Bad noise, lost power...not good

[Jessf]

Driving along at 80 kmh. going up a small hill and experienced loss of power and a slapping noise that got louder. Similar to the noise I'd been hearing before but not as severe.

Got a video, you watch!!!

This is us on the side of the road. once the engine had cooled a bit we started it back up to see what happens. We pulled the timing belt cover, no broken belt or anything.

help me out guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcbodgj4Z1M

[Andrew.r.w]

I can't give you anything solid, but from my experience I would expect it to be something in the valve train rather than a piston or rod bearing.

Reasons:
1) Lost power, but didn't stop entirely.
2) The rattle sounds like half the RPM (cam turns once for every 2 revs).
3) The rattle itself is steady, consistent, and not too heavy.
4) There are many small pieces in there that could cause that (push rod, rocker, valve, spring, adjuster, etc.).

Get the valve cover off and see what's loose. You may find the adjustment has backed off on one valve. You may also find that the push rod and rocker are battered from running it that way.

I once had a valve spring break and it sounded something like that. I don't want to give you unreasonable hope, but don't give up on 'er yet. This could turn out to be a relatively simple job.

[TRAX and HORNS]

Dont sound good. I wouldnt run it any more till you tear it down. I'll put up a six pack its a rod. Awful load.

[Jessf]

so are these parts available?

[TRAX and HORNS]

Shouldnt have a problem finding them. Depends on where you are? UK,Canada,USA,Japan?

[Jessf]

I won't be doing the work this time. I'll be trucking it over to my mechanic in the morning. I'll let him know what you guys have said, all sounds good.

First time he'll have seen this truck but i have the service manual and he's pretty handy with a wrench so I feel confident that if he finds the issue, I can come away with a shopping list of parts I need. I've been looking around on japanoid and the like and I'm not seeing a whole lot in the way of engine parts.

The rest of the truck is in prestine condition and it would be an utter shame to be brought down by something minor.

finger's crossed.

[olddatsunfan]

Japanoid doesn't list their inventory on line, talk to Dean in parts, he can help you out.

[Stuff99]

hope she is something minor!!

[Jessf]

my mech hasn't had a chance to pull the bottom end out, but thinks it's most likely a damaged crank, crank bearing or con rod bearing.

he's talking to a JDM parts source to see what they have, but suggests I start looking for a good used or rebuilt engine.

So, any suggestions for rebuilt engines? Given the fact that prior to this damage, my engine could have been considered "used" with a ticking time bomb bearing (possibly) waiting to go. Ultimately a rebuilt is worth the peace of mind at this point for me. The rest of the truck is in excellent condition so I'm willing to put money into it.

[Stuff99]

lol throw a justy engine in there!! :P

[Jessf]

would that even work? I don't know lol.

To rebuild my engine may be cheaper, I've also considered that. I want to hear back from my mech before pulling the trigger on anything.

The truck as 95,000 on it. would this be considered a typical life span or might this be bad luck or perhaps the engine was neglected. Too many highway miles or too many cold starts, bad oil?

I've only had the truck for several months and I know there's nothing I've done to cause the issue but I want to understand the anatomy of this failure so I know what to expect from a rebuilt/used engine.

thanks

[Andrew.r.w]

I'm sorry to hear it's not a quick fix.

I'm watching this thread with interest because I have a '92 Sambar with 95,000km on it. My truck runs well and doesn't make any scary noises but if 95,000 is considered a lifetime, I'll start saving.

So what do you think we should expect from these things?

[Jessf]

I'm sorry to hear it's not a quick fix.

I'm watching this thread with interest because I have a '92 Sambar with 95,000km on it. My truck runs well and doesn't make any scary noises but if 95,000 is considered a lifetime, I'll start saving.

So what do you think we should expect from these things?

it's a good question and I think one that needs to be asked to everyone.

[fupabox]

it's a good question and I think one that needs to be asked to everyone.

200k is not out of the ordinary...mincara review in japan has tons of minitrucks with well over 200k on them ...I will say something that may not be popular though..on this forum when an engine has a major mechanical breakdown..it's more often than not a Subaru..........

[Jessf]

boo hisss!

oh well, I haven't heard from my mech yet and I'm too busy to chase after him at the moment.

i'll keep you guys posted once I know what's going on.