So I got really lucky and got my hands on a -actually- low mileage (75k) 2004 5vz and I'm going through it before I swap it into my 93 4runner. So I just pulled the #1 cylinder rod cap to check the condition of the bearing. And looks damn near new! So I've been seeing that it's wise to replace the rod bolts, but not necessarily needed according the FSM. So, I used plastigauge to check oil clearance on that particular rod and left the rest alone since they feel like the clearance/endplay is similar. It seems like these bolts aren't TTY like head bolts, but, the FSM says that as long as the nut makes it to the initial 18ft/lbs torque the nut is good and is fine for the additional 90* final torque. I've been reading on here that some people have run into rod bolt failure at high rpm. I'll also be adding the Magnuson supercharger as well, but with the stock pulley and tune. So my question is should I be fine retorqueing the 2 rod bolts a 3rd time? I'd like to not dig any further into the engine if I don't have to. I haven't touched any other rods or main bearing bolts. I read that LCE recommends the rods be resized if the bolts are to be replaced? If I need to replace the bolts, is there a way I can do it without removing the piston from the cylinder? I don't have a ring ridge, but there is a little carbon at the top and I'd rather not risk damaging the rings and then replace rings and/or pistons. Thanks for any input! PFA, only pic I have of it at the moment

 

75k is not even broken in! My 5VZ-FE has 493,000 miles and I've never dropped the oil pan, etc. Since buying it new, I've done 3,000-mile oil changes, spark plugs & air filter every 25k, and two timing belt jobs.

I think the engine you bought is probably fine.



Andreas

 

Agree. If you only pulled one rod cap for inspection, I’d put it back together, torque to spec and forget about it.