hockeypuck

Thanks for the help in advance....I have a 99 ES300 that was diagnosed with leaking rings. Compression test wet and dry was supposedly done. The engine is blowing blue smoke on start up and occasionally while driving. The check engine and trac lights are also on. Should I get a second opinion? I never saw an actual print out, just the info that was typed into the computer and printed on to the invoice. Shop quoted $3500 for used engine and installation for the engine. My engine has the VVTi. Can I purchase an engine from a 99 w/o the VVTi and use it, or do I need to buy the engine with the VVTi? Does anyone know any sites where a used/rebuilt engine can be purchased? I did some searches, but the same 5 sites seem to keep coming up. Also does anyone have any experience with a used engine? Any help, answers or opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

mdbrown

If you see smoke only at startup and occasionally while driving you might have an issue with valve stem seals. If it were me I'd want to see the compression test being done. I purchased a used motor for my Acura Legend off of ebay and it worked out great. I see engines available for the ES on ebay all the time just make sure it's from someone with a very good feedback profile. I would stick with an engine from a 2000 - 2003, your ECM will not run any other engine properly. A well maintained VVT-i engine is a very good engine.

As for the smoke, while you are driving see if it only happens when you accelerate. Just based on what you have said it really sounds like it could be valve stem seals.

hockeypuck

Thanks for the reply. Today after work the car smoked for at least 10-15 seconds just sitting idling. In the past I can remember it smoking while accelerating and idling at traffic lights, but only occasionally. I had to drop the car at the shop while I was at work and wasn't able to see the test performed. It was at a local smog shop. I am going to take it to a shop I trust for a retest. Hopefully I'll get better results.

mdbrown

Try and be there while the test is being performed. You want to get the compression for all 6 cylinders both wet and dry. If there is an issue it is possible it could be carbon, I have performed a top end engine clean and brought engines back from the brink before. Get the results and post them here. If the results are negative you might have the shop get some GM top end engine cleaner and clean it. If it's a good shop they'll know what to do... and they'll kill every mosquitoe within a 100 miles!!