So I finally got around to it, opening my infamous 1MZ-FE valvetrain. I bought it last november as my winter beater. I bought the vehicle for $2000. I was desperate. I needed a winter beater because I didn't want to expose my antique car to the salty roads (I just moved to detriot form california for new job). So I bought the 1999 Toyota Solara with little maintenance history, despite knowing about the engine's tendency to sludge.
When I ran carfax, I was pleasantly surprised to find out the car spend most of its life in Florida. So the warmer climate may have helped defend against sludge, since I know cold weather and not reaching operating temp is largely responsible for sludge build-up in these engines. But whatever, I took the gamble and DD the thing all winter long. It performed without any problems.
It currently has 190k. The weather has finally warmed up, and I am doing the timing belt since I don't know when it was last changed. When I finally got to the front valve cover, I was excited to see the picture below.
That looks pretty good for a 1MZ-FE i think. I am happy to know that I may be able to get another 50k miles out of this motor before it goes kaput. Anyone else here have any high miles 1MZ-FEs they know about? I want this guy to last!
Too bad I broke a part so far on my timing belt quest. I broke some plastic part to a fuel injector connector. Gotta order that on ebay I guess.
When I ran carfax, I was pleasantly surprised to find out the car spend most of its life in Florida. So the warmer climate may have helped defend against sludge, since I know cold weather and not reaching operating temp is largely responsible for sludge build-up in these engines. But whatever, I took the gamble and DD the thing all winter long. It performed without any problems.
It currently has 190k. The weather has finally warmed up, and I am doing the timing belt since I don't know when it was last changed. When I finally got to the front valve cover, I was excited to see the picture below.

That looks pretty good for a 1MZ-FE i think. I am happy to know that I may be able to get another 50k miles out of this motor before it goes kaput. Anyone else here have any high miles 1MZ-FEs they know about? I want this guy to last!
Too bad I broke a part so far on my timing belt quest. I broke some plastic part to a fuel injector connector. Gotta order that on ebay I guess.