Knocking & Rattling Noise From Engine

[neoseal]

Hi all,

Couple of weeks back, I bought 2003 avensis 1.8 T3-X. Great car, engine running smoothly overall good, no known problems.

Yesterday, my wife was driving back from work, car suddenly stalled and stopped and would not start. Breakdown guy came and started the car and the engine started knocking and rattling. What happened to the engine suddenly? Anyone any thoughts what the problem is?

Link to youtube video of engine noise.

Thanks

[ents]

Did you check the oil level? 1.8L 1ZZ FE are famous oil burners. Maybe the engine did run out of oil and if some parts are dry in the engine, it starts making sounds like yours. Does any oil coming out the exhaust?

[Konrad C]

I would check the oil and the bit that need it, like the pump, vvti actuator, etc.

From what you said, the engine was fine for the couple of weeks you have owned it, but with this engine reputation as an oil burner, plus the age and unknown history.

It could just shear coincidence that the engine has started to make this noise or, the car had the fault and was "silenced" before the sale!

Do you know the seller or history of the car, or it was a usual second hand purchase or auction?

Anyway check the oil first.

[Konrad C]

Did you check the oil level? 1.8L 1ZZ FE are famous oil burners. Maybe the engine did run out of oil and if some parts are dry in the engine, it starts making sounds like yours. Does any oil coming out the exhaust?

I was typing out a response when you posted your reply.

We had the same answer in checking the oil.

I would never buy an early Avensis 1ZZ, unless there is some history confirming the engine is fine, or has been updated during it's life. Late 2005 and facelift Avensis will be okay as they had the modifications. Even an old T22 with the 7A-FE engine is better, though age will be against it, unless low mileage and good care.

[neoseal]

Thanks for your replies, I checked oil every 3-4 days since purchase, last checked was friday, it showed middle of the mark on dip stick. and car was running fine. Just checked oil, showing right upto the top dot on the dip stick.

It was just a normal second hand purchase, no oil coming out of exhaust. Car history just says normal servicing nothing much.

Thanks.

[neoseal]

filled little bit more oil. started car, its making even more rattling noise, yes there is smoke coming out of exhaust.

can there be something blocking the oil from circulating? car has done 80k.

[TomdeGuerre]

The heavy knocking noise you hear is classic big end bearing gone. Don't keep revving it like that or you'll find a con rod coming through the engine block. The engine is also noisy on initial start up before the oil circulates, sounds like OHC cam gear noise.

Bottom line is your engine is badly worn and needs to be reconditioned or replaced.

[Mike169]

Hi Neoseal, I completely agree with TomdeGuerre that you big end has gone, i.e. the big end shells are badly worn. Minimum repair is a reground crankshaft and a new set of Shell bearings but ideally you are looking for a replacement engine. If for go down just having the crankshaft done with new shells this is a big job and if you don't know what you are doing then I suggest you don't attempt it and have it done by an engine recondtioner, it may be worth your while asking a local engine reconditioner how much to do the work, personally I would have it fully reconditioned with a rebore and lots more work that is done when reconditioning an engine, more money right now but will save you money in the long run. You could of course get a new engine fitted by your local Toyota dealership, of course this is the most expensive repair but you get what you pay for, whatever choice you make you are not talking cheap, well into 4 figures i'm afraid.

Mike.

[neoseal]

I am not attempting to do it myself. Is it worth replacing the engine, preferable used one. Any idea how much toyota charge for new engine. Can you suggest anyone in Swindon who can do the job at reasonable cost. Thanks for your help.

Shard

[Mike169]

Hi Shard.

If you phone this Toyota parts man, John Devlin, also answers to 'Kingo' on 01244 821031 and tell him your reg. number he can give you the price of an engine, it will be a new one and make sure you are sitting down when he quotes you the price.

Mike.

[Konrad C]

An engine from a late Avensis that was written off without affecting the engine, would be a better bet. Some breakers can have the engine running in the original car and the mileage be verified. The late the donor car the better - any after 2005 (05 plate) is preferable.

Just find the suitable engine, get the cost and then compare to the other options suggested.

[Mike169]

Konrad, that is a very good suggestion may i say and definitely a much cheaper option, it's all down to if a suitable 2nd hand engine can be found.....do you know of any suitable websites that advertise pre-owned (Lol) engines for Toyota's.

Mike.

[Konrad C]

I did a quick search and eBay seem to have mainly supply and fit recon engines.

I searched this page: http://www.northwestcarparts.co.uk/search/results/?key=avensis+engine&search=parts

https://www.gumtree.com/search?search_category=car-replacement-parts&q=toyota+avensis+engine&tq=%7B%22i%22%3A%22toyota+avensis+engine%22%2C%22s%22%3A%22toyota+avensis+engine%22%2C%22p%22%3A0%2C%22t%22%3A4%7D&search_location=

http://www.breakeryard.com/toyota-car-parts/avensis

http://www.parts.loc8apart.co.uk/nav/auto-part/Toyota/Avensis/Complete-Engines.php

https://www.247spares.co.uk/toyota/avensis

It will take a bit of luck to find the engine a the right price.

[Mike169]

Hi Konrad, for a quick search you done exceedingly well, i hope he manages to find an engine. When I worked in a garage I recall we located an oddball 2nd hand gearbox once and it arrived well strapped down on a pallet, happy searching Neoseal and hope you manage to find one.

Mike.

[Konrad C]

Hi Mike, That was a quick search. All I did was search for Toyota Avensis engines, and then checked some of the links before adding them to the post. I missed a couple I know of - Japanese cars breakers some which are based in East London/Essex.

The risk with buying a car so old, is you never know what you are going to get. But with the Avensis, the early 1ZZ vvti engine oil burning issue made it a lottery, if you had a good one or not. We all know that the engine was modified during 2005, so anything after that is a safe bet.

Most people are not aware of the 1ZZ engine, so those that are unlucky to get the oil burner or, in this case a worn engine find out the hard way.

Let,s hope Neoseal finds the best fix, because the rest of the car tends to be fine.

[neoseal]

Thanks Mike, Konrad, found couple of engines going for 400, however, due to time constraint, I don't think that may be viable option. Looking to sell the car as spares and repair, how much can I get? If anyone on forum wants make a reasonable offer, I am in Swindon.

[waqar_lionheart]

Guys

Just to let you know I considered similar options a while back for my car. I stumbled across several companies on eBay who advertise 1.8vvti engines WITH MOD for oil consumption and offer a warranty on it. The engine is reconditioned. Might be work a look.

Regards,

Waqar