Topic: 97 Taco 3rzfe when hot motor locks up

[oneafteranother]

How's it going!! Trying to figure out if I need to do a rebuild and why. When motor gets to operating temp and turn off try to restart and feels like motor locked up let it cool down then it will start. Had oil light flicker on ONCE checked oil pressure 45 at 3000 RMP ---Checked compression 165-170--drained oil and it had some break down showing infamous metal tint. Just did head about 3000 miles ago runs strong until hot and no noticeable knocking or pinging. The oil pumps on these motors look pretty solid can't See it breaking down!! Any advise would be much appreciated. Kinda plan on doing the bottom end now but just want to figure it out first.

Thanks, Jason

[79coyotefrg]

pull the oil pan  and  check the bearings,  rod  and main bearings

[rage]

Maybe its just the starter locking up when hot.

[hudlenutz]

Will it crank when it doesn't start?

The fuel injectors are notorious for hot start problems on the 3RZ.

also...
- dirty air filter
- fuel not reaching injectors. Check for vapor lock caused by clogged fuel tank vent lines. Also check fuel filter, lines, and fule pump.
- Bad engine ground connection.
- Defective pick-up coil in distributor.

Check out Custom Tacos if you need more help.  They have a lot of 3rz tech over there.

[MiniSimp]

Maybe its just the starter locking up when hot.

What I was thinking...

[Willy Mammoth]

Turn engine by hand when the starter has a hard time and see how tight it is.

Remove oil filter and cut open before removing pan.

May be getting sludge on pick up at high rpms and falling off after shut off.

Cracked pistons will expand in bore when hot and stick till cool.

Just some things to look for.

[86bobbedtoy]

Sounds like if it was seizing you would have done killed it by now, I say turn it by hand-breaker bar on crank, then if it wont turn over most likely it is the motor, but I think its the starter, goodluck.

[Destruct O]

Sounds like if it was seizing you would have done killed it by now, I say turn it by hand-breaker bar on crank, then if it wont turn over most likely it is the motor, but I think its the starter, goodluck.

I agree. Try compression starting
 

[Proteus503]

So this is a hot start issue?  Engine will not start up when hot.. correct?

If so, it is the injectors.

95-00 injectors are notorious for having leaky seals...  when you turn off the ignition, there is residual fuel pressure in the fuel rail.  the seals in the injectors leak, and the residual pressure forces the fuel through the leaky seals, and into your head.  this floods the cylinders, so when you try to start it back up again (soon after you've turned it off), your engine is flooded, and wont start.


replace the injectors with some '01-'04 pink top 2rz / 3rz injectors.  the seals are improved.  Shy away from the '95-'00 blue top (2rz) and brown top (3rz) injectors.

good luck!