TD XJ Grenade assessment

[Capt. Crunch]

So my TD XJ threw a grenade on Monday and have started the assessment to see what's gone and how much my wallet is going to cry in the coming months..

Background:
It suddenly started making LOUD knocking noises and would only sit on idle, no acceleration at all. I turned it off and towed it home. Turned it over at home, it started rough was knocking real loud so I immediately turned it off in fear of damaging anything further.

Good start, I pulled the rocker cover off and the valve train seems to be intact and in good condition.

Just dropped the oil and there are some small metal shavings coming out though which is making me nervous. I'll pull that first section off the sump today after the oil has fully drained and crossing my fingers its something easy.

What are your opinions of likely things to have let go? Maybe dropping a cam lobe? there is a small bit of play in some of the rockers but I'm not sure if that's a normal amount for a valve that is in the fully closed position.

Other than that the only thing I could think that would have happened is I've spun a bearing.

It's got a moderate leak coming from the rear of the block, probably rear main seal (was given a replacement seal when I bought the car).

I have read on some euro forums of people having cracked pistons! I hope that's not the case as a set of pistons and sleeves are sitting around the $1600 mark from what I've seen..

So far it seems like rebuilding the engine is going to cost a small fortune ($8400 was a quote I got for a rebuild kit from VM).

I found a used motor in the UK with 114k on it, I can have that shipped across for around the $2 - 2.5k mark with air freight. I'm assuming you only have to pay your normal GST and Duty taxes and maybe some handling fees depending on what method of freight is used. Are there any additional requirements for importing an engine?

Worse comes to worse I'm buying a rebuilt 4L and then I'll have an auto and manual 4L

Your ideas and opinions are welcome!

[layback40]

I am all ears on this one now. Was expecting you to find a push rod out of place or similar.
If it was me & turned out you had a damaged piston, I would be looking at a second hand piston & only replacing the liner if its damaged. will need to wait & see though.

[awg]

txtd a bloke about some parts, he didnt hav wat i want but has whole VM engine in bits, wanted $400, nsw central coast. i PM u his mobile later

[Capt. Crunch]

So.... I found the problem...

The crankshaft is snapped at the third piston. Will upload photos when I load them to my computer and shrink them

[swampy]

wow bugger

[Mudmonster]

Where you located? I know a bloke near coffs that has a good block. Its done about 340k but you could use the crank or put your stuff on and off you go.
The engine was good blow no smoke etc

If your interested ican message him tomorrow. Cant see him wanting too much for the block

[Capt. Crunch]

Originally Posted by awg

txtd a bloke about some parts, he didnt hav wat i want but has whole VM engine in bits, wanted $400, nsw central coast. i PM u his mobile later

Thanks awg. I didn't get that PM though.

MudMonster I'm located in Perth.

With a snapped shaft would it not be easier just to pull it out with motor in vehicle and replace it rather than getting a block and building everything across?

I'm going to look at part prices, I did find a complete motor that can be sent to me from UK with 120k on clock for just over $1k