vmax84

89 4runner. Engine bored 20 over (guess that's how you say it......machine shop guy said honing wouldn't quite get it), crank turned, brand new top end.

After the inital start, I drained the oil and changed the filter. I had initally set the valves a little on the "loose" side, since I was afraid of having them set too "tight" and burning a valve. Needless to say, the engine was a tad on the loud side.

Tonight, I took it for a ride, pulled it in the garage, and reset the valves to factory hot specs. Kinda of a bitch to do with the hot engine, but it did quiet the engine down, and, I was surprised it felt like it had more power.

Must of been in my mind but I'm almost sure I picked up a couple extra horsepower.

So far so good. I do have a small radiator leak, but other than that, the engine seems like it is getting better after the break in. For an old truck, it really runs and shifts out nice.

vmax84

abecedarian

sweetish...it's amazing how much a little valve adjustment can accomplish.

what about the radiator leak?

vmax84

It drips a little from around the top radiator hose. Not sure exactly where it is coming from. Will have to take the fan shroud off......I think that will allow me to see better where the leak is coming from.

Will have to do that tomorrow. I'm having a few beers tonight celebrating on how good the ole' girl is running. I'm really happy with the engine (knock on wood) on how it has turned out. Lotsa lotsa work, busted knuckles, doing things twice since the first time they didn't turn out..........but I did most of the work myself (minus the boring of the block and complete cylinder head) and learned a lot. Bolted all the "stuff" to the block. Drove it back from Texas 3 years ago with a junk engine (thank God for a gallon of STP!!!!) Took the engine out and installed by myself with a 10 dollar come-a-long.........yeah, I'm havin' a couple beers tonight celebrating!! I really like this old truck. I busted my a$$ on it, but it's something I've never done before and I did it (with help from this website and my best friend).

Since I'm half plowed already, and a little on the gabby side now, totally ripped out the interior and installed a new dash (believe they call it the SR5 dash), inclonometer, cd player with equalizer, two amps, 6 speakers, subwoofer (not a high school kid sub, but just enough to add some bass). Also has a new clutch.

But now we have to fix the radiator leak, get some different tires on it, get the saggy rear end fixed..........oh well........it's cheaper than a drug habit. I think.

vmax84

abecedarian

lol... it's looking like the truck is a bit more ripped than you are!

the rad leak is probably around where the top tank meets the core.
whichever whatever, good luck.

vmax84

vmax84

Actually, the truck is now all put back together. Dash is all in, stereo is all in with dash speakers, door speakers, blaupunkpts (or however you spell them) in the rear side panels (with custom MDF box), and the blaupunkt tweeters mounted on the rear pillars. Oh yeah, and little Dayton 8" sub.

Truck looks pretty good now.

vmax84

vmax84

abecedarian

eets lookin mahvolus! (sorry, can't type billy crystal very well)
nice.

TORTIS

iTrader: (1)

everybody needs to rebuild at least one engine in their life. congrats on a job well done.

vmax as in the bullet? just wondering, i do a bit of reloading and hornady makes a bullet called the vmax.

abecedarian

I'd guess vmax as in the yamaha motorcycle- one fast mofo.

My99

Congrats on getting the engine fixed and back in. Interior looks great. I must ask, what is the difference between the standard and SR5 dash pad? Also, how did you manage to score that with an inclinometer. I've been considering one of those myself.

Yopar

iTrader: (2)

Not your mind, the valves being tightened will allow them to open to the fullest extent of the cam grind. Some people go a tad tighter to get a little more lift out of the cam, but like you said, there's a risk of burning a valve that way.

Great job on engine. The stereo looks good too, I bet it pumps out some jams quite well.

bigt

i have 2 4runners and i can let you know for sure it is cheaper than a drug habbit was...

nowadays i only celebrate with Miss Mary-Jane..

nice runner keep up the work

stockyotadriver

i second this

scuba

All natural is the way to be

vmax84

Totally different dash. The original dash only had a speedometer and idiot lights. This dash I guess is out of an SR5, or something like that. I found an inclonometer seperate from the dash. I know, crazy.

Really kinding to get to know the truck. Seems like I've had just about everything tore apart at some point. I do, however, really enjoy it and learning a lot.

Now need to get on the small radiator leak, new tires, new shocks.......hey, somebody has to keep the economy moving.

I have no Vmax bullets for my AR15 or M1 Garands.


Permit me to fire up the time machine:




The long since gone vmax84.........miss that old dog.

vmax84