vmax84

My time is very limited and skills as a mechanic aren't much better. Actually, I'm ok with the wrench, but rarely tackle the big jobs since I don't have much time now. Between flying cargo at night, building houses during the day, taking care of the kids, my Mom's place, Mother-in-Laws place, etc., etc.,, I don't have much time to work on the 4runner.


I do have the service manual for my 89 4runner. Seems like they make you take extra steps on certain things. Here's my question:

I want to remove the cylinder head on this truck for a total rebuild on the top half of the engine. I have the rocker and camshaft already removed. Can I simply unbolt the exhaust manifold and intake manifold at the head, or do I have to do what the manual says and start further "downstream", pull the head, and then remove the intake from the head?

Tips on this? Thanks.

vmax84

InternetRoadkill

If you want to just pop the head, then yes, you can remove the intake and exhaust manifolds while the head is still on the engine. Some of the bolts on the intake are hard to get too.

Don't forget to remove the ground wire in the back. Also, there is an allen head bolt which is not apparent and often overlooked which hides near the base of the thermostat housing.

vmax84

Why would they want you to "break the intake manifold" down further than it needs to be? Won't that just require more gaskets?

vmax84

kyle_22r

i think it's a little easier to pull with the manifolds off, less weight to lift in an awkward position. however, you'll probably at least need to remove the top half of the intake to get at the electrical connectors and unplug them. i recommend unplugging the wiring harness from the ECU and pulling it through the firewall(not nearly as difficult as it sounds).