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Are 2UZ-fe in Tundra/Sequoia developing piston slap?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by 2001LC, Feb 5, 2018.

  1. Feb 5, 2018 at 8:50 AM
    #1
    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    The one big question I have: Is the 2UZ-fe in Tundra/Sequoia developing piston slap?

    I heard this is the case from a well respected mechanic in Boulder CO.

    I'd like to hear what Tundra owners have to say on this!
     
  2. Feb 5, 2018 at 8:53 AM
    #2
    dirtydeeds

    dirtydeeds Exhaust Fabricator Vendor

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    My truck is pretty noisy at start up. But when warms up goes away. I was assuming it was valvtrain or piston slap.
     
  3. Feb 5, 2018 at 9:11 AM
    #3
    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the reply.

    Most if not all 4.7L 2UZ-fe are noisy on cold startup, which is considered normal. The 2UZ-fe VVt (Tundra/Sequoia 05-09) also have the AI pump which runs for~90 seconds, sound like a turbo.

    I'm trying to find evidence of a warmed up engine knocking?

    Seem it been "reported" the USA made 2UZ develop a knock not seen in Japanese made. Is this urban legend or fact!
     
  4. Feb 5, 2018 at 9:28 AM
    #4
    TheBeast

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    didn't you post the same question few days ago ?
     
  5. Feb 5, 2018 at 9:32 AM
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    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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  6. Feb 5, 2018 at 12:43 PM
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    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    Sorry if my multiple thread are irritating, I'm not familiar with how this forum operates. So does everyone that has a 1st gen or 2nd gen keep and eye on all threads/subs in the forum?

    I've been posting in various subsections "general" "1st gen" "2nd gen" as I learn what years engine was made in Japan <03 vs USA >03 that had the 2UZ-fe & 2UZ-fe VVT (05-09). Not just in this forum (tundras.com), but other forums as well.

    If you've read some of my post you've seen the number one reason "they" say "avoid" is weak rods of the USA made. They say the rods are not forged in the USA made engines. From all I can tell; rods of all 2UZ are forged. So that urban legend just isn't true IMHO, which I laid out photographic evidence of here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/japanese-4-7l-engine-better-than-usa-made.21124/

    The number two reason "they say" to avoid USA made is engine "knock" or "piston slap". So I'm now digging in on this. So far what i've read has been inconclusive. I'm looking for actually accounts, then too drill down on those.

    So I've also created the more specific thread of "piston slap". I've gotten very minimal responses or just hearsay. Not one actual account of piston slap or knock after warm up.

    Most thread I found talking about slap or knock where newer owners of pre VVt-i and appeared to be just the very normal cold engine piston slap.

    I did find two videos w/sound bits while doing google searches, dealing with what may or may not be a piston slap. They could be exhaust leak coupled with/or cold engine, possible bad rod bearing or wrist pin, fan bracket, valve adjustment, etc... But unfortunately these were without subsequent backup info to drill down into. One that really did sound like something, sound went away, explained as chunk of sometime in combustion chamber. These two other could be similar or possible something else like possible cracked flex plate.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNnZAMXvC4&list=UUYQYhrG8v-0vdnTXN0-W4_w&index=1
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W2My_bO7DU

    I've heard for years to avoid the USA made Tundra & Sequoia 4.7L engines. Just to hear doesn't do it for me. That said where there's smoke there's fire, so show me the smoke!

    So the more places I post, the more chance of getting responses of substance!
     
  7. Feb 5, 2018 at 1:26 PM
    #7
    TheBeast

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    what are you trying to achieve ? are you buying a truck ?
     
  8. Feb 5, 2018 at 1:51 PM
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    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    That video of a blown engine is my 07LC Unicron. I need a 2UZ-fe VVT long block for it.

    I like it under 130K miles. With the 100 series engine I can use the entire engine, I see 4 in North America for silly prices. When I expand search to 4runner & GX470 which only long block is usable, my pool enlarged with one very near. If I expand my search to include Tundra & Sequoia i've many more choices, very close.

    I will very likely need more engine in the future and would like to dispel this as urban legends as I did the connecting rods or prove-out as fact and why it happens.
     
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2018
  9. Feb 7, 2018 at 6:26 PM
    #9
    Nick T

    Nick T New Member

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    4runner and gx470 have made in japan 2uzfe vvti. Is it worth the price difference to you for peace of mind vs a tundra or sequoia engine? Bear in mind the million mile tundra is a made in america 2uzfe vvti
     
  10. Feb 8, 2018 at 4:49 AM
    #10
    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    It is worth the piece of mind, if any truth to the urban legend that Japanese built is better.

    I've been restoring Toyota Land Cruiser / Lexus LX470 (series 100) as a hobby for last two years. I'll be working on my first engine replacement as weather warms. Other than series 100 engine themselve, price is the same USA or Japanese built.

    So while I wait for weather I'm investigating.

    So far what I've come up with; is the USA built 4.7L 2UZ-fe VVt-i is just as good!
     
  11. Feb 17, 2018 at 5:31 AM
    #11
    2001LC

    2001LC [OP] New Member

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    Conclusion took me back to what was first said to me "stick with the Japanese made engine for my replacement selection"

    I've post in many Tundra, Sequoia & Land Cruiser forums and threads asking about rods & piston slap (after warm up). I've not found evidence or firsthand knowledge of these things in any forums or news articles.

    But, 2 out of 3 Mechanics are seeing more issues with USA made 2UZ-fe.

    Turning to shops for answers, asking mechanics what they're seeing.

    1) One, a heavy duty Toyota Dealer mechanic of 20 years said: "odds of piston slap are the same Japanese or US made" He doesn't think there's a difference.

    2) One, at a one man shop that work on various makes or models, but specializes in Toyota said avoid the US made they develop piston slap.

    3) One at a one man shop that works only on Toyota said; "Seeing broken rods and hears piston slap in USA made, and not in Land Cruisers".

    I did not find out where the respective components (block, crank, rods, pistons, heads, cams, etc.) are forged. But did see written in article about million mile tundra and video evidence they're machined at plant of assemble

    I'd like to find out why this is the case; metals, coatings, tolerance, oils, workmanship or what?

    Why! Concern without more info, can new OEM parts from the Dealer to be trusted.
     

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