kydsid

Well last week I bought a new to me 94 with 165000 miles. I have wanted a second gen since I saw them new years ago. Went over it pretty well buying it. No rust, Texas FTW, HG replaced at 120k, Timing belt replaced at 145k. Only issues I could see were no A/C and a, what I would call moderate valve knock.

Well this morning I took it around the corner, 3 blocks and stopped at the bakery. Ruh oh. White smoke comes out from under the hood. Bring it home and it isn't running right.


I called a couple shops about a rebuild. I do not have the tools nor the mechanical acumen to tackle a rebuild. Plugs & wires, oil, belts sure but not a whole rebuild.

One shop offered 3k out the door for a remanufactured engine, water pump, oil pump, new plugs and wires. They wouldn't even offer a rebuild as it would cost the same once sent off to the machine shop etc.

Obviously where I live, south Texas, several guys would do the rebuild cheaper. But to do it right is pretty close to 3k.

What do you all think. Reman'd engine from the first shop, with a 1yr 15k mile warrant for 3k or rebuild on the cheap and hope for the best? Ie is that a good deal for what they offer?


Oh and obligatory pic of the truck.


Shot with N95 at 2009-04-20

Azca

I haven't used them but I have seen where others here and other locations have. Tiger has a 3.0 used JDM engine for $1300. Includes all kinds of goodies. they will also sell the trans+eng as a package. Mileage on the engines is around 30 to 50K. When you add all the parts, such as injectors, sensor egr etc this seems like a far better deal than rebuilt. Here is their website:
http://www.tigerjapanese.com/index.p...2a0c03e9574613

kydsid

Could use a little wisdom from yall. Started it up today and it has a high pitched whine to it now while running plus the knock. Noticed a bright green spot on the crossover. Guess that's where my white smoke was coming from and confirms bad head gasket.

As this is at least the 2nd head gasket on the motor I don't think a rebuild is worth it, do you?

Anyone with experience with the used source above?

Also could a 94 Auto AWD Tranny be used in a 2WD former Auto 4Runner?

kydsid

Lot's of reading led me to not trust the used source above. I have a local mechanic that will be helping with a complete long block swap. I have found several threads that talk about what to replace while in this process or a rebuild.

I will be replacing:

Fuel Injectors - Remanufactured by WitchHunter
Plugs and Wires
Water Pump
Oil Pump
PCV Valve
EFI Temp sensor
Cap and Rotor
Fuel Filter


Anything I am missing that is easier to take care of while the engine is out of the truck?

kydsid

Anyone?

904_runner

I would suggest the rear main seal at least.

Not sure what else needs to be done though.
Good luck

kydsid

Well the engine is coming out and all new gaskets will be done, oil pan, valve covers, etc. including the rear main. I do think the current seal has a slow leak, but nothing I was too concerned about. Any other recommendations?

Azca

If you already haven't you may as well replace anything that is rubber. Hoses, fluid and vacuum lines etc. PCV Valve, spark plugs and wires. Essentially anything that is hard to get at later. Yes it costs more but it sure is nice not to have to be a contortionist or worse yet, have to go through the same thing later just to replace a broken hose.

kydsid

I have most of that on my list. What I am looking for any advice on the lines or gaskets members have had issue with that are easier or maybe more importantly cannot be replaced with the engine in the truck.

I will also be replacing the cane shaped by-pass hose at the back of the engine.

I guess I got everything and all that remains are the vac lines.