I have an 03 base model that needs a new motor, or possibly a rebuild of the original (ran on low oil on highway - engine is not seized, but has super loud knock, sounds like a machine gun). I'm looking for the end result that is the best value. If you know the Vibe, and know the 1zz-fe and think yo...

Thanks for the info everyone. Sad to say this is the 2nd Vibe I have lost under my watch :( First one due to running on low oil (wasn't aware of the oil loss issue with these motors and was not vigilant in checking oil level like I should have been doing). I'll chalk this 2nd one up to overheating 3...

Rayven01 wrote:I fail to see how the cat could do anything to only one cylinder let alone make a plug look like that...

Any theories, or troubleshooting tips? I'm learning this as I go, but would I be correct in guessing compression test is next, dry vs wet?

Someone is telling me it could be my catalytic converter is the issue now? That if I drove on it for a while with the misfire (which I did. I have been having issues the past couple months and thought it was my clutch needing replaced because I only noticed it in low rpms) that it could take out the...

I put a new coil and plug in, it had zero effect. Unplugging the coil's connector doesn't change the engine sound at all. Guess I have a much more serious issue. Only running on 3. The car has 220k on it, and I have to be honest here: I've really neglected it since I bought it with 180k on it. It ca...

Update: I got everything to perform the valve cover gasket swap. Found a big problem right away that I never noticed before: one of the bolts is missing (anyone know how I go about finding a replacement?). So, I think that explains the seepage. I replaced the pcv valve as well. Check out the (6 day ...

a leaky valve cover gasket shouldn't make the engine run poorly, but if yours looks like the one in the video then it would probably be a good idea to replace the gasket. Have you tried cleaning the MAF sensor? If its dirty and reads air flow low, then it could cause a lean condition. I have not. I...

I should have mentioned this earlier: Every time I take the oil fill cap off or pull out the dipstick to check oil there is smoke coming out. Pretty fair amount too.

binder wrote:Did you disconnect the battery to reset the computer?

I did reset the computer again, and it improved things slightly. I no longer have to give it extra throttle to get moving off the line. It's still hesitating though, especially on hills.

What about valve cover gasket? I do see some seepage along the seam. When I was changing out spark plugs I did notice oil on a couple of the plugs too, and all over the grey tube thingies (what are those called?). It look a lot like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=...

Yes, you have to be careful with hoses and tightening clamps etc on the air intake stuff, it does not take much to create problems. So do you find it is running better with the new gasket? Did you disconnect the battery to reset the computer? It is not running better. Still the same. At this point ...

Looks like it was a hose I missed. One of the small ones behind where the throttle body attached to the intake manifold.

Question about an 04 base model with the 1.8L 1zz-fe motor: I have been having some issues with the car (burns oil, runs rough, seems to lack power at low rpms), got the code checked and had multiples: misfire on all 4 cylinders (P0301-P0304), O2 sensor (P0133) (, fuel trim lean (P0171), and engine ...

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »that's a lot more evidence than just a noise. Any guesses as to what might have happened? Could the oil have been leaking only when the car was running and that's why I never had any oil on the driveway? Is 8000 miles too long of an interval for synthetic? I was...

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »car-part.com is a good junkyard lookup tool. Not sure exactly where you are, but there's a yard in Circleville OH selling an 03 1ZZ engine with only 63K miles on it for $700, with a warranty. That one might be hard to beat. http://www.marshallsautoparts.com/good...

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »Why do you suspect the oil pump failed, are there other indications you didn't mention? A new engine and install is a good chunk of change, I'd want to be sure it was needed before getting that done. It might be worth taking it in to a shop and getting a second ...

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »The engine price will vary with mileage. Typically though 700-1k for the engine and another 1000-1200 for the install.Thanks, it's nice to have at least some ballpark figures to start with. I am very much out of my element here (i am very much a beginner when ...

I have an 03 base model FWD with 130k. Engine appears to be toast (tick > rat'a'tat'att > knock. I'm not qualified to diagnose, but i suspect the oil pump may have failed. FWIW once the rattle stage started it would always make the rattle when the throttle was released). I'm still researching pricin...