Any suggestions for a place to buy a rebuilt engine? Anyone ever dealt with Barnette's in Chesapeake, Va? I have '07 in mint condition. Blew motor after water pump failed. Compression on front 3 cylinders is 0, 0, 25. No leakage test done yet. Want a rebuilt so I can drive another 100K. So many options via internet most of which are used. No experience with any of these companies.
My RX350 is in Asheville, NC.

 

Get a quote for pulling your motor and rebuilding that first.

 

Anyone else? Having a hard time finding a used engine. Mixed input from mechanics on rebuilt vs. used.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

 

If the front 3 compression readings are the only low ones, you may need just one new or rebuilt head. Much less cost than rebuilding or replacing the whole engine. Problem is the engine must have gotten very hot to damage the head, so it may have other issues. Have you discussed various options with your mechanic?

 

I suspect that you have a warped head. A top only repair will be less costly than a used engine IF that is all that is damaged. Adding a lower rebuild adds a couple G's to the cost of repair but you would wind up with a like new motor good for maybe another 200k if maintained well, The other concern is if the tranny and other parts may not hold up that long.

If it comes down to a motor swap I'd go used. You have a 8 YO vehicle and these 3.5L motors have proven to be pretty stout, If it were me, I'd find a low mileage used 3.5L engine rather than a full rebuild. Do you have a local independent mechanic that can inspect the current engine?

A low mileage 3.5L engine should not be hard to find and would run around $3,000 - $3,500 shipped with a couple year warranty. I would expect labor cost to run around $2,000 - $3,000 from an independent. I'd have to decide if I wanted to spend this kind of money (~$5,000-$6,500) on an 8YO vehicle that KBB values around $14-15k.

Cheapest route, if my guess is correct and the only damage is a warped head, is to have a local indy mechanic repair. I'd likely then begin to look to trade up the vehicle to a newer model.

 

Yes. 2 shops looked at it. Have talked with 4 mechanics. They all think it's not worth tearing down existing engine to find exact failure(s). $1500-2000 just to pull heads, diagnose issues, etc.. Having a hell of a time finding used engine in western N.C.

Unfortunately (or stupidly), the car was driven with no coolant on freeway at 70mph until the engine stopped. Pretty easy to assume the failure was catastrophic. Doubt I'd get another 100K out of it even if it did only need a head.

 

I'm hoping all your family members are in good health and still ambulatory after this.

 

A rebuilt may not be better than a used one. I trust the robots that built mine in Japan over whatever a rebuilder uses. Junkyard motors are plentiful and should be around $1500 for the part with a warranty. The risk is having to pay for the labor twice. These motors last forever so it is pretty low risk. Just ask to pull the valve cover to inspect for sludge. If it looks new inside you are good to go.

If you go used, you probably will want to change the valve cover gaskets, timing belt, front and rear seals, water pump, idlers and tensioner... with the engine removed to save labor costs. Factor labor and parts price into your decision.

 

You can find used motors at salvage yards using www.car-part.com

 

This is what youre looking for. Good luck.

 

Thanks everyone. I found 2 used engines prior to seeing the www.car-part.com search tool. The fat lady hasn't sung yet. I'll use the search tool if things don't work out.

 

Can anyone verify that 2012 Highlander 3.5L with oil cooler is exact drop-in for '07 RX350 with oil cooler?

Thanks in advance...

 

never mind. Lexus dealer confirmed.

 

Sounds like you are good to go with a newer replacement engine. Keep us posted on this project. I like to hear how owners keep a good vehicle on the road vs just dumping it.