2015 LR4 - Major engine work - Sell / Sell Parts

[TimVZ]

@jlglr4 - One of the independent shops identified it was the chains. Removing the oil cap and looking down they could see too much play and flapping if they turned over the engine.
Personally, I couldn't tell/see enough from these pictures, but I'd like to think that I can trust them and their expertise. Again, getting too deep for me. I'm attaching here for you to see. I'd gladly take this as a learning opportunity from one of you if you can point out what they were seeing.

 

[powershift]

There isn't any damage there.

 

[jlglr4]

A little hard to tell what we’re seeing (picture of a picture), and I’m no expert, but image 2 appears to be down the plug hole and maybe showing valve strike marks on the piston head (little half-moon shiny spots). Image 4 is a shot of the open valve and (I assume) the piston surface about to strike the open valve, which would confirm the timing is off.

Maybe someone else on here can give us another perspective.

 

[powershift]

I'd ask them to explain the images. But for the loose chain, before I had the chain work completed I could move the chain with my finger through the oil fill hole. After the work was completed its super tight, no movement at all with the same test.

 

[jlglr4]

I agree - I’d have them explain the photos and might even get a second opinion. The timing chain failure doesn’t seem to be common on the scv6. You’ll find posts with people saying that it happens to all models, but I’ve followed these forums pretty closely over the years and have seem much evidence of it. I do remember one person reporting a tensioner failing.

Anyway, if the valves aren’t bent, I don’t see how there would be other “cylinder head damage” from a timing chain problem. So, even if the timing chain is the problem, if you can confirm the valves are okay it would be worth fixing.

 

[TimVZ]

The chain was definitely loose. I was able to see and push it through the oil cap.

This was the image that they said was the most telling. Here were the words of the service advisor, "On this you can see the gapping is off and there is a chunk out of the bottom piece"

That and the sound it was making were their determining factors.

 

[TimVZ]

So as mentioned before, I'm getting the engine replaced.

I'm going to ask if I can keep the old engine. Would that be odd or do you think they have some type of "core" cost already subtracted? I figure it never hurts to ask.

 

[scapistron]

There's probably a core charge. You might be able to ask for the offending piston though.

 

[Tapps33]

Ok, lemme first say I'm looking at your pictures, and the damage....if any, isn't all that bad. I've seen these engines run just fine with bent valves and imprints in the pistons. I will say $19K for a reman engine sounds about right given the fact that $12K is probably the engine cost.

Here's the real rub...I don't think for a second you need a new engine. Plus, all dealerships are told by LR corporate not to do any real internal engine work aside from swapping the chains. Aka, LR will ALWAYS quote a new engine vs pulling the heads to repair.

I mean at the very least I'd pull the covers, reset the timing and check compression...or for that matter, check to see if the timing is even out of whack. Looking at the pictures, there isn't anything catastrophic. A new valve from AB, Lucky8 or FCP Euro is like $20. A decent shop should be able to pull the heads, and install new head gasket....if you need them... for $6K-$8K. I wish I could tell you a good place to take it to get a 3rd or 4th opinion, but I don't know anywhere in your area.

I'm guessing you don't have the tools/time to do it yourself?

 

[TimVZ]

@Tapps33 - Correct, not (enough) time or tools. I looked for a few independents and most didn't have the tools or comfort level with the LR4. In the end I couldn't find any options other than a dealer. I tried reaching out to lostcauseranch, but no response... and I'm even a fellow Iowan.