5K Petrol Engine - Repair Or Replace?

[Liteace_Newbie]

Hi there,

I posted on this forum a few month back but had no response, thought I'd try again as I still need to find a solution.

So, originally I had a problem with a non-working 5k engine in a 1989 Liteace camper, due to over-heating. A replacement radiator & cylinder head and a bit of the magic touch got it going again, however there is a loud tapping coming from the bottom end of the engine... Now, I don't have the first clue about fixing this myself and the garages are either not interested or have suggested getting a completely new engine... Turns out the 5k is pretty rare and currently I can only find them in Australia or the Malaysia!! From what I've read the Corolla 4k or 3k would also fit in, but they are less powerful so really not ideal, not to mention they don't seem to be too easy to come by either.

So my question is - if I am to replace rather than attempt to repair the engine what alternatives can I use are there and (whispers) non-Toyota engines that would fit without too much trouble or a non-K type that would work and may be easier (and cheaper) to acquire in this country and maybe even improve performance/fuel consumption etc?

Any advise on this would be amazing!

Thanks in advance.

Liteace Noob

[Liteace_Newbie]

Hi there,

I posted on this forum a few month back but had no response, thought I'd try again as I still need to find a solution. I am now on the verge of repair or get rid if I can't find a solution. I really don't want to go for the latter, I hope you experts can help!?

Originally I had a problem with a non-working 5k engine in a 1989 Liteace camper, due to over-heating. A replacement radiator & cylinder head and a bit of the magic touch got it going again, however there is a loud tapping coming from the bottom end of the engine (It's not the tappits). It appears to run perfectly well otherwise but the tapping noise is quite loud and therefore a worry...

Now, I don't have the first clue about fixing this myself and the garages are either not interested or have suggested getting a completely new engine... Turns out the 5k is pretty rare and currently I can only find them in Australia or the Malaysia!! From what I've read the Corolla 4k or 3k would also fit in, but they are less powerful so really not ideal, not to mention they don't seem to be too easy to come by either.

So my question is - Has anyone attempted this type of repair before? Do you have any tips? Are there any recommendations for reconditioning? and if I am to replace rather than attempt to repair the engine what alternatives can I use are there any (whispers) non-Toyota engines that would fit without too much trouble or a non-K type Toyota that would work and may be easier (and cheaper) to acquire in this country and maybe even improve performance/fuel consumption etc?

I'm considering conversion to diesel or lpg...

I would be willing to sell to someone who wanted to take on the project.

Any advice on this would be amazing!

Thanks in advance.

Liteace Noob

[K20VFX]

The 5k is a rare engine in the UK, only came in the Liteace. The 3k and 4k are less powerfull and most have been killed by Starlet racers. If the bottom end is tapping/knocking it's the bearings and you'll need a rebuild [any good engine shop can do this if you get the parts].

Or find a Diesel engined Liteace and convert.

[boris01]

did you get you van sorted? i too have an 89 litace campervan with a pop top. it has the 5K motor.i think the motor is ok, i just dont like it. i would like to put a motor in it from an 89 MR2 the legendary 4AGE if i can get it insured. the diesel option that has been suggested is also a good idea.

[Croftcraft]

did you get you van sorted? i too have an 89 litace campervan with a pop top. it has the 5K motor.i think the motor is ok, i just dont like it. i would like to put a motor in it from an 89 MR2 the legendary 4AGE if i can get it insured. the diesel option that has been suggested is also a good idea.

hi Patrick, please may I buy your 5K engine off you, and encourage you down the legendary 4AGE route? How much would you want for your 5K engine? David (Croftcraft)

[Croftcraft]

Hi there,

I posted on this forum a few month back but had no response, thought I'd try again as I still need to find a solution. I am now on the verge of repair or get rid if I can't find a solution. I really don't want to go for the latter, I hope you experts can help!?

Originally I had a problem with a non-working 5k engine in a 1989 Liteace camper, due to over-heating. A replacement radiator & cylinder head and a bit of the magic touch got it going again, however there is a loud tapping coming from the bottom end of the engine (It's not the tappits). It appears to run perfectly well otherwise but the tapping noise is quite loud and therefore a worry...

Now, I don't have the first clue about fixing this myself and the garages are either not interested or have suggested getting a completely new engine... Turns out the 5k is pretty rare and currently I can only find them in Australia or the Malaysia!! From what I've read the Corolla 4k or 3k would also fit in, but they are less powerful so really not ideal, not to mention they don't seem to be too easy to come by either.

So my question is - Has anyone attempted this type of repair before? Do you have any tips? Are there any recommendations for reconditioning? and if I am to replace rather than attempt to repair the engine what alternatives can I use are there any (whispers) non-Toyota engines that would fit without too much trouble or a non-K type Toyota that would work and may be easier (and cheaper) to acquire in this country and maybe even improve performance/fuel consumption etc?

I'm considering conversion to diesel or lpg...

I would be willing to sell to someone who wanted to take on the project.

Any advice on this would be amazing!

Thanks in advance.

Liteace Noob

Hello Liteace Noob, are you still wishing to sell your liteace or 5K engine? Croftcraft David

[Liteace_Newbie]

Hi there,

I posted on this forum a few month back but had no response, thought I'd try again as I still need to find a solution. I am now on the verge of repair or get rid if I can't find a solution. I really don't want to go for the latter, I hope you experts can help!?

Originally I had a problem with a non-working 5k engine in a 1989 Liteace camper, due to over-heating. A replacement radiator & cylinder head and a bit of the magic touch got it going again, however there is a loud tapping coming from the bottom end of the engine (It's not the tappits). It appears to run perfectly well otherwise but the tapping noise is quite loud and therefore a worry...

Now, I don't have the first clue about fixing this myself and the garages are either not interested or have suggested getting a completely new engine... Turns out the 5k is pretty rare and currently I can only find them in Australia or the Malaysia!! From what I've read the Corolla 4k or 3k would also fit in, but they are less powerful so really not ideal, not to mention they don't seem to be too easy to come by either.

So my question is - Has anyone attempted this type of repair before? Do you have any tips? Are there any recommendations for reconditioning? and if I am to replace rather than attempt to repair the engine what alternatives can I use are there any (whispers) non-Toyota engines that would fit without too much trouble or a non-K type Toyota that would work and may be easier (and cheaper) to acquire in this country and maybe even improve performance/fuel consumption etc?

I'm considering conversion to diesel or lpg...

I would be willing to sell to someone who wanted to take on the project.

Any advice on this would be amazing!

Thanks in advance.

Liteace Noob

Hello Liteace Noob, are you still wishing to sell your liteace or 5K engine? Croftcraft David

Hi David,

Yes, I'm still looking sell. Hoping to get this season worth of use from it and sell in September... If you can wait?

[Liteace_Newbie]

did you get you van sorted? i too have an 89 litace campervan with a pop top. it has the 5K motor.i think the motor is ok, i just dont like it. i would like to put a motor in it from an 89 MR2 the legendary 4AGE if i can get it insured. the diesel option that has been suggested is also a good idea.

Hi Boris,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I never did get the engine sorted. I'd be interested in your engine too but Mr. Croft has usurped me! maybe if he buys my van too we'll all be happy? ;-)

[Croftcraft]

Hi Liteace noob (and Boriso1)

That was very gentlemanly (gentlewomanly?- sorry I haven't checked for any gender clues in the dialogue, so I have to include the lady option :) ) of you addressing Boris like that and allowing me first shout for his engine. The problem is that Boris01 hasnt said anything since Feb this year about his MR2 plans so you really are still the '5K in the spotlight'.

I've sent replies to you in other ways and I would very much appreciate a reply ( and suggested price) asap so I know what I am facing.

Best wishes

Croftcraft (David)

[boris01]

hi. i am new to this country and hence insurance companys dont like me. i am often treated like i am a 17 year old with my first car. iv been driving for 23 years and my first car in england was a 600 pound toyota yaris and the first quote for insurance was 5400pounds(thats right 5400). so i have opted to keep the van standard for now, i have just put in new piston rings, and con rod bearings.to give a measure of reliability. i would still like to consider the enging change at a later time.as for your van, i may be able to come and have a look at it and make suggestions for repair? where do you live? as an alternative you could buy another whole van that is diesel and swap everthing over. from time to time something comes up on eBay. here is an example, it would need some fixing tho.hope this helps a bit. eBay auction number.261494686153

[Croftcraft]

Hi Boris01,
The bottom line now is that I probably have only 1 month
left before our Liteace van (without engine) has to be removed from its
'storage place' and scrapped! The body is in lovely condition, so any
offers out there for it??

The original 4K engine (yes- too small
engine- secretly installed by previous owner!!) virtually 'fell apart'
because of incorrectly fitted big end bearings!

So I can only
make you an offer of £1000 for your engine and hope you will sell in the
next month. This is a 'labour of love' for my Kitesurfing champion
daughter, but if you don't sell, then she will have to 'bury her
feelings' about the van and I will 'move on'. So over to you.

You sound as if you
are an expert at engine rebuilding and refitting so I'm sure your hope
to fit a bigger MR2 engine will work.
Best Wishes
David - Croftcraft

[boris01]

i would like to be able to help but my time frame doesnt work with yours. i wont be changing engine any time soon, at this point until i have been in the country 3 years i am at the mercy of insurance companys and thier no modifications policy. it has taken me a while to accept this as in new zealand i have done quite extensive repowers without any hassle from the red tape.if you do end up scrapping yours i would be interested in some bits off it if they are better than mine. there is an aluminium plate i think it is under the passenger seat that has a lot of numbers on it. the bottom row is broken up into C,TR,A,TM. under A does it say E282? or E362? this refers to the diff ratio. thanks. ill be in okehampton devon on sun nite/ mon morning, are you anywhere near that?