Yesterday I got a smoking deal on an 03 Tacoma TRD. It just happens to have a hole in the block. I bought it after looking at just two pictures and knowing the block was toast. After getting the keys, I drove over to check it out. The truck has 165k on it and by the notes in the owners manual looks to be meticulously maintained up till about 110k. After looking at the golden brown oil on the dipstick that stopped just short of the full line, we started looking for the hole. Immediately I noticed there was no oil filter from underneath but could not find any traces of oil splatters, drips, or puddles. Then we saw the hole. I haven't got it to my house to look at it yet but was curious about thoughts on this hole.

 

Has the engine been running without an oil filter?? If I see the hole in the block it looks like it slung a rod.

 

I know nothing about the truck other than it got towed to where it's at and the records. My assumption it the filter got taken off while someone was looking at it. I'm more curious as to why there wouldn't be any oil sprayed throughout the engine bay.

 

Someone may have forgot to put oil back in it during a oil change.

 

Oil was up to the full mark. Nice dark golden brown. Wasn't new wasnt old.

 

Oil could have been poured in after it slung a rod.

 

That would be my assumption too. But you can see that it's not brand new. I could very well be wrong, wouldn't be the first time. So next move, motor. What do you all think? Junk yard, short block,long block, "Jdm"? Truck has 165k on it.

 

Pull the current engine and see what happen. Then it's up to you, go back to the same engine or prefect chance for an engine swap.

 

Easiest route would most likely be a drop in JDM motor. I've been looking for a "parts" motor to rebuild and the first one I got also had a windowed block. I cant seem to source a good short block alone to rebuild what I have, so the search continues.

You can find a good JDM motor around eBay from 900ish or so. They are pulled anywhere form 45-65K on them, but you're not really sure what you get.

 

The "not really sure what you get" part is what I don't like. I had a bad experience years ago. The motor I got spun a rod bearing about a month in.

 

Ok guys. Found a used motor with supposedly 20k on it. Pulled from a rolled truck 4 years ago. I have no way to verify mileage. Any tips you guys have to to somewhat verify? Things to look for?

 

If able I'd pull the oil pan and one valve cover (Pass side since its easier) to get an idea of the internals.

 

I'll be honest. I have no idea what I'm looking for in that situation. I missed that class. I can tell if something's broken but that's about it. Obviously I can look at the oil if it's in there and look for signs of wear. But beyond that... (Insert blank stare)

 

Just looking to make sure it looks good. no "fresh" shiney odd looking metal that would indicate new damage. All the stuff inside the VC and Oil pan should be oil saturated and used looking but "clean". No oil build up or gunk etc.

 

Get the VIN of the truck it came out of and run a CarFax report on it.