Picked up this 2000 es300 today. Mileage and problem unknown. Starter was off and alternator loose. Starter tested bad so got a working used one installed and tightened down alternator. Attempted to engine turned half a rotation then stopped. Motor is locked on something. Assuming the worst most likely will get a junkyard engine as i already found 2 near me. Is this 3.0 v6 in any other cars (Toyota’s)? What other cars can I pull from? Is there something common with these motors locking up? Has 172k

 

Pull the timing belt cover and make sure the belt is not bound up. It is unusual for the 1MZ to lock up even when totally neglected and filled with sludge. For a potential donor you need a 1MZ VVTi version wikipedia has a decent list

 

Timing belt was intact and good. Removed timing belt and both camshafts spin good separately but bottom crankshaft is where the stoppage is. Rotates freely to a point then stops then can reverse it and rotate almost full rotation until that same spot then stops. Looks like I’m pulling the engine. Any tips on pulling these? Can I pull while transmission in place? From the looks of it the engine has 3 motor mounts is that correct?

 

I've seen people remove the engine without the transmission. There is a rear mount with a carrier bearing that goes through the passenger axle. front mount by the radiator, a bracket near the radiator cap, and a dog bone mount right above that bracket. Good luck.
How is the rest of the car? I suppose it's worth it to you to fix this one if you're going that far with it. These cars are pretty cheap nowadays, so I would rather find a clean example.

 

Started tearing into the engine today. Getting it ready to pull. Should have the used replacement engine in few weeks.



The placement of that cooling hose and knock sensors, what was Toyota thinking.

 

Since these heads are still good going to pull them. Anyone need a pair of cylinder heads?