Rebuild or replace engine?

[jimmyk]

Hello, this is my first post although i have been reading the forum for years. I have a 1987 camry with a blown head gasket. Car has 211K on it.
With this high mileage is it worth rebuilding or replacing with low mileage Japenese engine. Thanks.

[TrailDust]

Move your post for you, hopefully the Gen 1/2 Camry members will be able to offer you some advice.

[MCV2O]

Originally Posted by jimmyk

Hello, this is my first post although i have been reading the forum for years. I have a 1987 camry with a blown head gasket. Car has 211K on it.
With this high mileage is it worth rebuilding or replacing with low mileage Japenese engine. Thanks.

Well if you can find a low mileage engine, and keep it maintained, you'll end up with a car that will last another 200K..!

If you do decide to rebuild and if it's done right, you'll have an engine that should outlast the body

I bought a 2nd hand 3sfe engine on eBay with new head & new bolts, timing belt kit, water pump, all seals done for $20.. (yes, 20 bucks)..!

['88 All-Trac]

If it's just the head gasket, replace it. Take the head in for inspection.

If it's got other issues, I recommend you rebuild. You can do a budget rebuild for under $500. I got a JDM engine for my '91 and it developed a nasty rod knock withing 20k miles.

[Sturdavj]

If you have the tools & knowledge:

1. Pull the head inspect the air plenums (intake/exhaust), valve seats, and with a clean straightedge check the top of the cylinder block for warpage, followed by measuring cylinder walls (for wear ridge).

2. If EVERYTING looks great, then and only then take your head into to a reputable shop to have it inspected possibly magna fluxed for cracks. If everything checks out then you can consider a valve job and a gasket set.

If it were I knowing what I know about R&Ring the engine in this car and with my access to equipment and tools I would shop the local (for you & me that would be the great Northwest) salvage yards for a low miles same-same engine and swap it out in about 18 to 32 (actual hands on time) shop hours. Including prepping the replacement engine re-installation with all new rubber, O-rings, water pump, thermostat and associated parts.

I know I have traded information with fellows on this forum who can slice that time by two thirds and do it between 6 to 9 hours, but hey’ I am just that eager any more

Let us know what you do

[jimmyk]

Thank you for your replies, my plan now is to pull the engine take head off have machine shop look at it then decide from there what to do.

[Gazelle]

My '87 3sfe seized last year. The oil was tarry and possible overheating seized the camshafts. I pulled the engine, disassembled and cleaned everything, (the hardest part). The bottom was good so replaced rings, bearing inserts, every gasket, seal, o-ring and hose. Rebuilt the steering pump, new A/C bearing. I had a machine shop clean the block, hone the cylinders and pressure test and service the head. It took me a year but I feel was well worth it for the cost of parts and machining so I now have a new engine. Yes, I had another vehicle to use. I plan to post pictures of the rebuild project.