Rod Knock - Fix or Replace Engine
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 12
From: WA
Rod Knock - Fix or Replace Engine
Hello Friends!
I have made a stupid mistake so please, I have already learned my lesson.
I was started up my 2013 GS350 awd in the morning and drove off. A few mins into my drive a "low oil" light came on, as I was getting ready to pull over, the car shut off. At first I didn't think I was actually low on oil since the light as came on before and I had enough oil in the car, so I tried to jump start it. Obviously that didn't work, I got it towed home and checked the oil which was empty. I filled her up and it started right away. As soon as it started, I had a rod knock right away.
I am wondering should I try to find and change the bad rod bearing myself, or should I just replace the engine instead?
FYI I am located in Washington state if any mechanics would like to do the work. Or if you know anyone that you can send me their way.
Please let me know your thoughts!
I have made a stupid mistake so please, I have already learned my lesson.
I was started up my 2013 GS350 awd in the morning and drove off. A few mins into my drive a "low oil" light came on, as I was getting ready to pull over, the car shut off. At first I didn't think I was actually low on oil since the light as came on before and I had enough oil in the car, so I tried to jump start it. Obviously that didn't work, I got it towed home and checked the oil which was empty. I filled her up and it started right away. As soon as it started, I had a rod knock right away.
I am wondering should I try to find and change the bad rod bearing myself, or should I just replace the engine instead?
FYI I am located in Washington state if any mechanics would like to do the work. Or if you know anyone that you can send me their way.
Please let me know your thoughts!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,917
Likes: 4,274
From: Alberta
There is no recovering from oil starvation by replacing bearings, the crank will be damaged. You can try, and the repair may even last for a few thousand miles but eventually the knock will be back and more than likely the engine will fail catastrophically.
Don't want to be too negative but labour on such a job is very expensive and even if you find a shop willing to do the work are they going to do the job properly? If you know a mechanic you trust then maybe. This all assumes the replacement engine will be good.
Don't want to be too negative but labour on such a job is very expensive and even if you find a shop willing to do the work are they going to do the job properly? If you know a mechanic you trust then maybe. This all assumes the replacement engine will be good.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 80
From: Coarsegold, CA
You won’t know the extent of the damage is until it’s opened up. Rod bearing of course but where is the knocking coming from? Is the rod hammering the crankshaft? Does it have to be replaced which means all the rod bearings have to be replaced? Can this be accomplished w/o removing the heads? One has to wonder though, where has the oil gone? That has to be addressed before anything is done. There’s really only two places, the ground underneath it when it’s parked or out the tailpipe. One may only require some new gaskets. The other, an expensive ring and valve job. It’s a ten year old car, what’s the mileage on the motor?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,917
Likes: 4,274
From: Alberta
As soon as there is rod knock the damage is already too great, only fix is machining the crank and new undersized bearings. There are no undersized bearings available from Toyota you're stuck with whatever aftermarket may be out there. OEM rings and pistons only come in standard size. 2GR is not designed in any way to be machined and rebuilt.
2GR is very sensitive to oil starvation.
2GR is very sensitive to oil starvation.
Makes no sense at all to try to even repair that engine. If the bottom end messed up surely the top part that had to get oil was starved too. Include the piston rings and sleeves, and the top end. Also think about where any metal particles would have gone also. Try car-parts.com. Call and see what deals you can get. I would be looking for a low miles 15 engine. Sorry to hear you had that problem.
Also your engine was likely that low on oil for some reason?
Also your engine was likely that low on oil for some reason?
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 12
From: WA
Originally Posted by jgscott;[url=tel:11606134
11606134[/url]] Also your engine was likely that low on oil for some reason?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 19
Likes: 12
From: WA
Originally Posted by Jakerin;[url=tel:11606082
11606082[/url]]It’s a ten year old car, what’s the mileage on the motor?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,917
Likes: 4,274
From: Alberta
Your car being AWD complicates things. Can watch a bunch of engine swaps on Youtube to get the general idea but there are so many steps the only way to learn is do. If you've never done any engine swaps before and especially if you don't have mechanical experience then you shouldn't do it yourself.
You need an engine lift with leveler, jack stands, a bunch of jacks and a full compliment of tools.
You need an engine lift with leveler, jack stands, a bunch of jacks and a full compliment of tools.
Before you start buying motors get your problem diagnosed by a professional.
Last edited by peasodos; Nov 2, 2023 at 01:10 AM.
