3SF-E Rebuild - How Difficult?

[RWoodva]

'90 Camry just passed 200,000 miles and before the celebration was over it either spun a bearing or threw a rod - whatever makes it sound like it's got marbles in it. It was so peppy and fuel efficient up until the end; we marvelled over it many times.

But now, engine still cranks, just gets no compression on 3 of the 4 cylinders.

My question - how hard an engine is this to rebuild for someone who is mechanically inclined but has never undertaken a job like this? Compared to other engines. I know I'll need to find or borrow some tools I don't already have (like..... an engine lift!) and I imagine I'll need to find a good engine/machine shop once I get it broken down. And is it possible I just need to rebuild the head?

I'm trying to do this as economically as possible, as it's my daughter's getting to school and back vehicle.
Ideas?

[Toysrme]

Rebuiding 4 cylinder engines is not difficult. Tho for the cost I would scrap it, buy a used engine & re-seal it while it's out of the engine bay.
You'll wind up with a better engine for about the same cost.

[marc780]

You can do it, but i think you'd find it is not cost efficient. It requires alot of parts and machine work as you know, and also a lot of expensive single-used tools like cylinder hones etc. Also you don't know what you are going to find once you tear it apart either - you may need even more costly machine work like a crankshaft regrind, cylinder boring, maybe even welding up of cracks etc.
I'd go for either a used japanese engine or a rebuilt one. You are on the right track, you can save hundreds of dollars if you do the remove and install yourself. What you'd probably want is a long block. A long block is a rebuilt engine with remanufactured valve train and new or reground camshaft, reground crank, new pistons, rings and bearings, and so on. And all thats left to do is swap over the valve cover and oil pan, the flywheel, and some other parts.

And you can do this work on an engine stand and then drop in the engine and it's usually good for another 100,000 or more. And the cost even for all this, would be the same, or less than what you propose to do. i know because i am one of the many folks that have done this work to cars and trucks just to get a few more years life out of them.

[toyomoho]

I concur. It is not hard to rebuild the engine but parts and machining costs will add up quickly. Find a decent used engine, someone who totaled their car and is parting it out, etc. No compression on 3 out of 4 sounds strange for a spun bearing, might investigate this more.

[RWoodva]

Thanks for the advice, all.
Sounds like I should start tracking down a decent used engine, but in the meantime do some investigation into the engine I've got. I just towed it from NC back to VA, so now I can put 'er in the garage and have a look see.

Richard

[es250nut]

The 3SFE is available from Japan as a low mileage used engine. You should be able to get one for around $500 with a 12 month warranty. I've used a few of these engines in some of my cars and have had very good success with them. Just make sure to replace all the seals, timing belt, water pump & thermostat before you install it.

[marksktr]

DROP A 3SGTE!

thats how we do....



but yea, id say go with buying a used engine and do regular service to it and then just drop it in.

probably save alot more trouble time and cash that way