98 engine repair advice - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

05Prius · 05-24-2009, 05:06 PM

I need some advice from the engine experts. I have 2 98 Prizms with the 1.8 engines. One has a bad engine and the second has a good engine and I and wanting to swap them. I problem I have is , the good engine was involved in a crash. The 3 bosses that are used to bolt on the AC compressor are broken, The top one which in on the engine block appears to be an easy fix. The 2 lower bosses are on a section that looks to unbolt from the main engine block. I am wanting to swap the "Plate section" from the bad engine onto the good (broken) engine. My question is. Is this a straight forward swap? Whats involved? Thanks in advance.

fishexpo101 · 05-26-2009, 03:43 PM

I think I know what you are after. That "plate" is the bearing cap subassembly. That is a LOT of work - you're basically going to have to pull the whole engine out to get at it. It holds the lower main bearings, crank rear oil seal, etc. - basically holds the crankshaft.

If you do it by the "book" - you have to basically strip the whole engine down to get to the subassembly - pull head, pull pistons, etc. If you have an engine stand - you could probably get away with holding the engine upside down, prying off the oil pan, and getting at the subassembly bolts. Even if you don't disturb the crank and bearings for the crank - you still have to replace the seals.

Be easier to fab up a separate bracket up to mount the two lower bosses for the A/C compressor bolts. Though it depends on how much meat there is to work with.

05Prius · 05-28-2009, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the info, That is what I was wondering. I was hoping that I would not have to disturb the main bearings, I really don't want to end up overhauling this thing. The car really isnt worth pulling two engines, half way rebuilding one and then installing it.

I don't really see a good way to fab a bracket to hold the compressor.

I see that Autozone lists a belt for a car without air. Would it be possible to eliminate the compressor and just use a belt for a non air car?

huangxin · 05-28-2009, 07:51 PM

it would really suck to drive a car without air, but you can eliminate the compressor by using a shorter belt; however, you have to get the AC system's pressure relieved by a professional before you can disconnect the compressor from the car.

maybe post a picture of the damage? people on here might be able to give you some ideas