Looking at a 95 4Runner

blue2002 · 08-23-2009, 07:08 PM

Hello,

First post, found the site looking for info on these great suvs. Have always wanted one, and a local guy is trying to sell his '95 V6 5 speed 4x4 - pretty much the exact one I wanted. However, it makes an awful clanging noise and has little power in drive. His mechanic suggested a lifter problem. I called my mechanic who said lifters were probably just the beginning of the issues and that the bad lifters could mean a damaged cam and other top end issues that may require a valve job as well - possibly a full top end rebuild.

I am trying to figure out what probable needs of the truck are. He says its got 160K miles and that the engine was already rebuilt once at 80K by the Toyota dealer after another noise arose with the original owner (he is owner #2).

If the engine needs to be taken apart, would it make sense to just rebuild the whole thing? Buy a re-manufactured engine? I realize its hard to say without seeing it, but I was hoping some might have some insight. (I'm trying to justify buying a truck that might be a nightmare in the making!)

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Tragic Drive · 08-23-2009, 08:00 PM

There are no lifters in the 3.0 V6 3VZE motor.
If your thinking about buying this truck and want to run it as is you should do a compression test, I think you want around 190.
For your second question I would say not to rebuild the short block again. However the top end on these motors is not the best design.
Two common problems with the 3VZE are head gaskets and #6 Exhaust valve burning out.

Ron Helmuth · 10-29-2009, 08:22 PM

I would avoid this motor at all cost. I had a 95 with the 22 re 4 cylinder and it has a much better longevity record than the 3 slow.

Yes if you get it then I would recommend a rebuilt with extensive Yota expertise -note head gasket issues are notorious for this motor-and a lengthy transferrable warranty. Even then that motor is not fuel thrifty though the 5 speed does a bit better than the auto of course.

just my .02

08-23-2009, 08:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tragic Drive Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 410	There are no lifters in the 3.0 V6 3VZE motor. If your thinking about buying this truck and want to run it as is you should do a compression test, I think you want around 190. For your second question I would say not to rebuild the short block again. However the top end on these motors is not the best design. Two common problems with the 3VZE are head gaskets and #6 Exhaust valve burning out. __________________ *,Thomas* Supercharged 3.4 in a ARB Locked 95 Runner

10-29-2009, 08:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ron Helmuth Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Denver metro area-CO Posts: 1,339	I would avoid this motor at all cost. I had a 95 with the 22 re 4 cylinder and it has a much better longevity record than the 3 slow. Yes if you get it then I would recommend a rebuilt with extensive Yota expertise -note head gasket issues are notorious for this motor-and a lengthy transferrable warranty. Even then that motor is not fuel thrifty though the 5 speed does a bit better than the auto of course. just my .02 __________________ 99 4Runner SR5 4wd 3.4/5 spd- Fact. Rr. Locker/Diff Breather Ext. Old Man Emu lift springs- 881 fronts/890 rears O/M/E shocks- N91s fr./N86 rr. All Pro Off Road welded sliders-prevent body damage! ARB"Taco"bumper/Gamiviti clear lenses/Hella 500s Redline Tuning hood struts/Bushwacker Extend a Fenders all my photos are over on Facebook now-I gave up on photo hosting sorry.... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5&l=5795132731

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