Corolla Engine Knackered Or Not?

[dben]

I have Corolla T Spirit 02 plate 103,000 miles.

Oil light came on today and even after putting in 2litres went off briefly and now stuck on. At one point there was a bit of noise from the engine briefly but stopped after a few seconds. Drove car home at 55-60 as normal with light on for say 10-15 miles. No blue smoke, no loss of power. Slight noise from engine at 3500 revs and foot off gas, but might have been there before.

Somebody has suggested main bearings shot.

Whats my options and likely costs?

HELP!!!!!

David.

[dawesy]

ouch dsnt sound good. first things, get the oil pressure checked, if its low then the engine will need to come out and the bearings replaced. be aware that the crank and or conrods may be worn beyond repair, a better option would be to find a good second hand engine.

as for costs its hard to say, would imagine there is about a days work in swapping them over.

[Black Knight]

You don't say what engine type but I'll assume ZZ (petrol).

If I'm right you're engine is most likely wrecked. Again I'm assuming it was the red oil can light that came on. In this case it's an oil pressure switch and hence the low oil pressure will mean lack of supply to bearings and hence damage.

If my assumptions above are correct then the crank pins and con-rod bearings will almost definately be damaged and need replacing/regrinding. Since it's been driven for a while like this may well need a few other things doing.

I wouldn't be expecting much change from £1000~£1500 for getting it sorted. Have a search of the Celica/Avensis forums and you'll find plenty on similar problems.

[Panners]

Sorry to hear about this, 103k isn't much for a modern engine really.

The noise you heard, can you describe it better?

Big ends tend to knock, it's a very distinctive sound even if you haven't heard it before, although I'd still concur with the prognosis of the previous posters.

Cheers.

[Aamir2892]

103,000miles hardly anything especially for Japanese cars. Might be better to get a new engine if its gonna take a lot of money and time to repair.

[dben]

Thanks for all replies.

How do you actually find out for definite what's wrong. How much would a secondhand engine cost?

Can this be replaced DIY?

[ae102]

Thanks for all replies.

How do you actually find out for definite what's wrong. How much would a secondhand engine cost?

Can this be replaced DIY?

find a local engine rebuilder who people recommend or if thats not a possible route buy a reconned motor on an exchange basis - but finding a decent place isnt easy then swap over yourself. its not an easy job but if you mark everythin and have a good mate to help its not as difficult as you may think - surprisingly easy if you have any driveway experience.

if the oil got as low as you described the motor is not far off shot - but only a couple of relatively cheap parts......... the labour is the problem if you arent confident yourself.

i wouldnt recommend a second-hand engine........ i was selling a 20k 7a unit, i ended up refitting it to another GXi i bought as a project but the head gasket had gone brittle while the engine was standing so not a route recommended, especially as breakers arent the easiest places to honour warranties/garuntees.

it sounds like you only need a new bottom end - your looking at around £400 plus fitting.

[dben]

Update on potentially knackered engine.

Local garage looked at car and 99% certain we have major problem. Cant be sure without taking apart. Dont want to be in position were car is in pieces in garage and forced to pay whatever it takes to get it sorted.

Need some help on this:

How do you assess what is actually damaged beyond doubt?

What are the options, depending on various repair scenarios?

Does someone have step by step idiots guide to DIY approach?

If the exchange recon engine route is most sensible what do you actually get and need to exchange ie whats stripped off and reused.

Whole engine or engine block?

Time not a factor as resigned to car being off road for long period.

Is there a book or manual which would explain process fully?

Any other useful sources of info.

Local is Central Belt in Scotland. Any recommendations for sourcing parts or engine for 1.6 petrol?

David