Postby Hook » July 15th, 2012, 11:50 am
Is that the original 3S-FE that it came with back in 1997?
Is it blowing smoke? If yes, under what conditions? Under load, or only when you pull off from a dead stop?
What's the mileage on the odometer?
Did your mechanic do a compression test and/or a leak down test to determine the condition of the engine before suggesting switching brands of oil?
A brand new 3S-FE out of a crate would cost much more than your vehicle is worth (call TTTL and ask if you're bored and need a laugh), so you'll likely end up with a bamboo head and block that'll be almost as old, then start giving the same problems within a year.
I don't mean to sound grim, but many people (including myself) put themselves in that position and either end up spending more than the cost of a rebuild with twice the downtime just patching holes and putting on plasters or going through heads and blocks looking for a good one. Few are lucky enough to get a head and block in really good condition that lasts 'til they're ready to sell, on the first try, especially with an older vehicle.
If you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while again, do some research and determine what parts you'll need and what it'll cost and save your rupees for a rebuild.
