Are the 3EE problems only from the factory? Or even if rebuilt?

[zeanimal2001]

I was just wondering if you guys know if the valve stem seals and such problems with the 3EE engine were "factory" problems or will it happen even if the engine is rebuilt with new components?

Thanks,Matt

[4speedsleeper]

The 3ee is faulty from the factory for the valve seals going out at about 120-150,000 miles. I recommend getting the head rebuilt. And while you have the head off you might check your piston rings out. Look at cylinder 3 really hard that will be the first cylinder to pop. I went through 4 of these motors over the years with my old 92 Tercel and my 93 Tercel.
Oh, yeah if your running kinda funky you might need a piston ring job and a valve job. Theses engines like burning valves and rings. Mostly because of lack of oil from the oil pump as well as the owner.
But, when they are running good they are great little motors. I gave up and put a paseo motor in mine. You might also end up doing the same if you plan on keeping it to fix up.

[hevster1]

Originally Posted by 4speedsleeper

The 3ee is faulty from the factory for the valve seals going out at about 120-150,000 miles. I recommend getting the head rebuilt. And while you have the head off you might check your piston rings out. Look at cylinder 3 really hard that will be the first cylinder to pop. I went through 4 of these motors over the years with my old 92 Tercel and my 93 Tercel.
Oh, yeah if your running kinda funky you might need a piston ring job and a valve job. Theses engines like burning valves and rings. Mostly because of lack of oil from the oil pump as well as the owner.
But, when they are running good they are great little motors. I gave up and put a paseo motor in mine. You might also end up doing the same if you plan on keeping it to fix up.

120-150k valve seals faulty? I believe worn out is more like it.
Most people who have problems with these run them very hard and don't do much maintenance. A quality synthetic goes a long way in these. So do valve adjustments. The early carbed versions built in the 80's were crap because of bad valve seals at 40-60k and a carb system which caused carbon buildup on the valves. The efi models were far better. I personally know of 4 owners who run Amsoil synthetics and change at 15 k and have no problems well into the 200k range. They also check the valves often etc.