickly.

 

Definitely need another opinion. 112k is just breaking in the 4.0.

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