Reconditioned engine Corolla 2000

paulginger2

Hi all i am just wanting to enquire as to whether or not getting a reconditioned engine is worth it.
I was on to a guy who called Declan who works in naas, he has a business supplying and fitting reconditioned toyota engines. he quoted me 1400 to supply and fit a new engine for my car with a 6 month written warranty. He seemed professional etc, i found his ad on done deal.

My car is rattling under load, sounds like marbles in a can coming from engine bay,, erratic idle and its using a fair bit of oil. On the odd occasion it completely dies but springs back to life ( not the famous jolt start stop that has something to do with the ecu)
My mechanic has checked the exhaust a couple of times, there seems to be no discernible cause, its definitely not the intake manifold rattle, i have cleaned the throttle body a couple of times. He has advised me to put octane booster in it to help with the rattle.

Now i know people will say just say goodbye and that it will cost more than the car is worth, which is also what the guy from naas says, but while the car is worth feck all in monetary terms, it will cost a hell of alot more to get a newer car with decent mileage, mine has 140000m on the clock.

Has anybody out there had any experience with this guy, i am afraid to put a link to the ad up, in case the mods shoot me. I would be happy to pay the money of i was relatively certain it wouldnt just fall apart after 6 months.

I need advice from more knowledgeable people, i rely on this car, i do a lot of miles, it hasnt let me down yet, and i would love to keep it on the road

Thanks

Toyotafanboi

paulginger2 wrote: »

i rely on this car, i do a lot of miles, it hasnt let me down yet, and i would love to keep it on the road

Thanks

Is the bodywork/ interior in good condition? If it is, the reconditioned engine sounds like a good plan partiularly with the security of the 6 month warranty.

€1400 does sound rather pricey though, if we are talking that kind of money i'd certainly want to know what was reconditioned exactly and will you be getting a rebate for your old engine. You could get a used engine supplied and fitted for around half that, but there is a large element of the unknown with that, so if you are paying the extra for a recon engine, you need to ask what's been renewed.

That being said, I had a corolla that way a few years ago and I priced ggetting the existing engine in the car rebuilt and it only came in at around €8-900 iirc for to fit the newer type piston rings, new timing chain kit, valve stem seals, new gaskets and the relevant machine work. So getting your existing engine reconditioned could be something to look into too.

As you rightly say, any car you buy for €1500 ish will likely be a shed. Better off try to do something with your old one.

Bigus

Just go and buy another Corolla with 1400 plus 300 for your own one( sold with faulty engine) on done deal ,
Gearboxes go on them too so recon engine is not the way to go,
if you want really to change the engine buy one( verify mileage) in a scrap yard for 200 or indeed buy a whole damaged Corolla for 200 or 300 , but my advice is move on while it's still mobile.

bazz26

You can buy a newer shape Corolla for €1500 these days:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2002-toyota-corolla-1-4-petrol/10717121?offset=8

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/10652444?offset=10

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-corolla/10605444?offset=16

paulginger2

Bigus wrote: »

Just go and buy another Corolla with 1400 plus 300 for your own one( sold with faulty engine) on done deal ,
Gearboxes go on them too so recon engine is not the way to go,
if you want really to change the engine buy one( verify mileage) in a scrap yard for 200 or indeed buy a whole damaged Corolla for 200 or 300 , but my advice is move on while it's still mobile.

Thanks, but I'm in exactly the same situation again then, a car with same miles as my own, no guarantee that there not something else lying in wait to suprise me. And with the mileage I do I could be in the exact same situation within a year??
Surely a recon engine will last a few years if maintained correctly?
Also to buy a car with low mileage will cost considerably more, money I don't have tbh.

paulginger2

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Is the bodywork/ interior in good condition? If it is, the reconditioned engine sounds like a good plan partiularly with the security of the 6 month warranty.
.

Bodywork just ok, very minor rust starting on panels, underneath is perfect. Interior is perfect

Del2005

Try a different mechanic. Checking the exhaust for a rattle in the engine!

Toyotafanboi

paulginger2 wrote: »

Bodywork just ok, very minor rust starting on panels, underneath is perfect. Interior is perfect

If you were confindent the chassis is in good condition i'd look at getting it done. Or getting something similar done, price around getting your own engine reconditioned, it may be a bit cheaper.

Bare in mind when getting something like this done, some other items are sensible to do at the same time, like a clutch kit which would add around another €100-150 to the price.

One of those corollas witha rebuilt engine and a new clutch kit could go until the end of time.

paulginger2

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

If you were confindent the chassis is in good condition i'd look at getting it done. Or getting something similar done, price around getting your own engine reconditioned, it may be a bit cheaper.

Bare in mind when getting something like this done, some other items are sensible to do at the same time, like a clutch kit which would add around another €100-150 to the price.


One of those corollas witha rebuilt engine and a new clutch kit could go until the end of time.

Got clutch done and gearbox oil changed, as there was a bearing making noise, so just redone the clutch

Avns1s

paulginger2 wrote: »

Got clutch done and gearbox oil changed, as there was a bearing making noise, so just redone the clutch

If you had a bearing making a noise, then just changing the oil is not a fiz, not a permanent one anyway. You might be looking at another €700 or so to rebuild that gearbox which might need to be considered in figuring out the finances.

paulginger2

It was not the gear box making the noise it was the bearing on the clutch (release bearing??), so i just replaced the entire clutch (clutch kit) instead of the bearing. While my mechanic did the clutch he also changed gearbox oil. Gearbox is perfect as far as i can tell, very smooth

paulginger2

Also better yet , could someone point me in the direction of someone reputable to recondition my existing engine, preferably in Donegal or Sligo. Or even further afield. Contact details, links to websites etc

colm_mcm

I dunno. I'd just get rid and get a newer one. I think the slightly newer 1.4 vvti doesn't throw up as many issues as the early ones.

joujoujou

Not so "slightly".

According to EG-6020 Service Bulletin - end of 2005 or younger.

http://toyota-club.net/files/2007/eg6020-toy.pdf

paulginger2

Yeah, i cant fecking afford to go buy something newer than 2005, it would cost far too much money for a car with the same mileage as my own. Money i do not have. There doesnt seem to be an easy answer. Some people say move on, some say go for it. I am still as indecisive as ever!
Could somebody point me in direction of someone reputable to recondition an engine???

paulginger2

Del2005 wrote: »

Try a different mechanic. Checking the exhaust for a rattle in the engine!

The exhaust was checked because initially i thought it was a heat shield rattle, at the downpipe from the exhaust manifold which is in the engine bay. So it wasn't crazy for him to have a look at the exhaust system.

thierry14

I would keep driving until it dies

Not wasting any money that way

You just have to put up with the noise and occasional non start

Putting a new engine is crazy imo, car is too old and worthless, other non engine problems could arise anyway.

Plenty of reliable 1,6 - 1.8 japs cars on donedeal for 1k

Buy one of them when your corolla dies

paulginger2

thierry14 wrote: »

I would keep driving until it dies

Not wasting any money that way

You just have to put up with the noise and occasional non start

Putting a new engine is crazy imo, car is too old and worthless, other non engine problems could arise anyway.

Plenty of reliable 1,6 - 1.8 japs cars on donedeal for 1k

Buy one of them when your corolla dies

Thanks, any suggestions?? reliability and fairly economic are the 2 main things i want

Toyotafanboi

http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/10726899

Haggle it down to €2000 and you're winning. There was no trouble with the vvti at that stage and they are very reliable.

joujoujou

paulginger2 wrote: »

[...]
Could somebody point me in direction of someone reputable to recondition an engine???

Maybe. But I've to ring them first. Stay tuned.

paulginger2

Lovely, thanks

joujoujou

Rang them, they'll find out what are the prices of parts needed (piston rings, timing chain kit etc.) and they'll ring me back with an estimate.

Will keep you updated.

JohnBoy26

Unless the car is head and shoulders above the rest I wouldn't spend that kind of money on it. The chances are that you'll still knock years out of it the way it is.

€1400 buys you a very good example of that car these days.

Del2005

paulginger2 wrote: »

The exhaust was checked because initially i thought it was a heat shield rattle, at the downpipe from the exhaust manifold which is in the engine bay. So it wasn't crazy for him to have a look at the exhaust system.

So what is wrong with the engine as so far you've only given the symptoms? It must be fairly drastic if you are considering dropping €1400 on a new engine.

If you're dropping €1400 on an engine you'll need to sort out the rust, which will cost a few hundred if lucky, and make sure everything else has plenty of life left or soon you could be down putting even more money into a worthless car.

MugMugs

It's basic economics. Your car isn't worth what it's costing you to repair it. Scrap her and better yourself with the same you'd spend on fixing your current wagon.

Toyotafanboi

MugMugs wrote: »

It's basic economics. Your car isn't worth what it's costing you to repair it. Scrap her and better yourself with the same you'd spend on fixing your current wagon.

But usong the same economics, €1400 will likely only buy you a similar car in a similar condition.

MugMugs

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

But usong the same economics, €1400 will likely only buy you a similar car in a similar condition.

Scroll to the top of the thread where it's been pointed out and linked that you'll get a newer car for the same amount of cash.

The motors beyond economical repair.

JohnBoy26

Del2005 wrote: »

So what is wrong with the engine as so far you've only given the symptoms? It must be fairly drastic if you are considering dropping €1400 on a new engine.

If you're dropping €1400 on an engine you'll need to sort out the rust, which will cost a few hundred if lucky, and make sure everything else has plenty of life left or soon you could be down putting even more money into a worthless car.

I think the rust the op is on about is only cosmetic, probably from stone chips etc. Nothing really to worry about.

JohnBoy26

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

But usong the same economics, €1400 will likely only buy you a similar car in a similar condition.

You can pick up a very good e11 for €1400. I don't think the op's car needs a recon engine though. Rough running and cutting out is probably down to a sticky idle air control valve. The rattle under load is something that can happen with some of these. It's probably the timing chain but I know a few that have gone on for years like this without issue. Using a bit of oil isn't a major issue, just keep it topped up.

I think if the running issues were fixed this car will run for years to come.

paulginger2

Ok so if it is the timing chain causing the rattle would it not be constant?? The rattle (like shaking a spray paint can) happens most often going uphill and under acceleration. If I thought it was just a timing chain needed then I would happily pay for that

paulginger2

I also have taken the throttle body and gave it a good clean, twice, as well as the maf sensor, with maf cleaner, so it's definitely not sticking

Del2005

paulginger2 wrote: »

Ok so if it is the timing chain causing the rattle would it not be constant?? The rattle (like shaking a spray paint can) happens most often going uphill and under acceleration. If I thought it was just a timing chain needed then I would happily pay for that

If the mechanic is saying that you need a new engine but hasn't told you what's wrong you really need a different mechanic. I've never heard of a mechanic tell a customer that they need major work with out explaining what the problem is.

Del2005

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

I think the rust the op is on about is only cosmetic, probably from stone chips etc. Nothing really to worry about.

All rust has to be worried about eventually, as I've yet to see untreated rust not spread to structural parts. Would you drop €1400 on a car with surface rust without making sure it's not hiding more rust under the surface?

paulginger2

Del2005 wrote: »

If the mechanic is saying that you need a new engine but hasn't told you what's wrong you really need a different mechanic. I've never heard of a mechanic tell a customer that they need major work with out explaining what the problem is.

Mechanic has said nothing to me about getting a new engine at all, this is all my own idea. He has always, without fail, been honest in dealing with me and family members etc.
In his mind I'm sure he is of the opinion, drive it til it dies too.

unkel

Your car is worth about €300 as is. Spend €1,400 and it will be worth about €900

That's €800 of your hard earned money wasted. Down the toilet. Unless of course you have a great sentimental bond with the car, it would be silly to have the engine replaced.

Del2005

paulginger2 wrote: »

Mechanic has said nothing to me about getting a new engine at all, this is all my own idea. He has always, without fail, been honest in dealing with me and family members etc.
In his mind I'm sure he is of the opinion, drive it til it dies too.

If you told us what's wrong someone might be able to offer a cheaper solution than buying a new engine or car.

paulginger2

Del2005 wrote: »

If you told us what's wrong someone might be able to offer a cheaper solution than buying a new engine or car.

I did state what's wrong in my initial post

nd

Did you clean the idle air valve? That might be causing your idle issues. It's the thing on the side of the throttle body with the pipes going into it.

paulginger2

nd wrote: »

Did you clean the idle air valve? That might be causing your idle issues. It's the thing on the side of the throttle body with the pipes going into it.

Sure did, that's exactly what I cleaned.

nd

Try unplugging it after starting the engine when cold. If the idle doesn't change it might still be stuck or just not working.

joujoujou

Reset the ECU. Pull out an EFI fuse off the fusebox in engine bay, for at least 5 minutes, put it back and start the engine. It may help.

Edit: Make sure you cleaned ISC valve very well, and assembled properly. Wrongly assembled ISC valve may leak a coolant into it, causing it to get stuck very quickly.

Here's the photostory:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=93092172

selectamatic

Leaks around the inlet manifold can cause similar issues too so get that checked. The zz engines do make a bit of a rattle alright but it's nothing to be alarmed about and with regards to using a bit of oil if it's only using a drop it's nothing to worry about either if your milage is genuine then there should be loads of life left in your engine provided it's been serviced throughout its life. You appear to value your mechanic so I wouldn't disregard him entirely but I would recommend you get a second opinion from a mechanic who has experience with toyota's. If all comes to all taking a chance on a 2nd hand engine would be a lot cheaper than forking out 1400 and if bought from a half decent breakers yard you should have some come back. 1400 is just too much to spend fixing an e11 corolla, at that sort of money you'd nearly get a 190bhp 2zzge under the bonnet wiring it up is the problem though!

Edit: check the condition of the maf aswell these can cause power issues and chugging.

Kristopherus

paulginger2 wrote: »

Also better yet , could someone point me in the direction of someone reputable to recondition my existing engine, preferably in Donegal or Sligo. Or even further afield. Contact details, links to websites etc

Have a look at http://www.enginere.ie/. They are in Castlebar and have an excellent reputation.