1GR-FE rebuild

i had my cherry picker maxed out and cleared the core support by about half an inch. putting it back in, same and i kinda crunched the throttle body connector. the connector still works but its kinda cracked. probably should have aired down the tires but meh, it worked. the front was sooooo tall tho

 

I ordered a complete gasket kit from the factory. I will need a couple of gasket for the water housing extension.

 

Perfect time to get the cam gears right next time.

 

@Torspd Do you Know what size socket for the main bearing cap bolts are? They look like 12 point. I will need to hunt down a socket.

 

I cannot remember. 12 or 14mm are my guesses. I used 1/2" drive.

 

I got the driver's side head off. This w as the side I think I had the cam gear installed wrong or the timing off a tooth. I do not see any damage to the valves or Pistons. That's a plus.

Cyl 6


Cyl 4



And both sides of the gasket.

 

I have pulled the pass side head off and I see no signs of anything cylinders look good.


The gasket

Cyl 5

Cyl 3

After that I took a short break then tackled the oil pans. I found some small chunks of silicone and 1 small ring spring. I think it came from the valve guide seals I did about 2 years ago.
Looking at the crank and rods, everything still looks fine.


I will have to get 2 sockets that are 12 point. A 12mm and a 14mm.
Now, now I am just as excited to find out as you are, but we will just have to wait for now.

 

Cross hatches in those cylinders still look good.

How are the cam races and bearings?

 

The cam journals look good.





@Torspd are the main bearing cap bolts reusable or one time use?

 

Well those all look good. You know I am going to raz you a little now though. Change the oil a little sooner. Otherwise, the mystery moves along to the next area. The bowels.

 

No mention of needing to replace them in the repair manual.

 

I change my oil every 5k. I was using full synthetic oil. I did get the truck used at about 75k-80k miles.

 

Reminders of a previous life. Lol.

The main bearing caps' bolts are likely supposed to be thrown away. I may or may not have re-used them though. Many times, without issue.

 

If the above assembly instructions are correct. The bolts look to be Torque to Yield. The general consensus is you always replace TTY bolts.

Does everyone, No.
I’ve been an @Torspd myself too.
Run what you got.

If it feels like the bolts are stretching and are usually ”soft” when tightening. Replace them. Other wise, run it.

 

This tear down has me sitting on the edge of my seat trying to guess the source of all that glitter in the oil. For some reason I can't help to keep thinking back a long time ago to one of the first 1GR failures reported on this forum. IIRC it was due to oil starvation to the drivers side of the engine, perhaps pump related(?)

 

Well the oil pan spent about 2 hour total in the parts washer today. Here is a little before and after. There are a few tight spots that still have some build up.

 

That turned out great.

 

Look what I finally got in the mail!!


My 12 point sockets for the mains and rods.
Now, I just need to act like a good home owner and pet parent, then I can go play in the garage.

Oorrrrrrrrrr.

 

You're being a good home owner by working on your truck.