Should I repair old car?

MarkR

My poor car is sick. Oil light came on today, car is a 04 avensis diesel with 235k miles on it. Serviced 5k miles ago where they'd spotted a small oil leak.

Oil level fine, but it seemed to be a little hot. Little wisp of smoke when I opened the oil cap.

Anyway, it's off to the garage, and it's not a sensor issue anyway. Compression test next,

I think I'm looking at a oil pump or piston rings being the issue?

I have a timing belt + water pump also due in 5 k miles

Kind of wondering have I come to the stage when I just stop repairing this and sell it privately? Then head off to done deal to fine something newer with lower mileage!

Gurgle

With 235k on the clock, you'll get nothing for it. Being a diesel Avensis, you could get a lot more out of it.

I'd recommend finding someone to give it a thorough check from bumper to bumper and see if there's anything (else) expensive on the verge of wearing out / falling off / bursting into flame.

04 Avensis is still worth a few bob so probably worth saving.

The low oil pressure can basically be following from low->high price if the level is right.

blocked pickup
jammed oil pump pressure relief valve
defective oil pump
major bearing problem

or combination of any of the above.

Problem is that if the pressure has been low with engine running the chances are that the crankshaft, main bearings and conrod small ends could be knackered. In extreme cases also valve gear and pistons/cylinders can get damaged. So the engine need to stripped down to see where the fault/damage lies.

MarkR

samih wrote: »

04 Avensis is still worth a few bob so probably worth saving.

The low oil pressure can basically be following from low->high price if the level is right.

blocked pickup
jammed oil pump pressure relief valve
defective oil pump
major bearing problem

or combination of any of the above.

Problem is that if the pressure has been low with engine running the chances are that the crankshaft, main bearings and conrod small ends could be knackered. In extreme cases also valve gear and pistons/cylinders can get damaged. So the engine need to stripped down to see where the fault/damage lies.

Urgh. That sounds unpleasant. :eek:

MarkR

MarkR wrote: »

Urgh. That sounds unpleasant. :eek:

Indeed. Problem with an engine that lost its oil pressure is not only that the pressure was gone due to some fault but also that loads of additional damage will happen due to the lost pressure :-(

If you decide to fix the car it will probably be the best to find a second hand engine for it.

MarkR

samih wrote: »

Indeed. Problem with an engine that lost its oil pressure is not only that the pressure was gone due to some fault but also that loads of additional damage will happen due to the lost pressure :-(

If you decide to fix the car it will probably be the best to find a second hand engine for it.

I was actually on donedeal already looking to see what a replacement engine would cost.

Considering that I've already replaced the gearbox and the clutch, it'd be like a new car!

Any ideas on what a low mileage d4d engine would cost?

MarkR

Got a picture back from the mechanic. He reckons I caught it early.



Now they just have to see why this crap was building up.

MarkR

MarkR wrote: »

Got a picture back from the mechanic. He reckons I caught it early.



Now they just have to see why this crap was building up.

It's pretty blocked alright. Was correct oil used at recommended drain intervals? Looks like the mechanic began to clean the strainer already if I'm correct.

For peace of mind I'd ask him to check the main bearings and maybe it would be a good idea to replace them while at it as a matter of course due to highish miles. They should be cheap enough, £45 in the first place I happened to pick:

http://www.5starspares.co.uk/enginepartstoyota.html#1CD-FTV_

MarkR

I'd always used the correct oil (5w 30) with the right spec when doing it myself, but garages have put in 10w 40 on occasion. That, and I have no idea what went in during the first near 100k miles.

Mechanic says the gaskets were leaking, so getting those done now. Fingers crossed, thanks for the advice.

MarkR

Good news, got the car back. I missed it, driving the mrs' corolla.

The o rings by the injectors were leaking, as well as the cups under them (make sense?) and they replaced various gaskets in the car. Got most of the sludge out, recommend I do another oil change in 5k miles.

300 including parts.