Good Kit?

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 1:47 am

I'm trying to find a good kit to rebuild a 3A or 3A-C. My 3A engine is starting to show the very preliminary signs of death, but probably is fine. For it it might be a good idea to perhaps get an upper engine rebuild kit (i.e. new valves, bearings, piston rings...) in the hopes of restoring some power and fuel economy. For my parents 3A-C, we'd probably need to rebuild it all, or get it remanufactured. It is emitting a loud, obnoxious thrown-rod sound, has bad compression, poor vacuum.. After 200+k miles, and hard use, it's time was up.

Anybody have any suggestions?

icE · Post by **icE** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 8:20 am

Not too sure where you'd find a rebuild kit for the 3AC, but if you do find one post where u can get it! I'd also redo the carb while you're in the engine, since it probably needs to be refreshed also.

As for the other tercel, with the weird noises etc, you should probably just get another engine. There's a company called Rising Sun Engines, at http://www.risingsunengines.com, and i've heard lots of good things about them. They are used engines, most have only 20k-30k on em, and they're not just compression tested, they actually run the engines to make sure they're still good, which is very very good

If you can put the engine in yourself, it'll save you big bucks! But even if you have a mechanic do it, it'll be a few hundred dollars more, it'll still be less than to remanufacture your engine. Also, with this company, there is no core charge and the engine comes with pretty much everything, not just the block but the heads, etc. Here, i sent an inquiry about whether of not they have 3ACs and how much they cost, heres what they sent back:

At 05:55 AM 10/7/04, you wrote:

> Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
> Jon (digitalfusionx@earthlink.net) on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 05:55:17
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> State: FL
>
> Engine Size or Model: 1.5L 3AC 4 cylinder
>
> Carb or Fuel Inj:: Carbureted
>
> Please quote for a:: Motor
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, we have a used *tested* engine in stock for your application. Your cost is $395.00 with no exchange required, plus approximately $119.00 freight.

It's a very good idea to replace the timing belt before you install the engine. If you have ever experienced a timing belt failure, then you know what we mean. We can also install a new timing belt in the engine before shipment if you like. Your cost is only $49. for both the belt and the labor.

If the motor is shipped outside CA, there is no sales tax.

See our web page at <a href='http://www.risingsunengines.com/engines.html' target='_blank'>http://www.risingsunengines.com/engines.html</a> for more info about our dynamic test procedures (very important as this is what sets us apart from the competition). You will also find information about mileage, warranty, etc. on our web site at <a href='http://www.risingsunengines.com/faqs.html' target='_blank'>http://www.risingsunengines.com/faqs.html</a>

If you have any more questions, please e-mail us. If you would like to make a purchase, call us toll free at 1-800-660-4664.

This price quote is valid for 10 days but is limited to stock on hand.

Jerry

Rising Sun Engines
Used Engines for Japanese Vehicles
Direct Importer - Nationwide Distributor
<a href='http://www.risingsunengines.com' target='_blank'>http://www.risingsunengines.com</a>
Toll free 1-800-660-4664
------------------------------------------

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:04 am

Interesting. Can anyone supply further suggestions? Can you give me some info proving Rising Sun as genuine and trustworthy?

arbskynxnex · Post by **arbskynxnex** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:42 am

I got my rebuild kit at <a href='http://www.johnsforeignengines.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.johnsforeignengines.com/</a> They are a Wa based company so I was able to drive down and pick up the kit, and yes they acutally have a business there. B) I was very happy with these guys. It came with new pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, oil pump, etc. It set me back $350, but that was for a 4ac. If you want to rebuild it, I'd take the motor apart first and find out if it is even rebuildable before you order a kit. I took the head down and had it rebuilt by a machine shop, cost me $100 and it came out great.

I got my tranny from ATK engines (they sell engines too BTW

), and I'm kind of luke warm about the experience so far. I got the first tranny ok, put it in and found that it didn't work (in fifth gear when shifter in neutral), took it out, and found that it was either damaged, or the shift fork was too long. They were supposed to ship a replacement out on monday, I called friday and it still hadn't shipped yet. They shipped the tranny UPS (Universal Puncturing Services) it was pretty well packed, but UPS still managed to get the tranny to break through the box. <_<

Oh yeah, most of the import engine sellers I've seen recommed that you replace all the gaskets, some its even required for the warranty to be valid, before you use the engine. I'd ask about that if you're calling around.

takza · Post by **takza** » Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:17 pm

If you can find a good original factory built engine for a decent price, you are going to be much better off than trying to rebuild or having one rebuilt....factory tolerances are much closer.

<a href='http://car-part.com/' target='_blank'>http://car-part.com/</a>

They have some as low as $150 and under 100K miles......

GTSSportCoupe · Post by **GTSSportCoupe** » Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:33 am

takza wrote: If you can find a good original factory built engine for a decent price, you are going to be much better off than trying to rebuild or having one rebuilt....factory tolerances are much closer.

I agree with Takza. Remember that you can grab a 3AC out of tercel hatch's too. When I replaced my engine I was very lucky and found a MINT engine in a little 3-door hatch tercel with only a 140,000kms on it. Apparently it was a grandma car before someone wrote it off by backing into it in a parking lot. The engine was perfectly maintained and super clean inside.

Basically look for a low mileage engine. Also, pull the oil cap off, and make sure it is clean under the valve cover. Don't buy an engine with sludge buildup inside (means the oil has not been changed regularly).

This is generally the easiest and cheapest solution. I got my engine for $250CAD.

dug320 · Post by **dug320** » Sun Nov 21, 2004 7:44 pm

After looking over the costs.
I decided to get a used engine with great compression across the cylinders. The problem with getting any kit to rebuild the engine is worring about the cylinder walls. If it has a lot of milage it probably has some interesting scratches on the walls. Bearings and the crankshaft may have some interesting scores.

Remember any 3ac will fit and keep in mind so will a 4ac.

Cheers