Well, I did it last weekend and turned to soon into oncoming lane and had to drive across the center divider, tearing a large hole in the oil pan of my 2009 Avalon Limited. Dark and rainy, kept driving thinking everything was okay until the oil light came on and a couple of blocks later the engine quit and starter only whined when trying to restart. Towed to an independant garage next door to the motel where were staying about 300 miles from home. Highly rated place and the owner even loaned us one of his personal cars to use. Decided to go with a used engine from a 2009 Camry with 15,000 miles. (my Avalon had just gone over 50,000 on this trip). After we got home and reported to insurance the adjuster told them to also change the engine cradle which had a good gouge in it, although really only cosmetic he said it "aligned the engine". Of course changing the cradle involved removing all the suspension parts and transferring them over, also the mechanic didn't like the way the water pump bearing felt and it showed signs of a slight leak so he swapped mine in as well as my all metal VVTi oil line (the Camry engine had the metal/rubber one) He also had to switch in my wiring harness as the Camry's computer is under the dash and the Avalon' under the hood. He said I did get a bonus as the Camry engine had an external oil cooler that mine didn't. Couldn't find anything about Toyota offering an optional oil cooler, Anyone know anything?? When we returned his loaner this past Tuesday on our way to the East Coast for a vacation they had just gotten the engine up in my Avalon and said it would be couple more days to finish up and get some driving on it to insure everything was good, so we had to drive out here to the coast, from Kansas in my old '94 Ford Ranger with the Check Engine light coming on and off the whole way at highway speeds (This truch seldom sees a highway) Probably o2 sensors. Hopefully will come out of this with just as good an engine as I had (we bought the Avalon used from a dealer with 24,000 miles and it had previouly been a rental car.
Comments??
at least you have the insurance takes care of the expense for you
don't know much about the oil cooler. I wonder if thing likes that will show up in CarFax?
as long as the shop does a good job, I think your car will be ok. Good luck
The shop you're at sounds like they're very experienced and know what they're doing. To swap over the same engine from a different model car can be a major pain and doesn't always go smoothly, but from what you're saying your car will be back to new in no time.
I'm pretty sure Toyota had external oil coolers on cars that were to be sold in colder climates. Being from Wisconsin all my cars but my old 98 Sunfire had an external oil cooler. You being from Kansas I know it can get pretty darn cold there but usually you guys have warmer temps than we do!
__________________
6 speed manual 2011 Camry SE
2012 Honda Accord Coupe---1995 Ford Mustang---1985 AMC Eagle
I thought that was obvious and we'd overlook that part......
He asked for comments. Apparently some people need it reinforced that when the red oil light comes on, stop ASAP. I see the educational purpose as the prime reason for the forum. Perhaps you see something else as more important.
Once again, like with so many other posts, the basic lesson is "Read the owners manual!"
I'm sure he feels bad enough this happening in the first place, we don't need to make it worse. Yes, it's obvious when you run over something, cause damage, pull over! If the oil light comes on, pull over! But still.
__________________
6 speed manual 2011 Camry SE
2012 Honda Accord Coupe---1995 Ford Mustang---1985 AMC Eagle
Perhaps we need an additional forum where only encouraging and affirmative statements are allowed. Oh, and expressions of sympathy. No matter how ridiculous or contrary to common sense the actions may be. That fact is to be ignored...or at least, not mentioned. The "affirmations only" forum. You'll be free from my reality checks there.
Final wrapup to this saga! First, I fully agree that I should have stopped immediately when I noticed the smoke/vapor or at the latest when the oil light came on. Not an excuse, but my wife was at a meeting and my panicky thoughts were to at least get back to the motel (we are not like you all who all carry multiple cell phones, just have the one Tracfone in the car for emergencies). Yes, I panicked, it was dark and rainy, I had consumed ONE beer with supper (and was worried about that on my breath)! Still no excuse, should have stopped and called AAA for a tow. That said, less get on to the final results. The insurance adjuster told the garage to also change the engine cradle which was gouged so they did, which resulted in a lot more work. For anyone contemplating putting a Camry engine in an Avalon be advised the Camry has the computer under the dash and the Avalon's is under the hood which results in the complete wiring harness having to be swapped over which entails removing the intake manifold. Also this Camry engine had the old rubber hose/steel oil line so mine was swapped over along with the water pump which the mechanic thought was a little wobbly on the shaft and maybe showed signs of a slight leak. He also put in new motor mounts, etc. all from a local Toyota Parts Dept. including Toyota oil, filters, antifreeze, etc. Due to removing/installing cradle it had to have a full alignment (some suspension is mounted to the cradle) so when we got it back after the overseas cruise it runs like a song and and everything works fine. Total bill was $8400 (used engine w/shipping $4500 and cradle $1000! Labor was only $2000 and that probably didn't cover all their time running back and forth to Toyota to research how to reset the window/roofhatch operation, trying to find why there was an oil cooler (Toyota didn't know) Oh well at least it is fixed! the Ford Ranger made it to Baltimore and back only using a quart of oil and a gallon of 50/50 antifreeze (the water pump started leaking) so time to look for another pickup.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
1995 Ford Mustang
2000 Nissan Maxima SE
2011 Toyota Camry SE
Emily
Someone, I'm sure, will be offended.
There. Is that better? 
Linear Mode
