Recon or new engine for Prado 2009 150 series diesel and a quality mechanic in Melbourne

[viks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close viks]

Hi, 2 hours before Christmas lunch in Adelaide after having driven from Melbourne to Adelaide the day before with no problems it seems a piston has blown (again!) and it's been towed to a holding yard. RACV top cover has paid for itself many times over so we have a hire car to get around in and they'll tow my Prado back to somewhere in Melbourne. But I need to find a good repairer and decide between fix, or fit a new engine vs recon.

Only 2 years ago this same thing happened after I installed new injectors at 220k then only 150kms later a piston blew. So we installed new pistons, the new improved type apparently with a ceramic top (but I'm no expert so don't quote me). So only 20k later it's happened again so I'm not sure I just want to fit new pistons again. Something else is causing the failure is my thinking? Anyhow, does anyone have an opinion on engine (and cost?) versus recon say through D-4D engines who I've found online? I'm in Gembrook so someone on the east side is preferable.

Cheers, Vic

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

Having been through a similar scenario I'm surprised that you took the engine apart and only fitted pistons. I installed a new long motor but would have gone with a motor from the guy in Sydney if I had time.

Curious about the ceramic pistons. The problem is structural, design of the piston, ceramic coating would do nothing to improve the strength of the pistons

[viks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close viks]

My mechanic said everything else looked good so he only fitted new pistons. As for the current situation, I'm still weighing up options. If anyone was to have Toyota fit a new engine in Melbourne, what dealer would you recommend?

[Daniel150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel150]

Having gone down the rebuild route before, I’d go straight for a new motor.
Too many variables in quality of parts, precision of works and workmanship in a rebuild. I believe that in theory, you can get a rebuild that is as good as a new motor but it’s very unlikely to happen.
The costs involved are not hugely different and a new motor is a guaranteed good result.

[davo94 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close davo94]

A partial engine assembly from Toyota comes with injectors and fuel lines.
It's hands the best choice in my mind, Ring and get a price on a supply only then get a trusted Tech to fit it, Toyota will rip you off.

[krypto Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close krypto]

A partial engine assembly from Toyota comes with injectors and fuel lines.
It's hands the best choice in my mind, Ring and get a price on a supply only then get a trusted Tech to fit it, Toyota will rip you off.

Only a long engine comes with injectors

[carco Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close carco]

No Toyota stock of long engines until approx. mid Feb.
By far the cheapest and best option. Warranty, latest pistons, the works.

[Mudrunner Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Mudrunner]

Hey Vic,
Yes I too, have cracked a piston recently in my 150 Prado (136,000km) . I turned to Anthony at Fouby4Diesel in Sunshine (you can see all his work his youtube channel). Had it delivered there on a Monday (arvo), had a new long motor installed and picked it up on the Friday of the same week. These guys are awesome and I can't recommend them highly enough!!
Good Luck.

[viks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close viks]

Thanks Mudrunner and as it's turned out I've been speaking with who I think is a colleague of Anthony's, Khiem (not sure if right spelling) who is also in Sunshine (co-incidence?). He's on holiday at the moment but I'm likely to go down the route of him fitting a new long engine.

Cheers, Vic