mrockrunner

This is my first time posting in this forum and was referred to this site from toyota-4runner.org, that site has good info as well. Anyways, I currently have a '97 4Runner/ 4 cly. 2.7L / manual, which I love, and a check engine light that finally came on after 150000 miles. I'm more of a DIY/research & developement type person e.g. changing oil, spark plugs, brakes, etc. and will hardly ever take it to the mechanic for repairs. After checking the codes on a reader I borrowed for free from Autozone, I was getting a P0300 and P0302 error. I replaced wires and plugs with only Genuine Toyota wires and Iridium plugs, checked spark arc from ignition coil packs to wires(ok!), and cleared the codes. After couple of miles the CEL came back on, I finally gave up and took it in. The mechanic tells me that the valve on cylinder #2 is blown and that it's in need of repair, which would cost about $1200. I've never had to get work like this done before and was wondering if this was the going rate and was there anyway of me avoiding this. Also would like any advice on what a mechanic may be able to do since he'll be removing the headers for the valves work. I've heard of some people replacing the timing chain, but wasn't sure. I figured since he has the engine open he might as well fix/replace anything that might go out in a thousand or so miles. Thanks for any expert advice and hopefully long live everyones 4Runner including mine.

em3e3

Considering that the local Toyota 'stealership' (and I do mean it) charged me $2000 to do a valve job on my V6, replace the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump, and the valves were burnt up again in 30K miles, I wish I had done the work myself. There's a lot of assistance from this site if you do it yourself, and you can put the money you save towards 'upgrades'.

I'm not familiar enough with the gen 3 four cylinders to recommend upgrades, but I would highly recommend sending the injectors in for service. I'm pretty sure that's why my valves burnt in the first place. After 165K miles, 4 of the injectors were ok, but two were just dripping fuel. Check out the first post in this thread for more info and ideas.

mrockrunner

excellent!!! That's just what i'm looking for. Since I'm not able to do this job on my own I'm actually giving to someone I can really trust. You list alot of upgrades and things that you've done. How's your car running now?