11750rpm

Morning all,

Bit of an issue with my otherwise lovely 1998 LS, really hope someone can help!

A leaky injector hydrolocked my VVTi engine - You can see the result below:



A member from another (non-Lexus) car forum sent me some replacement pistons, but they're from a non VVTi engine, as you can see here (the more pocketed piston is from my engine):



My question to the members on this forum - does anyone have a spare VVTi rod and piston assembly they're willing to send me for beer tokens? I'm in the UK but international shipping should be reasonable for a couple of piston assemblies.

I spent all of last weekend getting the bent rod out on my parents' driveway, it was a bit of a nightmare to be honest! Had to strip the engine down, then hoist it up whilst dropping the subframe so that I could remove number 1 oil pan. It would be a real shame now that I've got to this stage to give up, but it's starting to feel like it might go that way





Really hope you can help! I absolutely loved this car when I bought it - my first Lexus and hopefully the only one I ever need.

Cheers,

James

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Ouch! Some of the UK members may be able to hook you up. Good luck!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I got into this one time before, rods are all the same 13201 50030 BUT (never found an answer)
the pistons 13101 50040 are stamped 01rh, 02rh, 03rh AND 01lh, 02lh, 03lh no markings on the other 2 ??
maybe some one who worked for them could say... I had to bow out..
and do now.. good luck does your piston have any numbers on it??

YODAONE

Question; Did the engine start after hydrolock scenario? If so, how did it run?

That's quite a bend....Have you had crankshaft examined?

Engine block..bearings and caps?

Since you have gone through all the disassembly, have you considered swapping out short block?

Better yet....swap out short block with one from an LS430....(use your original heads)

Consider cylinder head work such as valve stem seals and valve guides..

If planning to replace only one piston and connecting rod, suggest going to dealer. Have VIN ready.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

not really certain how replacing one rod will help, as I'm sure the crank and other bearings would be compromised as well.
i suppose as a bandaid fix it might work for a pinch but shouldn't be used long term.

dicer

Yeah takes a bit of pressure to do that. I think finding another engine would be a good option. Purchasing 1 piston / rod assembly at a dealer and gaskets would likely cost as much as a good used engine. You don't know it may be just fine replacing the needed parts, its still a time and parts deal, and could be a waste of both.
And just wow all that work you did outside in winter time too. Are you sure the rod didn't bend at 11750rpm ????

Losiracer2

I think you would be better off getting a used engine and saving all the headaches of replacing that piston. I'm not sure how much they are there but I can get an engine in AZ for about $750