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1993 Toyota Corolla Question: Any issues on replacing engine

 

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slcruz72, Meriden, CT, March 05, 2009, 03:46
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I was offered a car that needs an engine. I priced it and found an engine for it, but before I buy it I want to know is it a good idea replacing the engine? What issues will I run into or is it worth investing in?

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    Andy Y March 05, 2009, 15:23
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    What is wrong with the bad engine? Did it throw a rod or have bad bearings? bad oil rings? If it is only the head gasket and not anything to do with the bottom end, I would concentrate on fixing the head gasket. Toyota bearings are very durable and last a very long time if treated well (always had oil pressure and proper oiling). If it overheated and just needs a head gasket, don't touch the bearings if you don't need to. Compression and leak down tests will help test the rings

    Motor swaps on a Corolla are pretty straight forward for an experienced Toyota/import shop. The labor itself is usually not a problem.

    Is the engine you found a reman (remanufactured)? Does it come with any kind of warranty? Is it a used or junk yard engine? Is it a Japan engine? Hard to speculate about issues but there are a couple things to watch out for

    It needs to be the same engine with the same emissions devices. You may need to remove the emissions off the old engine and use them on the 'new' one (for smog purposes). Also make sure the sensor connectors are the same otherwise you might. If it's just a long block (bottom end with head installed) you'll need to tear down the bad engine and swap everything anyway.
    Kind of a lot to think about but I think diagnosing what is really wrong with the bad engine will help you choose the path that works most economically.

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    slcruz72, March 06, 2009, 04:08
     Rookie

    Thanks for the feedback. The previous person rode the engine dry and did not keep up with the oil. He knew he had a oil leak and did nothing to fix it. Alot went wrong with it and mechanics told him he needs a new engine. He wasn't willing to keep up with it in the first place and he's not willing to invest in a new motor. Offering it to me very cheap to get it off his hands. Having two mechanic friends helping me get the car back into shape and will take care of this baby. I just sold my little Ford Escort that I've had for over 12 years and that baby is still in great condition. Thanks for the advise; will pass it to my mechanics.

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    Andy Y, March 06, 2009, 09:45
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    If the previous owner ran it out of oil, the bearings are probably gone

    I'm not sure if you have the 1.6 or 1.8 but you shouldn't have any trouble finding a long block or a complete engine for it. Just make sure you don't change the emissions devices on the car (just to avoid any smog hassles). If the new engine looks like it has newer/better/cleaner parts and they're the same I'd probably use the new stuff.

    Your mechanic friends will be able to use their judgment when doing the swap. It sounds complicated but it's really not if they have some experience. Take your time with it and it'll be fine.

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