Toyota Camry Engine question

DINKAR

MEMBER
TOYOTA CAMRY

Hello,

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE 4 Cyl with 89900 miles. A few days back when I took it for an oil change, the car suddenly stalled when the mechanic took it for a test drive (before doing the oil change).
The car had to be towed back and on preliminary inspection, the mechanic showed me that one of the pistons was misaligned. I was advised to replace the engien and the best option suggested by the shop was to get the long block replaced by a remanufactured one.
I got the job done, including changingt the plugs, timing belt and the water pump.
The final diagnosis - Connecting rod failure due to lack of oil to the rod bearing.
My questions are
1. How could this happen without any indication when the car was running so smoothly all along?
2. The remanufactured engine seems to be more noisy than the original one. What could be the possible corrections I should tell the mechanic?

Thanks in advance for your expertise.

Dinkar

1 Reply

CARUNDELL

MECHANIC
602 POSTS

Hey Dinkar
Question one has too many possibilities to answer and with having not seen the vehicle I wouldn't even venture a guess.

Question two those engines have mechanical lifters vice hydraulic lifters and can be quite noisy for some time in a new or reman motor. I've had some that were very "ticky ticky" for a long time (300+ miles) before it quited down. So I would drive it for a while, keep a close eye on oil pressure and level!

Chris

p.S. One remedy I have found that works well is a quality synthetic oil, like mobil 1, ONLY after the break in period though!