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5.7 ENGINE

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by SKIDAWG, Mar 19, 2021.

  1. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:22 PM
    #1
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Hello guys, (gals).
    New here, helping my girl friends Dad. He has a 2008 Tundra, the 5.7 engine is grinding noise or what not. They have over 100K miles on the engine. (vehicle). He started tinkering with those tubes that the plugs go in, then the oil fouled the plugs. Been working on for over a year. Replaced the transmission. (had it replaced). I ran the VIN it is a stock, 4X2. Today they called me from Arizona wont even start. and wanted me to help them find a used motor.

    Does anyone have any advice? I looked at as is fair condition KBB, the low is $12,000.

    Few years ago, my Vortech went out, in (V6) 2001 Silverado, I had the dealership install a reman. out the door it was $4,000 and change, worked great even today.

    Looking in local junk yards, these 5.7 engines are pulled they day or two after they are junked. On Ebay, looking at $4-$5,000 plus for complete engine assy. with 100,000 miles. (wrecked trucks).

    Long blocks I have seen for about the same price range. But then you have to put them tubes back on, and I think it would be a problem.

    My first blush was, they are looking at $7 to $8,000. for a quality engine, and the replacement included. I would recommend, saling that truck as is, let some yonger wrench overhaul and get something newer. But I am told they want to replace it and the have, $3,500.

    Please advise. Anthony
     
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  2. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #2
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    There's no reason to replace the engine with only that many miles. Have they even had a mechanic look at it? Sounds like they don't know what they're doing. Why was the transmission replaced?
     
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  3. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:27 PM
    #3
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    Unless the engine has holes in it, a good mechanic should be able to fix it for less. Is there more to the story?
     
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  4. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:33 PM
    #4
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    They took it to a shop, they were told the transmission needed replaced. They are elderly live way out in Kayenta, AZ. But thats what I am thinking with just a hair over 100,000 miles on a Toyota, they last for a good long time what I have heard, 2-300,000 miles and beyond. And the fact they they are still fetching $4-$5,000 on Ebay from a wreck with 150,000 miles and more. I am thinking that would be a good idea, to have them find a reputable mechanic, instead of keep throwing money at it.
     
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  5. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:35 PM
    #5
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    It sounds like they have been throwing money at it with bad advice.
     
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  6. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:48 PM
    #6
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Bleach, thanks for your time.
    I would like to help them more than I could, but I popped my head and saw that engine Tundra with all the accessories. (yikes).
    It is not like years ago, we would go to pull and pay, with one or two strong backed boys and get a SBC, (350), yanked Saturday morning and be buttoning it up Saturday nite or Sunday morning with a few cold ones.
    When I was still AGR, (active duty), my old Silverado, I had some money put away, but not much time available, with training.
    Took it to dealership here in ABQ, NM. bit the bullet, had the engine replaced. they gave me a loaner.
    Few days later I was back on the road.
     
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  7. Mar 19, 2021 at 2:09 PM
    #7
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    I wish I was closer and could help these elderly folks. I just hate seeing seniors get taken advantage of. It just happens too much, especially now.
     
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  8. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:07 PM
    #8
    Half Assed

    Half Assed me ne frego

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    They need to figure out what's wrong before throwing a motor at it IMO.

    Can you elaborate on "engine is grinding"?

    What does "wont even start" mean? It wont crank? or it cranks but wont start?
     
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  9. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:29 PM
    #9
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    Yeah, wonder if @SKIDAWG could get a video from them posted on here. ? Assuming it could get started or from before no start.
     
  10. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:31 PM
    #10
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for response, it is hard to understand what her Dad is saying as he is older. I am going to make a trip up there after I get a shot. I understand it was fouling plugs after he replaced them about a year ago. I looked that up saw a video where Toyota has tubes that the plugs are in, and there are seals that can be damaged. Since that time, he has been looking at the fuel delivery, as it will not start up and run since the plugs were changed. Today, his daughter told me when he goes to start it up, it has grinding noise. I am thinking it maybe the starter. I just got off the telephone with them, and she checked the mileage, that truck has 290,000 miles on it. I was told earlier it had just at or over 100,000. I know Toyota's las a while. a while if maintained properly. I will just head up to Arizona and do some inspecting and troubleshooting, to help them out. Anthony
     
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  11. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:33 PM
    #11
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Daland shark, I will see if I can get one of it cranking tomorrow from the girls out there, thank you.

    Anthony
     
  12. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:34 PM
    #12
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    So it will not start but grinds when it turns over I am told.
     
  13. Mar 19, 2021 at 9:12 PM
    #13
    Half Assed

    Half Assed me ne frego

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    Hard to say without hearing it. Grinding could be coming from the starter itself. If it's coming from the engine, then I would probably check for compression.
     
  14. Mar 19, 2021 at 9:21 PM
    #14
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Half, I understand thanks.
    The gals are going to send a video, may help identify. If not I will be lighting out there next week or so. It is 300 miles and change. not far from Monument Valley.
     
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  15. Mar 20, 2021 at 7:13 AM
    #15
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Your girlfriends parents should bite the bullet, and have the truck taken to a Toyota dealership for diagnosis.

    I suspect they've already been robbed for a transmission they didn't need. Dealerships will not usually take un-restrained advantage of the naive and vulnerable. They'll upsell some small services, but not outright lie to rob people of thousands.

    It will be more expensive to have a dealership work on the truck, and depending on what needs to be done, the economical thing may be to transfer the truck (once diagnosed) to an independent garage for a major problem...like an engine replacement.

    You need real data at this point to make a decision. If the dealership tells you the folks need a new engine, then you have some data to make the most cost-effective decision.
     
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  16. Mar 20, 2021 at 8:45 AM
    #16
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    John Lakeman,
    Thanks for the recommendation, I called them this am.
    Got them the info for the Toyota dealership in Gallup, NM. And recommended a tow down to the dealership.
    Diagnostic and inspection by the dealership. It may cost lil money but it should at least be identified correctly. And corrected.
    Better than replacing that 5.7 sight unseen.
    They have a fixed budget, a few G saved up, so with any luck, they may get outa the woods yet.
    Anthony
     
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  17. Mar 20, 2021 at 9:44 AM
    #17
    bleach

    bleach MEME Fiend

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    Toyota of Whittier CA did this to my elderly mom. They soaked her $7000 for a new transmission in her '06 80K Corolla. The one problem was she didn't consult me prior to having them do the work.
     
  18. May 3, 2021 at 5:57 PM
    #18
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Update, took the Tundra to the Dealership for engine diagnosis. Got a call today, they said the engine's compression is below standard. They advise a replacement (used engine) 5.7 Liter. with a five year warranty. For engine replacement, and parts that go with that job, taxes and all fees, over $11,000. I looked up the KBB, for that year make and model, 190,000 miles, in fair condition, is from $8-11,000 dollars. With the engine apparently shot, I would say the lower blue book of $8,000. My suggestion is sale it, (they just paid it off), and get something they can afford. IDK if $8,000 is a reach for a Tundra with a engine that is not running. I know some guys would jerk it out them selves and get it rebuilt, for less money. However for this scenario, maybe best to sale.
     
  19. May 3, 2021 at 6:59 PM
    #19
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    Sometimes it’s best to cut the loss and not put good money over bad. But what are the “below standard numbers?
     
  20. May 3, 2021 at 7:03 PM
    #20
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Dalandshark,
    They caught me late for a meeting on the call today, I was wondering the same thing.
    I am following up tomorrow to request the readings on each cylinder. Thanks for the follow up will post, when I get data. Anthony
     
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  21. May 3, 2021 at 8:17 PM
    #21
    Rph74

    Rph74 New Member

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    $11k for a used motor seems very steep.

    I found a place out of CA that sells remanufactured engines (claiming to use OEM parts) for $4775 + shipping. Hopefully someone can chime in that has experience with these guys.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/283839170340

    Seems like the 5.7 can be a bit of a crapshoot. The vast majority seem to be able to put on gobs and gobs of miles, but we seem to have some unlucky folks who’ve experienced engine failure. Meanwhile The 4.7 V8 in the GX470’s we have, and the 2.7 in my Tacoma seem to be almost bulletproof. I still love driving my Tundra more than all the others though.
     
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  22. May 4, 2021 at 6:46 AM
    #22
    BlueCrushSC16

    BlueCrushSC16 New Member

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    For this particular issue, it sounds like the valve cover gaskets need to be replaced. I have a small amount of oil getting on 2-3 of my plugs. I'll be replacing my gaskets sometime soon.
     
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  23. May 4, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #23
    JohnLakeman

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    For 5.7L 3UR-FE, standard compression pressure is 189 psi, minimum compression pressure is 145 psi, no more than 15 psi between cylinders.

    If all cylinder compression pressures at or below minimum, the engine is just worn out. The truck's mileage is low for that unless it was neglected (a distinct possibility). Low compression on one or adjoining cylinders indicates a problem related to those cylinders, which may be repairable for less money than a used engine. Hint: Get it running, sell it.

    I would expect the engine to give a good effort at starting with uniform minimum compression pressures if any other problems were corrected. With minimum compression pressures on all cylinders, lazy-ass technicians might jump directly to "replace the engine", without really doing a diagnosis for "no start".
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2021
  24. May 4, 2021 at 7:26 AM
    #24
    LuvCRVs

    LuvCRVs New Member

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    Your GIRLFRIENDS dad? Man I would tread lightly.
     
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  25. May 4, 2021 at 3:11 PM
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    Dr_Al

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    My guess is that the valve cover tube seals leaked and when the plugs were swapped oil in the tube ran into the engine. When that happens you need to turn the engine over without putting in the new plug or you will try to compress oil. I don't think that was done. Since we're not talking a lot of oil the starter was able to turn it over and it started. But they most did was damaged something, maybe the compression rings? Anyway that's most likely why the compression is low. Of course I'm troubleshooting from a sofa far away. If the dealer is saying the compression is low then I would say the engine needs replacing (cheaper than paying to have it rebuilt).

    Why do they have a Tundra? If there's no reason for them to own one then I can think of a lot of better choices out there for someone on a fixed budget. The 5.7 is a thirsty engine for a grocery getter. If they have a camper they tow that would be different.
     
  26. May 4, 2021 at 3:59 PM
    #26
    PayItOff428

    PayItOff428 New Member

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    Carvana will probably give them $20k for it!:rofl:
     
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  27. May 4, 2021 at 4:08 PM
    #27
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the feed back, the compression readings on cylinder 1, (20 PSI), 2, (25 PSI), 3 thru 7 zero PSI.

    Dr_Al, when her Father changed the spark plugs, oil did leak into the cylinders, (how much IDK). I do know after he installed the new spark plugs, he repeatedly was turning that 5.7 over trying to get it to started, then continued turning it over while replacing crank, cam sensor for weeks. If oil in the cylinders can or could cause internal damage to the compression rings, then maybe that is what happened. He removed the plugs and overserved thy were oil fouled, (soaked in oil). I feel bad for him, he is retired from the rail road and elderly and just trying to help maintain the family truck.

    Why do they have a Tundra? Instead of a beater Chevy or Ford, I asked the same question. Their youngest Son, lives in Santa Fe, needed a work vehicle about 6-7 years ago, his girl friend with the curves said "get a Tundra they are cool". Time goes by work is not working out, Son can not keep up with the payments, Mom and Dad to the rescue, here is an old Chevy beater, we will make your Toyota payments and the Tundra. They paid it off last month or so.

    Thanks for the input, much appreciated, my advise is sale it, take the money as a down payment on a basic Chevy or Ford truck, to get groceries.

    The shop wants $11,000 and change to install a used engine.

    I understand the Toyotas can last 700,000 miles if maintained properly, are those LEXUS engines in the Tundra? 5.7 2008.

    Anthony
     
  28. May 4, 2021 at 5:54 PM
    #28
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Yes, Sir,
    They (parents) told me thanks for helping when I can, I understand they don't get much help from anywhere else.
     
  29. May 4, 2021 at 6:06 PM
    #29
    SKIDAWG

    SKIDAWG [OP] New Member

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    Yes, I hear you, when I was stationed in California, a friends folks owned a tow truck company in Ontario, Cali, (East of LA), some of the Toyotas and Hondas that got impounded and auctioned, were bought by folks that would part them out. They were worth more money, parted out that they were an entire vehicle, transmission, $500. Starter, $50, maybe more can not remember.

    But yes, I have seen Carvana, thank you.

    Anthony
     
  30. May 4, 2021 at 6:24 PM
    #30
    DCLarston13

    DCLarston13 New Member

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    Maybe call the local NAPA Auto Parts and ask who they would use.
     

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