I started working on my 99 I bought as a roller. Engine had a bad knock and I suspected a bad connecting rod bearing. Drained the oil and Swirled a magnet around in it then cut open the filter. I’m seeing steel as well as obvious bearing material in the inside pleats of the filter as well as steel. Some of the particles “danced” as I ran the magnet over the pleats. Outside pleats look clean, so it appears the filter was doing its job. Also lots of glitter in the bottom of the canister.
Next I’ll drop the sump plate. To be continued...

Dropped the sump plate today and discovered major badness inside.
Major carnage inside


One piece of aluminum, thin like foil, the rest steel.


Looking up, engine looks surprisingly clean.


Swirl pots have a fine paste mix inside. Note bits of bearing material on the inlet screen.

Tomorrow I’ll start to drop the engine. I was hoping to be able to rebuild if the crank was good, but after seeing those steel slivers I’m sure the crank must be trashed.

Have the engine out and on the stand. Clutch and DMF are in good shape. Some greasy paste stuff around the IMSB, but RMS looks good. Curious.




Note bank 2 head is noticeably cleaner than bank 1. PO said he replaced a blown head gasket before the engine failure. Not sure that was the case or if the head cracked and was replaced. There was evidence of milkshake in the coolant reservoir, although the coolant in the engine was clean. It wasn’t cleaned out very well.


Engine after flywheel removal


Grime around IMSB...normal??



Getting the engine on the stand was a project in itself!

my son is posting pics there!

Thanks kukaepe- I imported the lift from China and did the install myself. Here is a link to the model.
http://www.dy-autoequip.com/html/201...s_0724/34.html
there are similar models available in the USA, but for me it was more cost effective to import it myself, plus I had some experience importing goods from overseas at my job, so I was comfortable doing that. Others may have some concerns wiring cash to China with a certain amount of faith that the company on the other end will honor their side of the bargain, but it was all handled professionally.
Installation was hard work since it involves cutting the existing concrete floor, digging 2 pits about 5 feet long x 2 feet wide x 24 inches deep. Then of course, framing and pouring concrete base 6 inches thick and walls 4 inches. Basically you need a strong back and a weak mind.
Then moving the lifts into the pits is a challenge in itself, these things are heavy! I used the same engine hoist in the pics to maneuver them into position.
Overall, it was one of the best things I ever did in my garage, and surprising how many non-automotive applications they can be used for. Think temporary work bench, saw horses, out feed table for table saw, putting anything heavy into pickup trucks, trailers, etc.

Making some progress on the engine tear down, in my quest to find the damage. Not seeing anything unusual under the cam covers.


Then removed the heads.


Nothing unusual in bank 1.


Can’t say the same for bank 2. Note unusual pattern in cyl 6. No signs of impact damage, but piston 6 also shows unusual pattern.



Note piston 6. Also note remnants of milkshake. Didn’t see this in bank 1.

That’s my guess also. I just hope the crank isn’t damaged.