Rod knock in 95 2.7, is it junk?

Last week my engine started rattling and since it's time for an inspection I took it by a place and the guy said it sounded like "rod knock". So then, I took it to a real mechanic and he says turn it on and give it just a little gas. 2 seconds in he signals kill it and say yep that's rod knock.

What do I do? Rebuilt engines are more than the truck is worth. He's calling his junkyard contacts to see about a wreck but even that's going to get close to full value after installation.

This has been my only vehicle for 12 years, it's really sad. What would you do?

 

the first thing I ask is how is the rest of the truck, I see she is a 4X4, how is the trans and transfer case... post a pic of the truck...

 

I'll post pics later when I can. In general it's in good shape. Worst part about it is I replaced the clutch last month. 4 wheel drive works perfectly.

 

We went through this with the daughters car, a new used engine is worth more than the vehicle. a rebuild is cheaper but takes longer. We ended up finding a good used engine at a junkyard. They fired it up and it sounded good. I changed the oil, valve cover gasket and checked the timing chain and it was super tight. I guess it all depends what you want to spend. They prob have a used japanese engines near you. that also is a good bet. You Still will pay about $2500 though.

 

I'm thinking I'll try to sell it as is at this point. Do you think I can get $1500 out of it.

 

How much to do a rebuild of your existing engine? Good rebuild, and she's good for 200,000 more miles...throw on a paint job, and you're good to go...

 

Sure. The thing is I'm long over due to replace it anyway. It's a two seater and I have three young kids that need to be carted places. My fil is upgrading his tundra double cab from an 04 to a new one this summer so I was planning on buying his old one anyway.

Now I'm just looking for the easiest way to let this tacoma go. I'm assuming a rebuild is going to be in the $1500 range anyway, so rebuild sell for ~$3,000 or just sell as is for $1,500 I net the same. Or are my guesstimates way off?

 

That's some high school boys dream right there. That or someone that will replace the engine and make an off-roading beast! I say sell her.

 

A few hundred dollars should buy a used motor from a junkyard....

 

Someone will want it for a hunting truck if nothing else...

 

Im interested PM is sent.

 

The engine might still run for a pretty long while knocking until it finally gives out.

 

you said the clutch was just replaced make sure the bellhousing bolts are not loose...

 

I might be interested if your in West north Carolina.

 

Run it till it breaks.

 

Shit I got 1000$ if the frame isn't rusted!!!

That's a cool truck I could see myself rebuild it just to have a extra dirt bike hauler that's always loaded up ready to go, tell you what I'll trade you a Honda Accord

 

Mileage?

 

I would check the crankshaft pulley to see if it's loose from the rubber in between the pulley and hub, need to loosen the belt to check it. If your clutch housing has a dust or inspection cover, I would remove it to see if a bolt or damping spring has broke, either one could cause a noise. I you are sure it's a rod, I would take a little hammer, crawl under truck and tap on frame from one end to the other to see if it's sound before putting any money in it, Frames on these will rust from the inside out, have good paint and look good on the outside, but may have a place that's just about eat through.

 

It's funny, the 3RZ/2RZ rebuilt engines cost more than the 5VZ's. You can get a rebuilt one off ebay for about $1,500. I'm sure you can find one elsewhere for cheaper though.

 

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