[Mk3] [NA] 'Big End' gone - Options?

[DoM]

Before we start.. I know nothing about engines!

A friend of mine has a Mk3 with about 60k on the clock.

There were some knocking noises coming from the engine so she took it to a local Toyota dealer. Their diagnosis was that they thought the 'big end' had gone.

To confirm this, they said they would have to remove the engine and pull it apart.

If it was the 'big end', at their rates, it would cost about 5k to fix!

It seems a little concerning that there should be major issues on a Toyota thats done 60k!

Has anyone else experienced similar problems?

What are the symptoms of this problem?

Can anyone suggest garages around the Hampshire (Midhurst) area, which may be able to help?

If it is the 'big end', does their estimate sound about right?

If the car was sold with this problem, roughly how much would it's value be?

Thanks,

Dom

[SB]

3S in Hook aren't too far away from Midhurst.

If the big end bearings have gone, you'll get a tapping/knocking noise from the bottom part of the engine which will vary with RPM. If they have gone, don't drive the car! It's quite a distinctive sound, any mechanic worth their salt should be able to diagnose it almost instantly

As for the repairs themselves, it really depends on how much damage there is, and as to the cause for the failure - low oil pressure, crap oil etc - and if any other damage has occurred... if there is no crank damage, then it should be an easy fix as long as you find the cause

[cantfindausername]

It should be most noticable when at constant revs, rather then when "pressure" is being applied.

5k sounds about right for a main dealer to pull and strip and engine. By sounding right, I mean totally rediculous to normal people.

I would get someone else to do it. Its not a specialist job. Its only an engine at the end of the day.

Its always a weigh up between pulling, stripping and rebuilding vs. replacement engine (straight swap).

As they say... the choice is yours

[LimeyMk1]

To confirm it's big ends all they have to do is remove the sump, baffle plate and rod caps. If they take the engine out just to check and it's something else, it's a bit of a waste of time!

But as SB said a decent mechanic should be able to tell without tearing into the engine.

One of the Syngenta people Dom?

[markiii]

is it down on power and drinking oil by any chance?

[Rogue]

is it down on power and drinking oil by any chance?

...and maybe nibbling on the pre-cats?

[markiii]

is it down on power and drinking oil by any chance?

...and maybe nibbling on the pre-cats?

would be my guess

[Amanda]

Hi, Dom very kindly posted a note on my behalf regarding my possible "Big Ends" going in my 2001 MR2....

Originally noticed tapping noise so checked oil had nothing in engine...opppp's but did check 2 months prior, the noise is when the car is warm and mostly on acceleration, not when cold! I have had some else look they think it may only be the crank-shaft but going to take head off this weekend.

Does any one know where I can purchase as MR2 2001 repair manual ?

Thanks Amanda

[LimeyMk1]

I would have thought any bearing noise would have been worse when cold?

Oh and welcome IMOC.