looking at 88 4runner with knock

tibbycruiser · 10-12-2007, 09:08 AM

Hi all,
Im new here, and would like to start off by asking a question about a 1988 4runner im looking to buy.
I searched and found some usefull info.
According to the owner this 4runner had a rebuilt engine put in it around 2003and then parked it due to to not getting fuel.
Went to his house and got it started by manually feeding it fuel, as long as we kept feeding it fuel it would run, at idle it would run fine but as soon as i reved up the engine it would start knocking, not ticking but knocking, it appears to be coming from mid engine, not the upper head and it didnt sound as low as the oil pan. poured some seafoam in the oil and it quieted down a little, we never did get it up to operadting temp due to the fuel problem.
Does this seem like a bearing or rod problem to you folks? does it sound like it could be easily fixed?
I need this to be a DD if i get it with minimal cash spent, most of my money will go on the purchase with not much left for major repairs.
I guess im asking if there is any chance the engine could be toast fafter sitting so long eventhough its a rebuilt unit.

Thanks in advance.

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04 Rocko Taco · 10-12-2007, 09:18 AM

sounds like it might've been a shoddy rebuild man... I think I would pass, unless he is willing to part with it CHEAP.

amgraham · 10-12-2007, 10:07 AM

Yeah,, I'm with Chris. Sounds like the rebuild was most likely not done right and has a rod knock (especially pass if it's a 3.0). If it was a really good deal and you had the money to gamble on it a bit maybe I'd do it but since you're limited on cash and need a DD I'd keep looking.

ozziesironmanoffroad · 10-12-2007, 10:26 AM

pass. if it was rebuilt 3 or 4 years ago and has been sitting with no fuel or anything, and you start it up and its knocking hard, then yeah its a VERY shoddy rebuild. though.... how sure are you that the oil in there isnt 3 or 4 years old too? a lot of people dont drain their fluids when they park stuff for a long time, and oil turns into a jelly... same with gas... i believe? correct me if im wrong anyone?

tibbycruiser · 10-12-2007, 10:54 AM

Thanks for the replies.
I got there and checked the oil first thing, it was clean, said he changed it a little while back. No metal evident in the oil when I checked it and it was new clean oil. Started it and ran it for a few minutes while priming with gas and checked the oil again, still looked good. light rust on front fenders and rear fenders, wants $700.00 for it.

ozziesironmanoffroad · 10-12-2007, 11:13 AM

do a compression check and everything. find out whats wrong with the fuel system. if theres nethin wrong with it other than its been sitting and needs to be blown out, start at 300 and work your way up. when my mom bought her expedition a couple years ago, it had 67,000 miles on it and the dealer wanted 29k for it. i talked him down to 11k, since it needed new suspension, new exhaust, new paint on the tailgate, plus hell its an 01 and it had 67000 miles in a year. so yeah... start super low and work your way up. and if ur sellin sumthin, start high then work your way down. lol.

tibbycruiser · 10-12-2007, 01:38 PM

Thanks
I gots some thinkin to do.

n4ynu1010 · 10-12-2007, 01:49 PM

It could be it had to oil the entire motor for the first time in years , knocking not good , I probably would have opted to prime the oil pump good with starter (no fire at plugs) and then gave it a go , be nice if you didn't have the fuel problem but sounds like a fish story as far as what condition it is in or what has been done , does he have receipts of the work ??
Good Luck

tibbycruiser · 10-17-2007, 07:17 AM

So I passed on the 86 with a knock, and found an 88 with some light front end damage, water pump is seized but it starts and runs, no water in the oil, it has 176,000 on the ticker and new 31 tires. im pretty stoked to get started working on it this evening. Is the waterpump easy to change on these? is there write up somewhere? do I need to us toyota red coolant on the truck?
Oh it has the 3.0 or 3-slow as I have read on here.
I will post pics in the following days.
Thanks for the replies

n4ynu1010 · 10-17-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbycruiser

So I passed on the 86 with a knock, and found an 88 with some light front end damage, water pump is seized but it starts and runs, no water in the oil, it has 176,000 on the ticker and new 31 tires. im pretty stoked to get started working on it this evening. Is the waterpump easy to change on these? is there write up somewhere? do I need to us toyota red coolant on the truck?
Oh it has the 3.0 or 3-slow as I have read on here.
I will post pics in the following days.
Thanks for the replies

The 3.0 is not slow , its a little V-6 working its butt off to move giant tires and a lot of weight , poor motor will never get a break , mine is 2WD stock 3.0 and runs little a rabbit with butt on fire , anyway I run the green anti-freeze in mine , not sure why the Yota Freeze is red but maybe someone will chime in and share their knowledge with us if they happen to know .
If memory serves me right the water pump is behind timing cover and is kinda a pain but then you were probably going to put a new belt on anyway

.

tibbycruiser · 10-17-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n4ynu1010

The 3.0 is not slow , its a little V-6 working its butt off to move giant tires and a lot of weight , poor motor will never get a break , mine is 2WD stock 3.0 and runs little a rabbit with butt on fire , anyway I run the green anti-freeze in mine , not sure why the Yota Freeze is red but maybe someone will chime in and share their knowledge with us if they happen to know .
If memory serves me right the water pump is behind timing cover and is kinda a pain but then you were probably going to put a new belt on anyway

.

Um , I wasnt planning on changing the T-belt. Im new to these 4runners so I didnt really think of that (I have always had Landcruisers with the F engine, no timimg belt). Whats th interval for a T-belt change? The owner had it done once she said. Do have to remove the T-belt to replace the water pump?

I should probably search.

n4ynu1010 · 10-17-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbycruiser

Um , I wasnt planning on changing the T-belt. Im new to these 4runners so I didnt really think of that (I have always had Landcruisers with the F engine, no timimg belt). Whats th interval for a T-belt change? The owner had it done once she said. Do have to remove the T-belt to replace the water pump?

I should probably search.

Check this link from the FSM and looks like Timing belt has to be removed , if it is over 30K on the belt I would change if it were me .

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...09waterpum.pdf

n4ynu1010 · 10-17-2007, 04:23 PM

[quote=n4ynu1010;50642336]Check this link from the FSM and looks like Timing belt has to be removed , if it is over 30K on the belt I would change if it were me .

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/engine/109waterpum.pdf[/quote]

And in case you don't have here is the online '93 that pretty much covers 88/89 to around '94 , two lists on the page link , first list you will see is for the 4 banger - scroll down a bit and you will see the same list for 3VZE 3.0 motor :

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/

tibbycruiser · 10-18-2007, 07:23 AM

Thanks n4yn much appreciated.

tibbycruiser · 10-18-2007, 10:29 AM

Well, it looks like its the Fan bracket that locked up. I have been reading about this on here and thats what it is.
Dealership wants $800.00 for a new one with clutch and pulley.
Salvage yard $40.00

n4ynu1010 · 10-18-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbycruiser

Thanks n4yn much appreciated.

NP

n4ynu1010 · 10-18-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbycruiser

Well, it looks like its the Fan bracket that locked up. I have been reading about this on here and thats what it is.
Dealership wants $800.00 for a new one with clutch and pulley.
Salvage yard $40.00

LOL ..........$800 ROFL

n4ynu1010 · 10-18-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibbycruiser

Well, it looks like its the Fan bracket that locked up. I have been reading about this on here and thats what it is.
Dealership wants $800.00 for a new one with clutch and pulley.
Salvage yard $40.00

Fan Clutch , well shoot now you got a flex fan , air all the time

10-12-2007, 09:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
04 Rocko Taco Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 4,070	sounds like it might've been a shoddy rebuild man... I think I would pass, unless he is willing to part with it CHEAP. __________________ -Chris Tread Lightly! 04 Double Cab PreRunner. 3.4 - Auto 84 4Runner 4WD. 22R - 5 spd Lifted, Locked, 33x12.50 Disclaimer:My Photobucket is being revamped. If there are broken links, shoot me a PM. Thanks. ~Chris Great Toyota Tech

10-12-2007, 10:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
amgraham Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 701	Yeah,, I'm with Chris. Sounds like the rebuild was most likely not done right and has a rod knock (especially pass if it's a 3.0). If it was a really good deal and you had the money to gamble on it a bit maybe I'd do it but since you're limited on cash and need a DD I'd keep looking. __________________ 1987 Toyota 4Runner Specs Here: 4Runner Page Member VAXC, RVA-OR

10-12-2007, 10:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 5,676	pass. if it was rebuilt 3 or 4 years ago and has been sitting with no fuel or anything, and you start it up and its knocking hard, then yeah its a VERY shoddy rebuild. though.... how sure are you that the oil in there isnt 3 or 4 years old too? a lot of people dont drain their fluids when they park stuff for a long time, and oil turns into a jelly... same with gas... i believe? correct me if im wrong anyone? __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22re, 1200 miles on the rebuild engine builder .268 cam pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

10-12-2007, 11:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
ozziesironmanoffroad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Spring Valley, CA Posts: 5,676	do a compression check and everything. find out whats wrong with the fuel system. if theres nethin wrong with it other than its been sitting and needs to be blown out, start at 300 and work your way up. when my mom bought her expedition a couple years ago, it had 67,000 miles on it and the dealer wanted 29k for it. i talked him down to 11k, since it needed new suspension, new exhaust, new paint on the tailgate, plus hell its an 01 and it had 67000 miles in a year. so yeah... start super low and work your way up. and if ur sellin sumthin, start high then work your way down. lol. __________________ The 22r series engines are made from the fires of hell, and will fight tooth and nail to not be sent back. 1988 Toyota P/U 4x4 22re, 1200 miles on the rebuild engine builder .268 cam pioneer CD deck 31x10.50x15 BFG A/T BAJA 100W lights on prerunner bumper KC Daylighters 100W rancho rs5000 MUD IS A VALID PAINT JOB! If not living life to the fullest, why live it? my trucks official buildup thread

10-12-2007, 01:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
n4ynu1010 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Richmond , Va / Henrico Co. Posts: 1,062	It could be it had to oil the entire motor for the first time in years , knocking not good , I probably would have opted to prime the oil pump good with starter (no fire at plugs) and then gave it a go , be nice if you didn't have the fuel problem but sounds like a fish story as far as what condition it is in or what has been done , does he have receipts of the work ?? Good Luck __________________ Guy '91 ExCab Dlx Longbed/3VZE-Fast/Stock 2WD/5spd Manual '95 GMC Jimmy SLS 4WD/4.3L Vortech/Euro Susp and Motor Package/Tow Package F.A.I.T.H. Forsaking All I Trust HIM Matthew 19,20 : 19 I say again unto you,that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask,it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven 20 For where two or three are gathered in my Name,there Am I in the Midst of them

10-12-2007, 10:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
tibbycruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 33	Thanks for the replies. I got there and checked the oil first thing, it was clean, said he changed it a little while back. No metal evident in the oil when I checked it and it was new clean oil. Started it and ran it for a few minutes while priming with gas and checked the oil again, still looked good. light rust on front fenders and rear fenders, wants $700.00 for it.

10-12-2007, 01:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
tibbycruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 33	Thanks I gots some thinkin to do.

10-17-2007, 07:17 AM	#9 (permalink)
tibbycruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 33	So I passed on the 86 with a knock, and found an 88 with some light front end damage, water pump is seized but it starts and runs, no water in the oil, it has 176,000 on the ticker and new 31 tires. im pretty stoked to get started working on it this evening. Is the waterpump easy to change on these? is there write up somewhere? do I need to us toyota red coolant on the truck? Oh it has the 3.0 or 3-slow as I have read on here. I will post pics in the following days. Thanks for the replies

10-17-2007, 04:23 PM	#13 (permalink)
n4ynu1010 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Richmond , Va / Henrico Co. Posts: 1,062	Water Pump [quote=n4ynu1010;50642336]Check this link from the FSM and looks like Timing belt has to be removed , if it is over 30K on the belt I would change if it were me . http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/engine/109waterpum.pdf[/quote] And in case you don't have here is the online '93 that pretty much covers 88/89 to around '94 , two lists on the page link , first list you will see is for the 4 banger - scroll down a bit and you will see the same list for 3VZE 3.0 motor : http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/ __________________ Guy '91 ExCab Dlx Longbed/3VZE-Fast/Stock 2WD/5spd Manual '95 GMC Jimmy SLS 4WD/4.3L Vortech/Euro Susp and Motor Package/Tow Package F.A.I.T.H. Forsaking All I Trust HIM Matthew 19,20 : 19 I say again unto you,that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask,it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven 20 For where two or three are gathered in my Name,there Am I in the Midst of them

10-18-2007, 07:23 AM	#14 (permalink)
tibbycruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 33	Thanks n4yn much appreciated.

10-18-2007, 10:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
tibbycruiser Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 33	Well, it looks like its the Fan bracket that locked up. I have been reading about this on here and thats what it is. Dealership wants $800.00 for a new one with clutch and pulley. Salvage yard $40.00

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