Red Leader

So, I've been searching hard for the past month or so for a new 'runner. I'm trying to keep the search open to 2nd gens with the 22re and the 3rd gens.

I've seen about 10-12 ads for 2nd gens with 22re's over that time. Literally ever single one, except for one, had a rebuilt 22re. The one that didn't, well, didn't say. I've looked a at few of them and they seem like good trucks and I've heard great things about the 22re, but, are rebuilds this common?

First one I looked at had 280k, rebuild at 240k. Second one I looked at was sitting at 188k, had a rebuild 2 years prior (prob around 160k or so). I am wanting to go check out a 3rd, and sure enough, when I asked the owner about a head-gasket replacement, it was done around 165k. One had a brand new engine put in at 247k, another had a donor engine swapped out when it died at 180k. Another made mention of a valve job, which I assume meant that the head came off.

Now, I do understand that the vehicles in question are 19-24 years old, with high mileage. I think what is striking is that at the same time I am searching for 3rd gens right alongside the 22re's, and I'm finding 240k-300k examples all day long running great and maybe 2-3 out of literally hundreds that have any mention of being rebuilt. Are the plastic guides just grenading these engines early? Are the HGs prone to leak? I mean, nearly ever...single...one - rebuilt!

I'd really love to find a nice cream puff 2nd gen out there, but darn if I can't find nearly a single one that hasn't had some type of major engine work, which scares me a bit, since I've heard of so many horror stories of rebuilt 22re's. I love the idea of the simpler maintenance and better mileage (I'm not a pedal to the metal kinda guy...suppose one never is with a 22re) but is it time to give up on the little guy? I'll for sure need it reliable since it is hauling family.

Thanks guys for all your thoughts. And rest assured, no matter what the next one's gonna be a Yota. Already have a 3rd gen with 269k on the clock - runs great

scuba

Because the 22RE isn't the holy grail of engines like everyone thinks.

toyota4x4907

Thank you, Scuba. I was going to say that, too.

Roark

In Toyota..that is.

combatcarl

True. A lot of 22REs are neglected, which doesn't convert well to longevity. A lot of them are flogged, again, not the best for longevity. The other reason is that there's bazillions of 22R/RE powered trucks out there. So the well kept ones aren't getting sold. The 20/22 series aren't the holy grail of motors. Show me one that is, and I'll find it's flaws. But, for a 100 horse 4 cyl, they do fine. Don't be too put off by a rebuild. Mine came with a 3 year warranty. No issues 5 years and 60k miles later. Just know what to look for in a rebuild.

Shoua

If you have not yet realized, 95% of vehicles being sold have "rebuilt" engines.

Me thinks it's a clever selling point.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

People seem to use it as a selling point!!

Case in point one person claimed rebuilt engine when I asked when it was 90,000 miles ago.

Another thing people try and get every horse power out of these engines then when it is rebuilt it still is not enough.

Then some people are never happy and keep selling vehicles all the time.

Roark

It may just be a question of semantics. Rebuilt to one isn't a rebuild to another. Some of these engines with fresh head gaskets or timing kits maybe aren't necessarily "rebuilt" in the same sense others are.. Which would imply scheduled maintenance and not repair of a blown engine.

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

I've come across the same thing when I was looking for my truck. All the ones that ran had been rebuild, several under 180k miles. For it being a selling point? If I found out that a vehicle has a rebuild engine, I walk away, period. I'd buy a higher mileage vehicle before I bought one that was rebuilt by bubba and his cousin.

MaK92-4RnR

Why is the sky blue...?

Lets sit down, think about this a little bit, and do a bit of basic math...

The NEWEST 22re, I'm talking the absolute last year that it was put in a truck, SUV, whatever was 95. That makes those "newest" 22re engines pushing 19 years old. Now, statistically speaking an average person drives 15k miles a year. That means the miles on those, on an average and statistically speaking, should have 285,000 miles...

Use this as a reference and adjust for an older vehicle. They ARE getting old, believe it or not.

technojunkie

There are also engines that are 'rebuilt' as preventative maintenance. I have a 22re in my truck that is about to be 'rebuilt' because nearly every seal leaks oil. The engine still runs great, has good compression and clean oil after the last change. But while I have it all apart anyway, in addition to new seals/gaskets it's gonna get new bearings, rings, oil pump etc... because there really is no better time.

Sturmcrow

92yoterDD

I have seen 2 of these motors where the timing chain guide was gone. I will be combining nstallibg metal guides in mine. My truck has 616k on it and its only its 2nd motor. It has issues but its still a strong good motor. If you are mechanically iclined then this are pretty easy to work on.

Marc

This. Also applies to the 3VZE.
Most 20-30 year old vehicles aren't even on the road anymore, never mind running.

MaK92-4RnR

Exactly. Its even worse with 3vzs. EVERY single 3vz has, in theory, had the head gasket done due to the recall. ( 88-95 pick ups and 4Runners and 94-95 t100s )

Besides, I have 203k miles on my 4Runner, and its the stock short block. the head gasket just blew, and this'll be the 2nd time in history it'll have a new top end. no big deal.

Roark

^^^This- Greatest Toyota myth is that the 3.0 is a crappy, unreliable engine. Properly cared for, they run just as long as the 22re. Toyota FTW

Inferno451

This^^^. HATE my 22re, my 4runner is on it's FOURTH one. One was my fault (first rebuild, made some mistakes) but still. 300K on the truck, and i take GOOD care of my vehicles. Definitely preferred the V6 in my 92'.

Red Leader

Well, it looks like I just bought a '90 4runner with a 22re so I'll get to find out what all the fun is about

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Pics or it didn't happen

Roark

Hahaha "pics or it didn't happen"