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View Full Version : Engine Troubles Again PLEASE HELP!



armonster24
04-13-2010, 11:27 AM
So, about a year ago i had to take my 95 4Runner v6 in because it had a cracked head, so a list of things that were replaced: head, head gaskets, water pump, radiator, thermostat. Anyways about 3 months ago i started noticing some weird issues with my truck again and i took it in about 4 times to the same mechanic who every time said that they couldn't find a problem. fast forward to 2 weeks ago i lent my 4runner to my brother while i was out of town and he told me it had overheated. I figured it was a bad thermostat because i had just recently checked and added coolant when i opened my thermostat housing to my dismay i found a mangled shell of a thermostat. Apparently the mechanic used a metal grinder to remove the thermostat assembly leaving only the shell w. the gasket. I replaced the thermostat but the car immediately overheated, and when i felt the top coolant hose from the radiator to th engine block i could tell there was a lot of pressure in the system.

so naturally i take it in to a different mechanic who informs me that the previous mechanic failed to tighten a hose by the fire wall which has something to do with the heater, as well as one of the lower coolant hoses leading back to the radiator, long story short it allowed for coolant to leak causing the car to get too hot and allowed for what he told me is "blow by" in my radiator which is gases from the engine seeping into the cooling system causing a pressure blockage.

So here's my dilemma, I can either

A. Pay for another head gasket job but the new mechanic informed me that he would not be able to guarantee the work since the motor has already had a head job done to it and that the head shop might not be able to re-machine the head again.

B. Pay for a junk yard engine and have him switch around parts between that motor and my motor in an attempt to create some Frankenstein rebuilt motor

C. Cut my losses and sell the truck as is.

So i suppose its survey time on what i should do, also back when i had to contemplate the first head job, i was thinking about trying to drop a different yota v6 in i head the 3rd gen's v6 would work with a modified wiring harness, has anyone done that? and how much can i expect to spend. Second does anyone know of a place where i could get a re-manufactured v6 for my 2nd gen v6. and third if you have any ideas please throw them in.

Thanks guys

MTL_4runner
04-14-2010, 08:44 AM
Been there, done that so here's my $0.02 on the subject.

If you plan on keeping the truck a while or can't bear to part with it.....

Then I'd find a lower mileage motor to swap in (preferrably a low mileage JDM motor) or even better a fully rebuilt motor

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=3vz*+-camry&_sacat=6030&_trksid=p4506.m270.l1313&Engine%2520%2526%2520Components%2520Part%2520Type= Complete%2520Engines&Part%2520Type=Engines%2520%2526%2520Components&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_odkw=&_osacat=6030&bkBtn=

If you don't mind selling the truck for parts....

Then I'd get whatever you can for the remaining shell and get a relatively cheap 3rd gen 4runner. The issue is that the 5VZ motor is just light years better than the 3VZ design, especially the heads. Out your way there should be quite a few 96-98 4runners in good shape going for relatively cheap. Then the first thing you should do on it is to change the water pump so you don't run into the same stuff that I had to go through.

CJM
04-14-2010, 05:17 PM
Rebuilt motor, imho I like jasper since its totally reman-ed and done nicely.

Could always swap to another engine too.

armonster24
04-15-2010, 10:05 PM
thanks for the input guys, for what i've been finding junk yard motors for i think i'm gonna throw in the extra cash and go for a rebuild, i haven't decided whether or not i'm going to keep it yet but i hear that these rebuilds don't have the same problem with the heads, i also contemplated the 5vz swap but it's just too much trouble in the end of the day for me.

thanks again for the input

MTL_4runner
04-16-2010, 06:11 AM
thanks for the input guys, for what i've been finding junk yard motors for i think i'm gonna throw in the extra cash and go for a rebuild, i haven't decided whether or not i'm going to keep it yet but i hear that these rebuilds don't have the same problem with the heads, i also contemplated the 5vz swap but it's just too much trouble in the end of the day for me.

thanks again for the input



I would definately skip any junkyard 3VZ motors (most have similar HG problems) as well as the 5VZ swap (too much trouble).

Obi..
04-16-2010, 02:42 PM
Have you given any thought to trying to find a good dealership to get you a factory 3VZ-E longblock, believe it or not, they are still stocking some!

Hey, for that matter, heck, Marc-P's down there, Marc, anything? *I think the part code's 19000-65071 .. old code part number '8808-something-something-something...

Then there's the short block part number 11400‑65000 (the last two or three digits change for model year/auto vs. 5-speed).

$? if I can even remember what the retail pricing is for either.