3.0 how bad is it really?

keithguts · 05-09-2008, 05:50 AM

just a ? on the 3.0. If it is really maintained, I mean babyed, what are the chances of burnet valves and blowen H.G's. and how meny miles will this motor really last?

JackKnife · 05-09-2008, 06:00 AM

They last 100s of 1000s of miles. I think the 3.0 get a bad rap. I have had very few problems with mine. I don't see why people think changing a headgasket would be a big deal. I've changed many headgaskets for friends with 22Rs, but none of them complain that the 22R is crap because it blew a head gasket.

Squiddy · 05-09-2008, 06:07 AM

I agree. Despite all the whining that goes on, they last for a hell of a long time, especially c/w many others. Good reality is: reliable, low maintainence, can take a lot of abuse. Bad part is: low HP considering size of engine, and minimal aftermarket mods available. Head gasket wise-- they WILL go, regardless of how well you take care of them, hence the recall.

keithguts · 05-09-2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiddy

I agree. Despite all the whining that goes on, they last for a hell of a long time, especially c/w many others. Good reality is: reliable, low maintainence, can take a lot of abuse. Bad part is: low HP considering size of engine, and minimal aftermarket mods available. Head gasket wise-- they WILL go, regardless of how well you take care of them, hence the recall.

How long will new head G's. last on the 3.0?

DanStew · 05-09-2008, 06:16 AM

My 3.0 lasted a long time for me, 236,000 miles before i sold the truck. Good motor. Only other issue to go along with what is stated is the milage. It doesnt get the greatest. But it is a good motor, jsut make sure it is in front of a manual tranny, it makes it a bit better.

Kaptain · 05-09-2008, 06:23 AM

They aren't as bad as it seems. But when an issue does arise it's very difficult to work on compared to the 22r series.

Personally my friends both have the 3.0 and beat the hell out of them whenever they can. Both have been overheated numerous times and ran hard and they are still running smooth. One has 150k and the other just went over 200k

**Lysmachia** · 05-09-2008, 07:12 AM

I hate my 3.0 but then again I rode Tippy hard with 35's and 5.71's. I think That's what did the HG in even with a HG replacement 20K ago. I have a 3.4 sitting in the garage. I can't wait. But that's just me.....

devldogs55 · 05-09-2008, 08:37 AM

There are better engines - but I love the 3.0. It's very weak for it's size - yes, but the 22RE is even weaker. Every engine has its problems, and I'm on 180,000 with minor ones so far. Replaced my HG and had a bunch of other crap done at the same time. It runs very well and is very reliable on and off road. The 3.4 is better, but I don't know where all the hate for the 3.0 comes from.

mt_goat · 05-09-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackKnife

They last 100s of 1000s of miles. I think the 3.0 get a bad rap. I have had very few problems with mine. I don't see why people think changing a headgasket would be a big deal. I've changed many headgaskets for friends with 22Rs, but none of them complain that the 22R is crap because it blew a head gasket.

I've noticed this kind loyalty usually comes from the guys with 89s (hint: back when they used the good head gaskets). The later years weren't as good.

Jay351 · 05-09-2008, 08:48 AM

I like my 3.0. Its not the best engine but I wouldnt want a 22re. Never left my stranded, always starts.

fillsrunner4 · 05-09-2008, 08:49 AM

Look at the miles and gas gauge. This is even after a full rebuild at 75K. I now have a 3.4 and will never work on or have another 3.0 again

infiltrator · 05-09-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt_goat

I've noticed this kind loyalty usually comes from the guys with 89s (hint: back when they used the good head gaskets). The later years weren't as good.

I think the 89's yes, but mine is a '95 and still has origional HG (Factory Recall!). But yeah, It was probably the early and the late trucks that had the good HG's...

As far as the 3.0 I have heard many things about it that I agree with.
The 3.0 is heavy and slow, yes.
The 3.4 is lighter, and has more HP, yes...
Bad Gas mileage, HG failure, and cramps the engine bay with harder than hell spark plug replacement.

But one thing for sure is, it is a Toyota engine. We should back it up and with all its flaws, it will still start up for me every day. Even with 193k miles, it is still running strong. You can't beat it in terms of reliablility, only match it.

Even when I do eventually swap for a 3.4, I will still not diss my old engine that brought me to where I am now.

Just some advice, is not not sink too much cash into it. No braided steel lines, or advanced equipment. Just put good oil's and filters and you will be golden.

rootedtree · 05-09-2008, 09:04 AM

194,777 and counting....No major issues......except being very thirsty.

shaw_j · 05-09-2008, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt_goat

I've noticed this kind loyalty usually comes from the guys with 89s (hint: back when they used the good head gaskets). The later years weren't as good.

I have an 89 and it has been in my family since February of 89. There have never been any significant issues with the engine at all, and yes for many people it has its fair share of problems, but i personally don't see any issue with it.

Alex 400 · 05-09-2008, 09:23 AM

mine has had no major problems in the time that i have had it and as far as i know there wasn't any previous work done except for the timing belt. i change the oil every 6000 miles (mobil 1 synthetic and a filter change at 3000) this next year i will be doing a lot of freeway driving and snow driving, and i will go back to a 3000 mile oil change. I feel totally comfortable driving long distances without worrying about the engine. It makes enough power, not a lot, but enough. and i trust it off road. never stumbled on me, never left me hangin'. i wish it got better gas milage but it's is not as bad as many of my friends rigs 155,XXX miles and counting

that being said, if it blows, in comes 3.4 ahaha

woodendude · 05-09-2008, 09:57 AM

270,000 miles on my 95 and no known issues except for the emissions test I'm now in the middle of trying to pass.

Matt16 · 05-09-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackKnife

They last 100s of 1000s of miles. I think the 3.0 get a bad rap. I have had very few problems with mine. I don't see why people think changing a headgasket would be a big deal. I've changed many headgaskets for friends with 22Rs, but none of them complain that the 22R is crap because it blew a head gasket.

Its cause the 22RE head gasket is easy to change. There's tonnes of room to work and not too many bolts to remove.

Team420 · 05-09-2008, 11:02 AM

my 3.0 has 255+ miles on it...the hg's were done at 70k under recall, and havent had any major problems, it does eat gas and is weak for its size, but i have brought mine to the depths of hell and back again(chest deep water w/out a snorkel) several times, and it still WANTS to run... just keep fluids changed regularly and you'll be fine, and if the hg's go...its a day or 2 of work and if you do it right and have the heads shaved, it will prob run a few hundred k more

elripster · 05-09-2008, 11:07 AM

297,000 on my 89 3.0, hg's changed once by previous owner. It was an excellent engine. I hardly ever touched it.

This engine has 150,000 miles, hg's were done at 135,000 just before I bought it. Again, hardly ever touch the engine.

22RE's are too small for my tastes at least in a 4runner so I can't drive them regardless of ease of maintenance. Had I owned a pick up I might feel differently but then again the 3.0 in a pick up will be all the much faster.

Frank

bruzer · 05-09-2008, 11:13 AM

252,XXX miles on my 92 runner. Heads have been done once and I abuse the hell out of it. Starts every time. Put a high flow exaust system on it and get rid of the cross over pipe and you shouldn't have to worry about anything for awhile.

Redeyejedi · 05-09-2008, 11:51 AM

156k+, HG done by PO, used to beat on her (when i was payn $2.25/gal)now she's babied and soon to be swapped. she's leakn all over, but i no gripes with the 3.0 other than lack of umph and less-than-spectacular fuel economy.

05-09-2008, 05:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
keithguts Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bay Shore, NY Posts: 1,371	3.0 how bad is it really? just a ? on the 3.0. If it is really maintained, I mean babyed, what are the chances of burnet valves and blowen H.G's. and how meny miles will this motor really last? __________________ IF YOU DON'T DRIVE A TOYOTA, TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY! MY PICS 95 4runner 3.0 auto 4x4 My Rig My Rig RangerMan Enjoy

05-09-2008, 06:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
JackKnife Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 135	They last 100s of 1000s of miles. I think the 3.0 get a bad rap. I have had very few problems with mine. I don't see why people think changing a headgasket would be a big deal. I've changed many headgaskets for friends with 22Rs, but none of them complain that the 22R is crap because it blew a head gasket. __________________ 1989 4Runner - 3.0 V6 5-speed, CS144 190 amp alternator, 285/75-16 cheap Dakota tires, Marlin Crawler dual transfercase w/4.7 gears in rear, rear ARB locker, ball joint spacers, hybrid stock/1 ton rear springs, 2" body/drivetrain lift, Budbuilt crossmember and skidplate, Surco roof rack

05-09-2008, 06:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 278	My 3.0 lasted a long time for me, 236,000 miles before i sold the truck. Good motor. Only other issue to go along with what is stated is the milage. It doesnt get the greatest. But it is a good motor, jsut make sure it is in front of a manual tranny, it makes it a bit better. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

05-09-2008, 07:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lysmachia Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,312	I hate my 3.0 but then again I rode Tippy hard with 35's and 5.71's. I think That's what did the HG in even with a HG replacement 20K ago. I have a 3.4 sitting in the garage. I can't wait. But that's just me..... __________________ Molly aka Lysmachia 93 4 Runner SAS - All Fixed in Junk Yard Goodness Get your 4x4 VIDEO pr0n here

05-09-2008, 08:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
devldogs55 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Idaho/Eastern WA Posts: 171	There are better engines - but I love the 3.0. It's very weak for it's size - yes, but the 22RE is even weaker. Every engine has its problems, and I'm on 180,000 with minor ones so far. Replaced my HG and had a bunch of other crap done at the same time. It runs very well and is very reliable on and off road. The 3.4 is better, but I don't know where all the hate for the 3.0 comes from. __________________ 1990 Yota T4R SR5 3.0 V6 5 speed manual 170,000 miles OME shocks and 901 coils Warn Premium Hubs SDORI BJ Spacers 4.56 gears Rear TRD E-locker 31x10.5 BFGs Cherry Bomb Vortex + 2.25"

05-09-2008, 06:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Squiddy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 170	I agree. Despite all the whining that goes on, they last for a hell of a long time, especially c/w many others. Good reality is: reliable, low maintainence, can take a lot of abuse. Bad part is: low HP considering size of engine, and minimal aftermarket mods available. Head gasket wise-- they WILL go, regardless of how well you take care of them, hence the recall.

05-09-2008, 06:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kaptain Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 16	They aren't as bad as it seems. But when an issue does arise it's very difficult to work on compared to the 22r series. Personally my friends both have the 3.0 and beat the hell out of them whenever they can. Both have been overheated numerous times and ran hard and they are still running smooth. One has 150k and the other just went over 200k

05-09-2008, 08:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 5,078	I like my 3.0. Its not the best engine but I wouldnt want a 22re. Never left my stranded, always starts. __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - sr5 - 4x4 - 220,000kms \|2.25" catback w/ magnaflow cat + glasspack \| Weasy2k cams \| Aisin manual hubs \|Diff breather mod \| Marlin HD clutch \|3" BL \| es3000's \|2" AAL \|1.5" bj spacers \| ISR \| Alpine headunit \| 4" Infinity fronts/5" rears \| 4.88's \|Rear lockright \| 33x12.50" BFG M/T on 15x8" steelies \|Hella 500's \|4" reverse lights\| Grant GT \|Downey idler arm brace\| Marlin armor \| Amsoil synthetic drivetrain fluids http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

05-09-2008, 08:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
fillsrunner4 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Sammamish, wa Posts: 1,770	Look at the miles and gas gauge. This is even after a full rebuild at 75K. I now have a 3.4 and will never work on or have another 3.0 again __________________ 94' toyota 4runner (Many a change!) purchased bone stock, NOW... SAS, 37x14" Iroks, Rear Leafs, 5.29's , Air locked front, Welded rear, 4.3L, Chevy V6 , 5spd swapped, dual T/C's MC10R10, flatbelly with custom skids, sliders, and so much more. Might as well start reading this if ya want know more Fillsrunner4 3.4crawler Build Thread Fillsrunner4.3 crawler (Part Two) build thread

05-09-2008, 09:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
rootedtree Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36	194,777 and counting....No major issues......except being very thirsty.

05-09-2008, 09:23 AM	#15 (permalink)
Alex 400 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Shoreline, Wa Posts: 279	mine has had no major problems in the time that i have had it and as far as i know there wasn't any previous work done except for the timing belt. i change the oil every 6000 miles (mobil 1 synthetic and a filter change at 3000) this next year i will be doing a lot of freeway driving and snow driving, and i will go back to a 3000 mile oil change. I feel totally comfortable driving long distances without worrying about the engine. It makes enough power, not a lot, but enough. and i trust it off road. never stumbled on me, never left me hangin'. i wish it got better gas milage but it's is not as bad as many of my friends rigs 155,XXX miles and counting that being said, if it blows, in comes 3.4 ahaha __________________ 1994 toyota 4Runner SR5 Limited 4wd, 3.0 V-6 3vze, 5-speed, 31/10.50-15 toyo A/T, All Pro 1.5" coil springs, bilstein front shocks, doetsch tech mv12's rears, , MC heavy duty clutch feasable wish list: 32-11.50R ssr 4.88's ARB air locker Probably-not-going-to-happen wish list: JD fab 4wd long travel kit. other ride:2001 Honda XR400R Last edited by Alex 400 : 05-09-2008 at 09:25 AM.

05-09-2008, 09:57 AM	#16 (permalink)
woodendude Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ottawa, On. Posts: 97	270,000 miles on my 95 and no known issues except for the emissions test I'm now in the middle of trying to pass.

05-09-2008, 11:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
Team420 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: the great Maine wilderness Posts: 652	my 3.0 has 255+ miles on it...the hg's were done at 70k under recall, and havent had any major problems, it does eat gas and is weak for its size, but i have brought mine to the depths of hell and back again(chest deep water w/out a snorkel) several times, and it still WANTS to run... just keep fluids changed regularly and you'll be fine, and if the hg's go...its a day or 2 of work and if you do it right and have the heads shaved, it will prob run a few hundred k more __________________ 93 Runner, 3vze, auto, 4.88 gears, 31" tires, mostly stock, 255k and counting New bitch: 94 runner, 3vze, geared 4.56, m/t!!, 31/10.5/15, only 200k on the clock

05-09-2008, 11:07 AM	#19 (permalink)
elripster Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 1,217	297,000 on my 89 3.0, hg's changed once by previous owner. It was an excellent engine. I hardly ever touched it. This engine has 150,000 miles, hg's were done at 135,000 just before I bought it. Again, hardly ever touch the engine. 22RE's are too small for my tastes at least in a 4runner so I can't drive them regardless of ease of maintenance. Had I owned a pick up I might feel differently but then again the 3.0 in a pick up will be all the much faster. Frank __________________ 1994 4runner, 3.0, auto, 5.71's, Truetrac (rear), 33's, BJ spacers, Coil spacers, air shocks, D-ring anchors, 4Crawler F/R swaybar discos, Marlin rear bumper. www.sdori.com

05-09-2008, 11:13 AM	#20 (permalink)
bruzer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Some where in Utah Posts: 254	252,XXX miles on my 92 runner. Heads have been done once and I abuse the hell out of it. Starts every time. Put a high flow exaust system on it and get rid of the cross over pipe and you shouldn't have to worry about anything for awhile. __________________ 92 4 runner, 4.88's, Detroit locker in rear,Lock right in front, Warn manual hubs, OME cruiser coils, 33x12.50's Dayton MT's, Flow Master, SAS, and 3 link in progress... www.utah4x4club.com www.U4WDA.org

05-09-2008, 11:51 AM	#21 (permalink)
Redeyejedi Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 98	156k+, HG done by PO, used to beat on her (when i was payn $2.25/gal)now she's babied and soon to be swapped. she's leakn all over, but i no gripes with the 3.0 other than lack of umph and less-than-spectacular fuel economy.