Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Well I took my car to get a alignment and rotate and balance. While I was there I had them check out my coolant leak problem and my power steering. They called me back and told me my Head gasket was leaking coolant, but it didn't seem to be going in the motor. No milky stuff noticed in the oil. But as I posted in another thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...lve-cover.html
Behind the front valve cover somewhere deeper into the motor was where all the antifreeze gunk was built up. At one point a few days ago I was driving and at a stop light a puff of smoke came out the engine bay this was after I was getting some steering shudder at average speed which I never got before. Mind you I just installed the 4 new springs and struts so I was giving it a few days before I took it in for an alignment, so I pulled over and it pretty much stopped and didn't do it anymore. I drove to and from work today and left it at the shop all afternoon, and still didn't get the puff of smoke from the engine bay. They quoted me about $1750 for head gasket replacement. Well at that price I was leaning on just buying a used motor off ebay for $1100 with a tranny. My ES has about 173k now, ebay motor 35k.
Should I go for a engine and tranny swap at this point?
What kinda labor cost am I looking at for this kinda swap?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

to me its a no-brainer to get a new motor.

Hell, I'm sure you could maybe find just a motor? If not get the combo and try and sell the one you have now for a few bucks?

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Where in FL are you?

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Port Charlotte. Hr away from Tampa south
Another seller had motor for $950 figure hey, $150 for newer tranny why not.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

yeah again, in such a case, might as well.

I'm wondering how long it takes to swap one of these bad boys out...

Ariyanna

Definitly get the combo its more bang for ur buck and both have only 35K miles on them which by Toyota standards hasn't even been broken in, that motor and tranny are still new with that mileage go for it if u have the money to do it.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Darn. Your far away from Ft. Lauderdale. Arg. I have a Toyota friend (Mainly 1MZ guy) that could do it at a good price there.

What was there reasoning for saying it was a BHG?

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

I'ma look into some labor cost to today for the motor swap. Also whats different about the JDM motor? Am I looking at a direct swap no kinda like harness difference or anything?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

It depends where the motor is from. Make sure its OBDII; i'm sure you already checked this. I'm not 100% sure, but i have seen a ton of motors here in canada for cheap, but a few were from older cars, and the 'newer' engines were good to go [obdII]

Again, i am not sure as to when the OBII was a standard that was introduced in the automotive world.

I had a buddy swap in a USDM Type-R motor, and his car was OBDI and had to piggy back the harness to get it to work or something like that... Motor was OBDII. I hope this makes some sense and i am not rambling misinformation.

*wiring is not my strong suit and is a PITA!

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

I believe the 97 ES should be obd2 but I should find out about that particular motor I'm looking at

PFB

OBD II became standard and mandatory for ALL CARS sold in North America starting with the 1996 Model Year.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

got 1 quote for roughly 1500-1700 for labor including changing the timing belt. Ran it about 30 miles today no problems. Checked the oil looks clean. taking it to another shop to have someone else look at it tomorrow.

88Legend

I have never known these cars to have HG problems. Though it is a very common problem with the 2nd gen Legends. It would take a couple days to do it your self and with how these engines are canted over it is almost impossible.

The JDM motors have a little more power because they are not tuned down for emission reasons like they are in the US. I think some of the emission components are different as well. But is pretty easy to change everything over.

But make sure it is really a bad HG before you do anything major with the engine. Have you bled the coolant? If there is air in it that is sign of a bad HG too.

Also if you have enough air in your coolant your idle will fluctuate and will be rough.

97'ES

I feel your pain. Just ran into the same problem myself today. Mechanic who I completely trust was doing the plugs, thermostat, hoses, etc. for me due to my lack of garage space currently and told me its leaking ever so slightly on the outside of the block somewhere in between the banks near the thermostat housing, havent seen it myself yet.

Gonna use a suburu stop leak additive he recommended highly, he claims its not in the same league as a barrs type additive. He said it would probably be fine for another 100k because its very small (the car has never been low on coolant at any time and the oil has. always looked fine) but you can never deem it reliable obviously. at only 110k I'm far from pleased. Looks like its time to unload it.

Back to square one, Honda here I come. Good luck with the engine swap but I'm not goin there. Definetly go obd2, too much headache otherwise.

88Legend

110K and a seeping HG. That is really bad.

I can't say hondas are much better. The 5 speed autos in the late 90s and early 2000s Acuras die at about 30K-50K miles. The HGs in the 2nd gen Legend are notorious for going bad at anywhere from 150-200K miles or even earlier. And the older hondas and Acuras have really bad rusting problems. But mine has 169K and is running strong! (knock on wood)

Look into a newer 3rd gen ES or even 4th or 5th gen. LS430 too.