3SFE engine knocking - what next? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Montanahelp · 08-12-2007, 05:34 PM

I just bought another 87 Camry wagon. It was listed in the paper as needing an engine. The engine runs, but knocks really bad(I started it for about 3 seconds and immediately turned it off) . It has a 3sfe with 200,000 miles on it. The sound appears to be coming from the lower end of the engine. Before I pull the engine, are there any obvoius things I should check with the engine in place? What actually happens when a rod or piston goes bad? If the lower end goes bad does the head get damaged? I'm not looking to keep the car - just repair it as cheap as possible and sell it.

camryfour · 08-12-2007, 08:59 PM

It sounds like it has a main bearing or rod bearing that is bad. The head stays fine when this happens. It will most likely need a rebuild. A much better option would be to swap in a jdm 3sfe. You can also use the block from a newer camry (5sfe) not the head.

galaxee · 08-14-2007, 05:09 PM

we had the same thing in our es250 (2vz-fe)- rod bearing was toast. might not really be worth it depending on the condition. we took that engine apart, took one look at the block and tossed everything but the heads.

***toyomoho*** · 08-14-2007, 05:25 PM

The cheapest route may be finding a good used engine.

Montanahelp · 08-14-2007, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the input. I was hoping it was something easy, but I bought it right. Should I even drop the pan before I pull the engine???

marc780 · 08-22-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montanahelp

Thanks for the input. I was hoping it was something easy, but I bought it right. Should I even drop the pan before I pull the engine???

I wouldn't, dont waste your time. The engine isnt worth a patch-fix or an in car overhaul, the noise is from the crankshaft main bearings and/ or connecting rods - and that means there are about two choices unfortunately, rebuild or replace. Used japan engine might be worthwhile.

If the engine is driven much with that knock, there's a good chance a connecting rod cap will break and maybe put the rod through the engine block. Since the engine is a goner anyways, all that means is you get stranded that day for a tow and you have no core for the new/rebuilt/used japan engine.