Crate LQ9 threw rod on startup
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Crate LQ9 threw rod on startup Just joined... go easy on me.
Purchased a crate LQ9 a few years ago and installed it into a 96 Toyota Land Cruiser. Project has been progressing slow so its been several years since the motor was installed.
Got in the other day, turned the key and BOOM! It punched a hole in the block right next to the starter. Fuel running down OUTSIDE of exhaust, being expelled from junction of exhaust manifold/down-pipe. Have not pulled it yet but everyone I talk to assumed it fuel hydro-locked due to a leaky injector.
I hear that is very rare. I guess I am just that lucky... I'm assuming its just one rod broke but she needs a new block. Having never dealt with something like this, I am unsure what of the internals will still be any good.
Being that I am not an engine builder, and have no experience doing so... I am contemplating a LS364/450HP - Gen III 6.0L 24x Long Block to replace the LQ9 block and to speed the fix.
Looking for any thoughts before I go that route. Would like to stay away from anything that requires a new computer or changing the accessories/drive.
Purchased a crate LQ9 a few years ago and installed it into a 96 Toyota Land Cruiser. Project has been progressing slow so its been several years since the motor was installed.
Got in the other day, turned the key and BOOM! It punched a hole in the block right next to the starter. Fuel running down OUTSIDE of exhaust, being expelled from junction of exhaust manifold/down-pipe. Have not pulled it yet but everyone I talk to assumed it fuel hydro-locked due to a leaky injector.
I hear that is very rare. I guess I am just that lucky... I'm assuming its just one rod broke but she needs a new block. Having never dealt with something like this, I am unsure what of the internals will still be any good.
Being that I am not an engine builder, and have no experience doing so... I am contemplating a LS364/450HP - Gen III 6.0L 24x Long Block to replace the LQ9 block and to speed the fix.
Looking for any thoughts before I go that route. Would like to stay away from anything that requires a new computer or changing the accessories/drive.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 384
From: South Carolina
That crate engine is a hybrid gen3 LQ9 with gen4 LS3 rec port heads. You'll need a rectangular port intake, 4 bolt cable throttle body and a tune. I myself would probably go a different route, as It's kind of expensive but a nice quality engine.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Appreciate the feedback! What route would you go? What would you do differently?
Id get on ebay and order a used Lq4 from a reputable seller, like G-Astma suggested.
For some reason people think they need a new engine to go in there TOY... these late model engine will go well over 300K miles ive see some over 400k.
So if you get a 200K mile engine that was running good from a wrecked vehicle then it has plenty of life left in it for years and years of fun in a TOY.
Now I like to check under the valve covers for sludge to make sure the oil has been changed, and online thats impossible to do, you might be able to get the seller to do that but i doubt it.
Iver ordered several off ebay from wrecks and reputable sellers and never had an issue.
For some reason people think they need a new engine to go in there TOY... these late model engine will go well over 300K miles ive see some over 400k.
So if you get a 200K mile engine that was running good from a wrecked vehicle then it has plenty of life left in it for years and years of fun in a TOY.
Now I like to check under the valve covers for sludge to make sure the oil has been changed, and online thats impossible to do, you might be able to get the seller to do that but i doubt it.
Iver ordered several off ebay from wrecks and reputable sellers and never had an issue.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 80
Likes: 19
I'm installing that crate engine in my car right now. G Atsma is dead on with his recommendation though. Picking up a LQ4 would definitely be the budget route. Just the block can be had really cheap, especially if your patient. Sorry about your luck. Hopefully my first start goes better here in a few days.
