Engine replacement needed?

Thoughts on engine replacement, or other actions.

So a week ago I'm cruising down the interstate in 4th at about 60 towing a 3500# trailer when all of a sudden I lose power (the engine was still running) and the CEL and Trac light both come on.
Their was a slight noise when it initially happened. It would start, but I had to keep the rpms up to prevent from stalling and it otherwise seemed smooth and quiet.

Anyway the mechanic says the code was calling for a crankshaft position sensor...
Then when that didn't work he discussed with the local Toyota dealer and they determined that it needed a new computer. (It's a long story, but I happened to have a spare... that was what was originally in truck). That didn't work...
Now he saying that the code is suggesting that number 2 cylinder has a valve issue.... (I've never had a quiet bad valve).

I had him stop work... am looking to take to another mechanic, who often does engine replacements &/or rebuilds.

The 2015 4WD SR5 has about 170k miles... oil changes every 5k, tranny fluid changed, diff changed 30-40k... was also regeared and I run 32" tires... so would usually run around 3000 rpm in 4th while towing and I do a lot of towing...

Thanks

 

As you've figured out, you need a new mechanic.

An honest one who can also diagnose.

 

Well I guess one question would be has anyone ever had a valve go bad, broke spring, etc that was quiet. I've seen a valve sucked into an engine and it made a lot of noise and other damage. Also had an exhaust valve burn out and you definitely knew you were running on one less cylinder.

 

Burnt valves, yes, noise free. Broken stuff, no.

But a compression test, dry / wet followed by a leakdown test will ferret out those flaws. Basic stuff.

 

I have 98 Tacoma 4 cylinder. It has started to need to be shifted into 3rd gear and even sometimes 2nd on highway hills to keep up with traffic. It never did this before. When is the tipping point to get a repair or a new engine? 260000 miles on it and all maintenance done on time.

 

This!

 

Only you can decide that. To some people sinking $3k into a $2k vehicle is worth it. Others stare at that $2k value as if it is going out of style.

The better question is, what is it worth to you?

 

You don't have nearly enough information to make a decision. Find a new shop.

 

that's not a mechanic

 

This was in March, has the problem been identified and resolved? Going just by the first sentences, I'm thinking electrical (bad coil) or a vacuum leak from a ruptured vacuum hose or even a bad PCV valve. What was/were the actual code(s)?

 

You may have better luck posting athread in the 1st gen forum. Like the OP on this thread, find a trusted mechanic that can perform various tests and check for codes before hastily blame it on a failed engine or transmission.