Imported engine swap 5S-FE Options

[gts4]

Found out my water pump and head gasket are bad. I was quoted less to buy an engine than to take my chances on the repairs, $700 + $300 labour. I'm going to replace the engine with an imported one at (hopefully) around 70k. Any tips on ensuring the longevity of this one? I put on 50k per year.

Thanks!










This post has been edited by gts4: Jun 26, 2012 - 4:06 PM

[Syaoran]

I didn't use anything when I did mine. With the thermostat seal correctly in place you shouldn't have any leaks. The ring has an indentation in it that should be wrapped around the big plate around the end that goes facing the housing. Put that in correctly and tighten down the nuts by hand. Fill with coolant and check for leaks. You should be good to go.


I did my thermostat with a small (1/4") ratchet and 10mm socket, and 10mm small wrench. I removed the oil filter to do so, then put it back on when I was finished.

[gts4]

I didn't use anything when I did mine. With the thermostat seal correctly in place you shouldn't have any leaks. The ring has an indentation in it that should be wrapped around the big plate around the end that goes facing the housing. Put that in correctly and tighten down the nuts by hand. Fill with coolant and check for leaks. You should be good to go.


I did my thermostat with a small (1/4") ratchet and 10mm socket, and 10mm small wrench. I removed the oil filter to do so, then put it back on when I was finished.

This is exactly how I did it, it was easy to access. I had removed the rad though, because I had a blown rad hose and the coolant evaporated. For the left bolt, the 1/4" 10mm socket worked with a small extension though. The right was a 10mm wrench with the oil filter off. I fit the gasket on the indentation around the thermo no problem, but is it supposed to be sealed on the side to the housing? Mine was stuck to the housing when I took out the old one. But now, it seems like it'd just fall out or get stuck to the other part left on the block (for lack of a better term) if I unbolted it again. Thanks for everyone's input.