Rebuild 1st gen engine

can you find a decent salvage for cheap?

 

i can't speak for gen 1, but gen 2 and 3, it is usually much cheaper to pick up a salvage than rebuild. but they may be more plentiful.

 

It looks like RockAuto carries a lot of internal parts and gaskets. Heck, they even list a long block but it’s out of stock.

 

The Gen 1 and Gen 2 (and c) engines are somewhat impractical to rebuild, as the valve clearance adjustment is made by select fit of the bucket lifters. I did say the lifters; the system doesn't even use separate shims. You need the lifters themselves, which are sold in 35 different sizes and you need enough of an inventory to pick the right 16 based on the clearance measurements of your 16 valves. Obviously, this is easy at the factory. It's an expensive PITA even for a dealer, and pretty much impractical for DIY. (One exception might be if you're really on such a relaxed schedule you could afford to trial-assemble, measure clearances, then calculate the exact lifters to order, and wait for delivery.)

The Gen 3 and later (and v) 2ZR engine is more inviting for DIY rebuilds, as it uses hydraulic lash adjusters. All you have to do is make sure those work (i.e. aren't stuck and the check valves work) or replace any that don't (only one size to choose from), and they do the rest.

-Chap

 

Has anyone even heard of a classic Prius IC going bad? Not much of a problem judging from the posts here. As for storing parts in the back of the garage (or in a spare closet,) sure, maybe. But it really is the least likely and last component that will go wrong. Why, you might ask, is this the case?

Well first of all, it's a Toyota! I had '70 vintage Toyotas that went to 300,000 miles with only things like water pumps and distrbutors going bad. Toyota quality should be and is legendary. My classic has 205k miles and doesn't leak or smoke or run funny.

Second, people that bought classic Prius's tended to be early adopters, environmentalist drivers. Smarter than the average bear, BooBoo! Both of my cars came to me with fresh synthetic oil, clean, fresh coolant, and proper transmission fluid. Our predecessors took great care of their cars and it shows these many miles and years later. My 02 really does feel like and runs like a new car--better in most senses. Thanks Linda L!

Three, it's an economy car. No teen and twenty somethings trying to wring more hp out of the little engines. And the owners of Prius's (myself excluded) then to run their cars with reasonable throttle and reasonable expectations.

Four. It's a hybrid. The electric drive makes life a lot easier for the IC. Think of it as an always on supercharger. Brilliant design, imo!

Did you guess I love my classic? I would consider newer Prius, but they really are just so homely!

 

Nevertheless, my Gen 1 had finally begun to show some uneven compression numbers the last time I checked it (at around 226k miles), and my Gen 3 already by the first time I checked (at around half that).

Time and miles wait for no engine....

-Chap

 

You can take Chap's word to the bank on rebuilding these things.

The only problem with getting a used engine is that you won't know the mileage on it. Unless, of course, the wrecking yard wrote it down somewhere.

You'll probably have to just take parts from the nicest one. I've seen some pretty pristine examples in the local P'n'P yard. A boroscope won't tell you enough & and gives you no indication of the condition of the rings, valve faces, etc. Same with pulling the pan off, you can look at the cylinders and sneak a peek at the bearings, but it's only a look and a peek. OTOH, pick n pull is pretty inexpensive and even has 'sale day' when the engine prices are practically giveaways. If you plan to store an engine--see if you can squirt in fogging oil in to the spark plug holes and then store the engine in a garbage bag and up on a pallet.

You might see if you can purchase the transaxle, a nice inverter, and a brake booster pump. If you pick an a/c compressor, be sure to seal up the connections Duct tape will keep dirt out just fine, and then put it in a trash bag and seal it right up. You live in a pretty dry climate, but prone to dust and dust is not your friend. Inverter coolant pumps and suspension & steering parts (except for the rack) aren't worth picking.

 

For me, I won't spend that time rebuilding a gen1. I'd rather get used motor from a junkyard.

 

I think that's what we decided.

Think about what a hero you'll be when you can fix her car with cheap, heck even free, parts.

 

Which pick n pull you hittin’ up tomorrow ?

 

Looks like there are even more within a 100 mile radius too.

Happy hunting tomorrow .

 

Are the heads on offer fully assembled? I don't know, I've never checked.

-Chap

 

The description on Rock Auto says that they are. Whether that includes the lifters, who knows? But the description says that the cams are included.. All for about $400.

Rod, no luck at the pick n pull? If you could find a likely candidate, you could even buy just a head and switch it out.