Japanese takeout engines

[algernonsidney]

What is everyone's experience here with Japanese takeout engines? I have heard that in Japan, all engines are taken out of cars after 40,000 miles or so. I am thinking of getting one of these.

Thank you.

[Paseo15psi]

I have owned several. They are usually a much better choice than any salvage yard engine here.

[Tercel GTS]

40,000 miles is a myth however you can find some with even less miles than that. My jdm swap had near 80,000 miles when I bought it. It was in great condition and was well worth the money. Which engine are you after?

[algernonsidney]

I'm not sure. I am getting one for a 1995 Tercel, which currently has 255,000+ on it. It has been burning oil for a couple years. Up until recently, I was adding a quart about once a week.

I fear that the leaks may have recently reached a critical point, where they just can't be tolerated anymore. On Friday the 15th, I got an oil change. The next day, the oil light came on. The check engine light came on, and the thing stalled out for the first time EVER.

I don't want to buy a new car or a used one.

One shop here told me that she has had problems with these takeout engines. She told me that the original owners don't take care of them. I wanted to see if these bad experiences are common. Could it be that she just wanted to sell me on a more expensive engine?

I wanted to find out from people who have actually used them. I appreciate the responses.

[Tercel GTS]

Ok you're after a 5efe DIS(no distributor). There are a few importers in TX and a couple here in GA plus a few in FL. A quality place of business will take back a sludge engine if you do happen to get one. It's rare but they are people too and some of us are plain lazy. Check with a few importers and ask what they do if you get a sludge engine.
When you do get the engine swap your intake manifold to the new engine and any other sensors that differ.

[algernonsidney]

He told me there is a one-year warranty on it. I should know if it is a sludge before then.

I plan on getting it inspected immediately afterward. We have emissions testing here now. That should tell me something.

So, I should also swap the intake manifold and sensors, too?

[Tercel GTS]

Your ecu is programmed for the stuff on the car now. Put those parts on the new engine and it'll be fine.

[algernonsidney]

What is the ECU?

[Tercel GTS]

The computer, Engine Control Unit.

[Paseo15psi]

Texas is doing emissions now! Wow I've been gone a long time.

I have purchased engines from the two major ebay companies based in GA and they are both great. No problems at all.

[algernonsidney]

I'll be happy if I get 100,000 out of the engine.

[ShowCarTercel]

Originally Posted by algernonsidney

I'll be happy if I get 100,000 out of the engine.

As long as you didn't get a bad one. If you take good care of it, it should last while over that no problem.