1zz-fe broken rod bearings - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ericdem · 07-06-2009, 03:50 PM

hey im a new member, just wondering if anyone could throw some advice my way. i have a 2001 celica GT. it was making a knocking noise so i took it in and toyota told me my rod bearings are gone and a new motor is the best way to go. so i guese the qeustion is if the 1zz-fe engine has had problems with the rod bearings then is it worth it to just put the same engine in or what? does the GT-S engine fit in just the same or any other toyota engine thats more high quality then the 140 hp 1zz-fe?
i work in detail at the local toyota and talked to a tech who said he would do the labor under the table if i could get a engine.

please help me out here

***TrailDust*** · 07-06-2009, 05:55 PM

to Toyota Nation! I'm going to move this thread to the Celica section so you can get a better answer from other owners.

91MR2quickNA · 07-06-2009, 08:16 PM

The 2ZZ-GE does fit, of course, in the Celica without modification to the chassis. You'll need the C60 transaxle as well. Not exactly a cheap swap.

The 1ZZ is known for eating rod bearings. Not sure why, but it's likely a lubrication issue (insufficient oil or oil flow, for example) or wear issue to the point where the clearance is too great and it spins.

You don't HAVE to get a new engine. You can have the crank re-ground and use oversized rod bearings. That's assuming the damage isn't too bad on the crank side.

If you don't trust that crank and block anymore, just get a short block from a junkyard and have it installed. I would advise you, if you take this route, to have them check all of the bearing clearances to ensure you don't drive off from the dealer and have it start knocking a few thousand miles down the road. Fresh bearings in a used engine will go a long way in keeping the engine running without issue.

Also, don't reuse the plastic region bolts on the connecting rod bearing caps or in the cylinder head as that's just asking for more trouble. Buy new bolts and have them installed.

bionictony · 07-07-2009, 04:59 PM

00-02 celica GT has a known oil consumption problem. toyota fixed it in 03+ models. they have different pistons/piston rings so there would be less oil consumption. if you find a 1zz-fe engine, make sure it's from a 03+ model year car. toyota corolla and matrix use the 1zz engine also. but if you get one from a corolla/matrix, you might have to drill and tap 2 holes for the axle carrier. should be a piece of cake for a machine shop. your other route is to rebuild with new rods, bearings, pistons, piston rings. search for 1zz oil consumption in google and read around.