4runnerx2

Hello, I just purchased a 1990 4runner from ebay that states that it has an engine "knock". I went to look at it today and it seems that it is more a "wrapping" sound than a knock. I did a search and did not see any other threads about an intermittent wrapping sound but that is what this engine does. As it idles the noise comes from the passenger side top of the engine. If you rev the engine it still is intermittent just at a faster pace. It seems to idle smoothly sitting there.

Here is the link to said vehicle:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=110214401474

The owner did not state in the listing that he had just brought it from Florida. The pictures actually make it look worse than it is. There is absolutely no rust on this thing. I am just overjoyed to have a 18 year old toyota with no rust issues. That does not happen here in N. IL much. Thanks in advance for any info you might have.

TNRabbit

If you can get a video with sound that might help.

4runnerx2

I will try to do that Saturday. I didn't tow it home today because the roads were horrible and too dangerous for me to try. Thanks.

80W90

its gonna need to be taken out and dissasembled. there is no substitute, and there is no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle

4runnerx2

Oh, I know it will have to be dissasembled. Been single digits here for temps and it will drive me nuts just sitting there not knowing what wrong inside. Just was asking if anyone had ever had the intermittent wrapping noise before? I might have to brave the temps to keep my sanity.

idanity

my 1981 datsun 210 had a serious "slap" sound while under load.

it had power, and no leaks, but it sounded like one piston had either broken rings or was much smaller than the rest.


i started using straight 30 weight oil, and it quieted up some.
then i found 50 and 60 wieghts (racing oils) and that just made it all but go away.

i drove that car for 2 years, sold it to a friend for 500 bucks, and its still driving 400 miles a week.

if its low in the engine, it may be worth a try.
if its high , you should at least remove the valve covers and look at the rockers/cams/valve heads.

than decide.

TNRabbit

This sounded like a lifter issue.

4runnerx2: One thing you can do right now is take turns removing the spark plug wires while you're hearing the slap. If it goes away when you remove the plug wire, this will give you a good idea if you have piston/connecting rod issues.

4runnerx2

Thanks for the ideas. I will try pulling the plugs when I get it home. I think that I will pull the upper intake and the valve cover also. I am expecting the worst and hoping for the best.

yotaman90

Just looked at the pics on ebay, not THAT bad (seen worse here in NM). As for the wrapping sound, pull the front timing covers and check the belt/idler pulleys, its a little involving, but that could be it. My 4runner made a similar sound and it turned out to be a worn timing belt and a bad idler pulley.

4runnerx2

Tore her down this morning. Only removed the right side head since that is where the noise is coming from. Top of the piston has the outline of the cylinder head beat into it. I can turn the crank a good 1/8 turn before the piston ever moves. Hard to believe that it was still running on all six and holding good oil pressure. At 203K all of the crosshatching is still visible.

Beings the cylinders are that good yet and the oil pressure is strong does anyone thing I can get away with new pistons, rings, bearings, and oil pump? The timing belt has less than 50K on it by the records and it looks like whoever done that replaced all the idlers and water pump. I'll need head bolts and gasket kit also.

TNRabbit

I HIGHLY recommend getting the heads pressure checked & valves redone.

Was the rod coming loose at the crank or the piston? If the crank, you will need the crank ground as well....

You'll want to do BOTH front & rear crank seals, also...

Check my thread for what I ended up doing: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-ghost-108156/

ozziesironmanoffroad

not sure about your noise, valves are all i can say. mine makes a weird noise too, not too worried about it though, its a 22re. occasionally the engine will make a weird harmonic whine just barely audible. no idea what it is, but not worried.