If it were your truck...

Coriess · 08-15-2007, 03:08 PM

1994 4Runner 3.0
Manual
4wd

So, the truck was overheating a little and we saw some water coming out from behind the water pump...well, we took it in expecting water pump, timing belt etc. needing to be replaced. We were told it is a radiator issue (which is completely probable!). The mechanic recommended that we replace the radiator, water pump (which we are unsure if it is even a problem at this point) and the timing belt. I understand that it's easier to do it all while you're in there, however, I can't just shell out the money for all of it. So, I guess what I'm wondering is:

If you aren't sure your water pump is bad, would you just replace the radiator and take your chances down the road?

Thank you for your input!

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olharleyman · 08-15-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coriess

1994 4Runner 3.0
Manual
4wd

So, the truck was overheating a little and we saw some water coming out from behind the water pump...well, we took it in expecting water pump, timing belt etc. needing to be replaced. We were told it is a radiator issue (which is completely probable!). The mechanic recommended that we replace the radiator, water pump (which we are unsure if it is even a problem at this point) and the timing belt. I understand that it's easier to do it all while you're in there, however, I can't just shell out the money for all of it. So, I guess what I'm wondering is:

If you aren't sure your water pump is bad, would you just replace the radiator and take your chances down the road?

Thank you for your input!

Buy the parts and do it yourself the money saved will be more then worth it.

Jay351 · 08-15-2007, 03:15 PM

changing a rad is pretty easy, baisic tools needed.

Get your mech to do the pump and t-belt and do the rad yourself.
Better to be safe then sorry.

Coriess · 08-15-2007, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olharleyman

Buy the parts and do it yourself the money saved will be more then worth it.

Brother, if I could do it myself I would. I'm no mechanic.

RustBucket · 08-15-2007, 03:24 PM

Dude... the radiator is like 8 bolts. Just do it!

as2sb3100 · 08-15-2007, 03:31 PM

If it were my truck I'd figure out exactly whats wrong with it. If it's just the radiator then fix just that, which like everyone has said is pretty simple. But I don't understand why you would need to replace the timing belt and water pump if it's a "radiator issue"

. If your leaking water from the motor (water pump issue) then the radiator is probably fine. If your only leaking water from the radiator then the water pump and timing belt probably don't need to be replaced.

If you do the timing belt or water pump do them both. The water pump is run off the timing belt, so you might as well do both.

shaeff · 08-15-2007, 06:40 PM

go buy a set of tools, print out the FSM pages, and have at it! you've gotta learn somehow!

-shaeff

CyMoN · 08-15-2007, 06:53 PM

how many miles on it?

xcmountain80 · 08-15-2007, 07:03 PM

Just buy the tools and the parts and go for it. It isnt hard and you will appriciate it more when its done, and for the fact you did it your self.

Aaron

08-15-2007, 03:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 8,640	changing a rad is pretty easy, baisic tools needed. Get your mech to do the pump and t-belt and do the rad yourself. Better to be safe then sorry. __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - SR5 - 4x4 - 250k \|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 \|idler arm brace\|hella E-codes\| Marlin armor \|SS IFS brace \| %100 Amsoil synthetic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

08-15-2007, 03:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
RustBucket Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 977	Dude... the radiator is like 8 bolts. Just do it! __________________ Rust-Free '88 Runner. Stay-at-home truck.

08-15-2007, 03:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
as2sb3100 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 33	If it were my truck I'd figure out exactly whats wrong with it. If it's just the radiator then fix just that, which like everyone has said is pretty simple. But I don't understand why you would need to replace the timing belt and water pump if it's a "radiator issue" . If your leaking water from the motor (water pump issue) then the radiator is probably fine. If your only leaking water from the radiator then the water pump and timing belt probably don't need to be replaced. If you do the timing belt or water pump do them both. The water pump is run off the timing belt, so you might as well do both. __________________ 89 3.0 SR5 4runner lockright rear, sliders, anti sag lift shackles, and a bunch of dents Last edited by as2sb3100; 08-15-2007 at 03:32 PM.

08-15-2007, 06:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
shaeff Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: near Kingston, NY Posts: 301	go buy a set of tools, print out the FSM pages, and have at it! you've gotta learn somehow! -shaeff __________________ My heatercore replacement writeup with pics. -'94 Toyota 4X4, 22re, 31X10.5 BFG M/T's, 5 speed, MC rear bumper. (Winter DD/ off road fun) -'95 BMW M3, modded/suspension, sticky rubber, back road monster (Summer DD) -86.5 Toyota Supra, too much to list. (Never-ending project)

08-15-2007, 06:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	how many miles on it? __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

08-15-2007, 07:03 PM	#9 (permalink)
xcmountain80 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Jupiter, FL Posts: 1,880	Just buy the tools and the parts and go for it. It isnt hard and you will appriciate it more when its done, and for the fact you did it your self. Aaron

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