Blown motor...

[nidex]

Hi everyone. Earlier today I purchased my first Toyota, a 2001 Camry XLE 5S-FE with a seized motor. There is a lot of useful information on this forum, I did some searching but still have a few questions that I couldn't find specific answers to.

From what I've gathered, I need to find a replacement 5S-FE from a '97 or newer. The shortblock on the 97+ is the same as the older models, but if I were to use an older motor, I would need to use the 97+ head and oil pump and there is an issue with the older block and the knock sensor. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this...

With that said, what is different or missing about the older head that requires me to use the 97+? Camshaft position sensor?

Also, what are the specifics about the knock sensor? I'm guessing that the older models didn't use one and I wouldn't be able to put one in (no hole for it?), assuming that I use the 97+ harness and ECU.

If I'm missing anything, please let me know as I have an opportunity to get the older 5S-FE. Responses are greatly appreciated.

[LynchburgCSI]

I'm sure someone knows the answer to this... but for now, I'll send you some helpful literature. Check your PMs.

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by nidex

Hi everyone. Earlier today I purchased my first Toyota, a 2001 Camry XLE 5S-FE with a seized motor. There is a lot of useful information on this forum, I did some searching but still have a few questions that I couldn't find specific answers to.

From what I've gathered, I need to find a replacement 5S-FE from a '97 or newer. The shortblock on the 97+ is the same as the older models, but if I were to use an older motor, I would need to use the 97+ head and oil pump and there is an issue with the older block and the knock sensor. Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this...

With that said, what is different or missing about the older head that requires me to use the 97+? Camshaft position sensor?

Also, what are the specifics about the knock sensor? I'm guessing that the older models didn't use one and I wouldn't be able to put one in (no hole for it?), assuming that I use the 97+ harness and ECU.

If I'm missing anything, please let me know as I have an opportunity to get the older 5S-FE. Responses are greatly appreciated.

The S-Motor would fit. The 92-96 5sfe did have a knock sensor. Its located directly in the center / top of the block. The early 5sfe (pre 92) did not come with a knock sensor. In early / late 92 they re-designed the motor and accommodated it with a knock sensor for "Added security". Depending on the # of block you have, they also used two different style head gaskets. One Metal and one a Composite. In early 1995 they implemented OBD-II into the 3rd Gen Camry and in 1996 OBD II Was fully accommodated with the 3rd generation.


With all that said,
I would say you would be safe if you can find a 1996 5sfe motor, The pre 1996 motors you may run into issues with OBD1 / OBD2 wiring problems and it may not work.. But with the 1996 model you should be A-OK.

The only other difference I can think of is since your motor is 98+ It has a 1mm larger bore diameter than a 1996 5sfe.

I would recommend getting a motor from a 98+ Though just to be sure. I'm not positive if the ECU's are different. I know for a fact the motor will fit perfect, but as far as wiring and ECU's ... Not sure if they will hook up / run properly


Picture of 1992-1996 5sfe Knock Sensor:

[Eye8Pussies]

^ what he said

I would play it on the safe side when replacing a motor- it's usually okay to go newer, but not backward. most of the toyota motors are backward compatible (if they don't have vvti and are not extremely different) and you may just have a couple of extra sensors that your ecu won't need

but if it's the other way around and you're missing sensors that your ecu needs, then you'll either pop codes, or it won't run at all

[nidex]

Thank you very much for the responses, very informative. I'll look around locally for a 4th gen/98+ motor, however if I don't find one for a decent price I'll probably end up using the Gen3 OBD2 motor.

If anything, I can hit up the yard and compare ECU numbers, harness/harness clips and look over all the sensors from a '96 to make sure it will all work before I purchase the motor. I'm not opposed to doing a little wiring if need be.