Hey all! longtime lurker here on yotatech... but now i have an emergency-type situation and i NEED advice!!

Heres the deal:

Finally made the call to move out of my hometown in Steamboat Springs, CO and check out a couple new places i might want to live. First was a place in Wisconsin (21 hr drive) and that didn't pan out. So I hit the road again on my way to Missoula, Mt.

In Bismarck, ND, I noticed my engine didn't sound quite right. Also noticed I should get an oil change.

Took it in to the shop and literally while turning into the shop, my power steering cut out, battery light came on, oil pressure light came on, not good!

Told the shop about that situation.

Shop had bad news- I was told something like 'a bolt came off your camshaft and something sheared off of something' i don't recall specifically.

They couldn't fit me in till midweek, but the Toyota dealership a mile away could. Drove it over there on battery very carefully while i watched it get hot.

Dealership says: Need a new motor!

I have the 2.7l 4cyl. They said it would require 21hrs of labor and could only find a used motor with 190k on it. total cost would be $4200!

MY DILEMMA:

I hate the idea of paying 4200 to get a motor with 190k on it. also 21 hrs of labor seems a bit much for an engine swap but i'm no mechanic so idk.

So here i am stranded in Bismarck, ND (where everyone is super nice btw) about to spend my life savings on a motor with 30k more miles than the one it is replacing.



HELP! what would you guys do? I'd even be willing to pay slightly more if i could get a remanufactured motor... but where to find one??


ANY INPUT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.... THANKS!!!

 

Find a local shop to swap it cheaper.

Trade it in.

Haul it home and try there.

:wabbit2:

 

God, what a nightmare. I agree. Scrap it and buy a beater to make it where you need to go..or....if it were me..id hop on my laptop, browse c-list for an engine, then browse through the craigslist auto services for someone who will do an engine swap. Bet you can get both the motor, and the labor, at half what the dealer quoted you.

 

http://nd.craigslist.org/aos/3411634898.html Tell him your story. He may help you out.

 

what year and model is your truck ?

 

http://nd.craigslist.org/pts/3399177972.html
engine needs head gasket ?

 

im surpirsed you were able to even drive it after soemone told u a bolt came off the camshaft. i would take it for a third opinion. or just find another vehicle to drive and sell yours as is.

 

find some one local to trade your truck for a older one, with a 22r or something or get a geo metro, DO NOT pay 4200 for a motor, the new yotas are a breaze to do swaps in. plug and play, i am buying a fully built toyota for 4400 locked front and rear on brand new 37" tires full roll cage with a ton of extras winch sliders front rear bumpers the workx. i would never pay more than 500-700 for a motor. call oregon its not to far away

 

Thanks for the tips! The idea of shelling out that kind of cash for a motor with 190k is off the table at this point.

I asked around and did some research and found a short list of shops with good reputations and asked for quotes. I'll pass on what they tell me when they get back to me.
If they don't come through, plan b is to get in touch with the craigslist mechanic to see if he is legit.

Plan C- Find an older yota pickup. I bought my '96 to replace an '89 single cab short bed that was totaled in an accident and I've missed the heck out of that truck ever since! Not that I don't love my new truck though.... ugh!

Thanks again.

 

look around for a good used engine.

http://www.car-part.com/

http://www.gotengines.com/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f123...-yards-149035/