Engine replacement progress

[Audio]

Some may have seen me post in the past that I was the victim of the moronic valve spring failure. The spring that cracked caused the valve to drop into the cylinder, get mangled and broken by the piston, and score the cylinder wall. There is no "fixing" that.

So to prevent the issue from happening again(hopefully), I did purchase a used 2011 engine that is not supposed to have the same issue(I have confirmed, the valve springs are even a different part number).

As completion of the project is coming nearer(which is a long time coming because of multiple other projects taking priority), I'm getting excited to share!

All that is left at this point: Sensors and harness attachment around rear and drivers side. Drivers side exhaust manifold needs 1 nut installed. Converter bolts to be installed. Front of engine accessories reattached and belt installed. Fan and intake tube/filter box installed. That's it! Hope to have her buttoned up, filled with fluids and running this weekend.

Here's a pic I snapped before attaching any wiring. Poor girl has been sitting in the garage for so long. Such a stupid stupid issue for a motor to have.

 

[brfatal]

I had a spring crack with under 10k miles on the car, though luckily it was fixed before a valve dropped. It only took +4 visits for the dealership.

 

[Audio]

Yep. I would highly recommend that anyone with an 09-10 4.6 that hears a top end tick(assuming they are mechanically adept), pull the valve cover and inspect the springs asap. I would LOVE to have just tossed a valve spring tool on there, swapped em out, and been done. I probably would have put it off a lot less lol.

 

[Audio]

So it *looks* finished.
Something I didn't think to look up: 2009 and 2011 flexplate/starters are NOT the same. 2011 has 11 teeth on the starter, 2009 has 12. So, with that said, she made a hell of a noise when I tried starting it. The options are take either the engine or trans out and swapping the 2009 flex plate back on, or spending more money and buying a 2011 starter. My time is worth a lot more than my money at this point, so she'll be getting a new starter. Hope to have it started in about a week(not paying exorbitant local parts prices).

 

[Scooby]

Wow... I've replaced several motors in older cars... and they weren't complicated. This looks like a PITA.

Good luck on your starter!!

 

[Audio]

Wow... I've replaced several motors in older cars... and they weren't complicated. This looks like a PITA.

Good luck on your starter!!

If I'm totally honest, it wasn't THAT complicated. They did make it mostly straight forward. Now, some stuff was a HUGE pain to get to(some exhaust manifold bolts, pass side motor mount etc), but that was just tight fit and creativity with tool combos to get to them. This would have been a much faster job had I prioritized it and actually worked on it often. Problem was, as soon as my motor went, EVERYONE ELSE needed repairs. And making money takes priority lol.

So far the only major unforeseen set back was the flex plate/starter issue. A helpful member here throwing me a factory service manual helped prevent any other surprises. $130 and a few days waiting later, she should be on the road. Got the oil and coolant filled so we can just pop the starter on and crank it.

 

[Scooby]

That's awesome!! Sounds like your at the goal line. Good luck!!

 

[Audio]

IT LIVES! I was way too close to the finish line last night, so I kept going a bit later than I think my body wanted me to, and I'm paying for it this morning but IT RUNS. Now to scan that check engine code. Initial test drive was smooth, everything seems to work as it should. Just that pesky check engine light and one low tire.

 

[Audio]

2 week report:
Check Engine light for crank sensor code. I assume this to be a connection issue and not a sensor issue, so I'll be going over all of my wiring harness connections as I'm sure I could have poorly clicked some of them in place, crank sensor included.

Check Engine light for thermostat code. COULD be a temp sensor connection issue, so that will be part of the harness check of course, but also I'll throw a thermostat in it because it does seem like it's taking longer than normal to open up.

Check engine light for misfire(that I have never felt), that I will assume is related to the crank sensor code.


Overall, this ol' girl with the newer engine has been running like a top for 2 weeks now and only the minor issues listed above, neither majorly debilitating. Almost turning over 99k miles on the car, which puts the new engine at about 78k.

 

[hocuz77]

2 week report:
Check Engine light for crank sensor code. I assume this to be a connection issue and not a sensor issue, so I'll be going over all of my wiring harness connections as I'm sure I could have poorly clicked some of them in place, crank sensor included.

Check Engine light for thermostat code. COULD be a temp sensor connection issue, so that will be part of the harness check of course, but also I'll throw a thermostat in it because it does seem like it's taking longer than normal to open up.

Check engine light for misfire(that I have never felt), that I will assume is related to the crank sensor code.


Overall, this ol' girl with the newer engine has been running like a top for 2 weeks now and only the minor issues listed above, neither majorly debilitating. Almost turning over 99k miles on the car, which puts the new engine at about 78k.

Good to hear that you got it back up and running again. I have a 2010 with a possible issue with the rings. I did take off the valve cover and inspected the springs. All looked in good shape. I have no compression In number 6 and low in others. I'm thinking on just replacing the whole engine then messing then tearing it apart.

Currently I'm looking at a 2011 engine. Besides the starter is there anything I should be aware of as I have a 2010.

I been trying to get a copy of a 2010 manual but falling short. Could you please send me a copy? Thanks in advance.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!