5sfe low compression, help..

[Hybrid27]

Hi I'm new here, I just have a couple of questions... I found a 2000 5sfe on the internet classifieds. The seller is asking $500 for it but he said that it is loosing compression in one cylinder. The engine has high mileage, 230,000+ miles. I was thinking of picking it up and possibly doing something with it, building it up, possibly a head swap.. My question is about low compression, is it repairable? is it expensive? Is it a bad idea to work on a high mileage engine?? thanks

['88 All-Trac]

If you redo bearings and have the crank checked for cracks you're good. Low compression is caused by a few things, but the most common are valves out of spec, worn rings, or a worn cylinder wall... All of these are easily fixed.

Good luck!

[JohnGD]

If you need machining costs can go up fast. You can always drop in a lower miles salvage engine, but that's a crapshoot in itself.

[Hybrid27]

How would a worn cylinder wall be repaired, and how much would it cost?

Thanks for the info

[JohnGD]

Cylinder wall, if all scratched up is "repaired" by boring and honing. Basically drilling it out to the next larger piston size. This involves taking apart the engine and plus other work easily $1000-1500. Just wondering how much mechanical work have you done? Otherwise you source out the machining and do all the rest yourself may not be too bad. You can probably even rebuild the transmission while things are out. How's the rest of the car?

If the cylinders are fine and only need to change out the rings, then a cylinder head gasket job is usually around $800. So if only the rings need to be replaced it's at least that, because you also have to pull the engine or if in-car service have to remove the exhaust pipe/oil pan to get to the rod bolts from the bottom to take out the piston. And if you do this you'll need new head gasket, head bolts, piston rings, and I'd use new main/rod bearings and bolts.

That's why some say just get a salvage yard engine. It's a crapshoot but a lot cheaper too.

Check out what Haux did:
What is your opinion of NTB? Motor swap?

You can also call up some of the AERA Engine Rebuilders Association member shop in your area and talk to them about the costs:
http://www.aera.org/member-services/member-locator/

but it doesn't look like you have much of a choice, just one I saw nearby unless you go to Burley or Jerome. These are just AERA members (some are still duds), there are other machine shops of course. Kidd is a racing shop, so that a big plus in my book , but it also means these guys are more into Detroit engines like various generations of Chevy small block LS's :

Valley Engine Service (Kidd Performance)
448 Eastland Dr South
Twin Falls, ID
(208) 733-1128

Maybe before you buy the car pay Kidd Performance to do an inspection. Try to isolate the problem down to the block (cylinder/piston rings) or the top part (valve problems) as mentioned. There's a chance they misdiagnose but at least this should give you an idea. In some states your local AAA may offer a comprehensive inspection service (overall condition) for a fee. Consider using it too.

[Hybrid27]

Wow thanks for the research JohnGD.. I actually found this motor on a classifieds web site. The reason I wanted the info is because I was considering picking it up and playing with it, take my time building it up and put it in my 96 camry when I was finished. My plans for it would be to do a 3sgte head swap. Do you know how much 5sfe motors go for, year range 98+? The seller is selling this one for $500. He also said that it is loosing pressure through the rings.. What do you think?

[JohnGD]

Yeah I mistook it for the complete car hehe. Sounds like a fun project. I'd go with Toyota select fit bearings or Mahle-Clevite parts.

But yeah give Kidd a call and ask them about various costs for machining service. Usually you'll find a published table, for example:
http://www.budgetenginerebuilders.co..._services.html

As far as various swaps I'll have to defer to other tuners here. Haux got his 5SFE for $640 that run fine. Yours have a problem and I doubt it can be made into running with $140. So maybe make a counter offer?