2008 Hybrid engine swap.
 

Hello! I have a friend who is giving me his 2008 Camry with the 2.4L 4Cyl with 120K on the engine. The motor makes a knocking noise and its time to swap out the engine or do a rebuild. I am pretty mechanically inclined and I feel comfortable doing this, these motors seem pretty simple to rebuild or replace.

So with this vehicle being a hybrid what should I look out for? Can I do this on my own being a hybrid? What extra steps are there to removing the engine if any? I have found rebuild kits for as little as $260.00 that and some time I should have a decent care after.

Your assistance is much appreciated.

The basic engine is the same as used in various Toyota models. As such the engine repair procedures would be the same. A Haynes service manual would cover basic engine model repairs but doesn't include hybrid specifics. If wanting info on the hybrid will need to look for a factory manual, try Ebay or search the internet.

However, the hybrid engine has mods which include different pistons (higher compression) and cams. Would assume most other parts and their clearances are the same.

If getting pistons, cams, etc make sure they are for a 2AZ-FXE engine as the engine computer programming in set to an engine having these parts (higher compression, more overlap on cam timing).

Some 2AZ engines had issues with excess oil consumption and or head bolt thread pulling out. Suggest you read up on these problems and determine if any apply to this engine. Toyota has stepped up the oil consumption issue with an extended warranty.

Try to determine if the engine has oil consumption issues (who knows the engine may have ran out of oil as has happened, causing this knock). Or has disappearing coolant from a now failing head gasket.

If otherwise OK, might pull the engine and do a bottom end bearing change only. Assume a bad bearing is the cause of the knock.

It may be $260 for parts however there is a lot in doing an engine overall causing the cost to add up.

If looking for a replacement engine, get one for the same year of car and model. The 2AZ-FXE is harder to find as there are less cars being scrapped.