I was driving at 60mph when the truck started to feel weird. I took the next exit and let off the throttle. It coasted down to 35mph and I lightly pressed the throttle thinking my exhaust crapped out completely since I had a leak. It was really loud like straight pipes. But it sounded bad like it was the engine. I limped home about 1-2 miles. About 2 hours later I went to check on it. The dip stick showed about 1/8 full. I started it up and it still sounded really bad and really loud. It sounds like the engine is knocking around inside. I put two qts. of oil and it got a little quieter. I just bought the truck half a year ago and I did an oil change on it less than a thousand miles ago.

 

Doesn't sound good. I had a similiar situation and it was a spun crank bearing. Mine wouldn't even stay running after I lost power and pulled to side of the road.

Rob

 

This is what I get for treating it right and driving slow. If you've ever seen a blue pickup going slower than a grandma that was me you passed. This sucks so bad. I guess the guy who builds reliable Toyota’s wasn't in when they designed the 3vze.

 

I dunno 'bout that, my 3.0 has almost 300k and running strong!

That sucks dude. Sorry to hear it

 

I was one of those "my 3.0 is awesome" and I loved it. But if you're motor died like this out of nowhere you would be upset too. I'm not bashin the 3vze just a little down cuz I paid a nice amount of change for it and now I don't know if anyone would give me more than 1/4 of what I paid for it.

 

How many miles are on it? If you check my rebuild thread, there are some audio clips of how a spun rod bearing sounds. Check it out, if you want to compare it to yours.

 

Thanks. I listened to the clips. Doesn't sound exactly the same but similar. I guess it would be best to sell it to someone that would be willing to rebuild it or swap in something else. How much is truck with a bad motor worth?

 

a whole lot less than a truck with a good motor.... u would be best suited to rebuild yourself, or drop in a new motor...my $.02

 

I don't have the tools to swap in a motor so rebuilding it myself is not an option.

 

there are a few members in nj, search them out and see if they might be willing to help out.

lee

 

That would be really helpful as I don't want to lose my pickup. I haven't even gotten started with it and it's already dead. Other than trolling through threads looking for NJ members is there any other way to find people?

 

If you can get it to Central PA, I might be able to help. Or you could just leave it on the doorstep, ring the bell, and run away, lol.

 

You've got a pm.

 

BTW the motor has 135k miles. I'm located in Morris County NJ.

 

We are about to be hit by a snow storm. I was waiting for snow for so long to try out the truck in it and this has to happen right when the snow comes.

 

If you decide to rebuild the motor, get the master rebuild kit from engnbldr.com

He has very good quality parts and is great with cutomer service at a reasonable price.

http://www.engnbldr.com/toyota_30_v6.htm

 

Thanks for the good advice. What are the reviews on the ebay rebuild kits?

 

Here's what it sounds like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQKjn1CoRGk

 

i would rebuild it... out here, a blown 3.0 SR5 goes for $900 max...
it will maybe cost you 1000 to rebuild it... doint it yourself... someone else do it, maybe more... or you could find a donor motor at a wrecking yard or on craigslist and just drop it in...

id prolly get another motor...
then you can just take your time rebuilding your original, and swap it back in when its totally built the way that you want it... or sell it for parts...

many options... just dont give up on your truck!!! she needs your love...

 

That's definitely some bad knockin going on there. Certainly sounds like bottom end.