ltbulldog23

Hey guys,

I am going to look at a 3.4l today to replace the one that is in my '97 4Runner. I'm not really worried about compatibility issues since the replacement engine was also from a 97, same transmission, 4x4. The engine is not currently in a vehicle. Is there anything I can do to check for bad head gaskets, etc without the engine installed other than just looking it over? Anything else I should look for?

Thanks!!!!!

mt_goat

It's pretty much a gamble with salvaged motors, if they have a warranty make sure you get it in and test it before the warranty expires. Look it over good for anything damaged in the crash (like a cracked block at a motor mount or broken fan bracket, etc...), look for signs of flood damage. What's wrong with yours?

1994runner

Take off one of the valve covers and look for sludge or evidence of lack of maintenance. Pull a plug and check it's condition. Plan on putting a t-belt and water pump on while it's out as cheap insurance. There really isn't a way to check for a blown H.G. while its out, but get some sort of warranty in writing.

Discipher

performing a leakdown test would be a good start but unlikely you'll get the chance to do it and if so on all 6 cyl. but it would give you some information on the engine if you can do one.

ltbulldog23

Thanks guys - all good information and ideas. My engine is showing all the signs of a blown headgasket (burning oil, chocolate milky-ish coolant, loss of compression in 2 cylinders right next to eachother). It's my daily driver so my plan is to fork out the cash for a used engine in decent shape, swap it in over a 3-day weekend, tear my old engine apart to replace the head gaskets in my garage, and keep it as a spare.

The engine I found is not from a wreck - one of the master techs down at the dealer got a hold of a motor with bad head gaskets so he took it apart, checked for any damage, replaced the gaskets, water pump, and timing belt. He had it as a spare but he sold his 4runner. He has not run it since he put it back together. 98,000 miles on the engine and he wants $550 for it complete (I mean complete. All it needs is plugs).

It's a lot of money in my world... but I think it sounds like a good deal. I looked at it and you can tell all of the seals and gaskets are brand new.

What do you all think?

toy_tek

How many miles on your original engine? First I've heard of headgasket failure on a 3.4 (not that I've really looked for it). But 550 sounds reasonable to me.

ltbulldog23

My engine has 138,000 miles on it and I bought it with about 129,000 10 months ago. I can't think of what else it would be except a head gasket. At any rate, it seems like the new...er engine might be a good fix since it's only at the 98,000 mile point.

Any other opinions?

Paul H.

Why not just fix your engine?

mt_goat

Yeah much less down time with a swap, it sounds like a good deal, I'd take it.

ltbulldog23

Of course, this was my first plan of attack. When this other engine came up for sale I started doing some math and it seemed to make sense to pick up the other engine. The new one has a new timing belt, water pump, both head gaskets, head bolts, etc, etc... the price tag for new parts alone would be $250 or more. Then figure in the extra money I'd spend on Advil to mend my sore back muscles from changing out the head gaskets with the engine in the truck...

Who knows, maybe I'll pluck my engine out, replace the head gasket (assuming the heads aren't warped) and sell it to someone looking to do a swap. I might even come out ahead on the deal!

Thanks for the opinions. I think I'll pick it up tomorrow if someone doesn't beat me to it.

misterzee

I agree, that is a GREAT price for the 3.4.

Starbuck3733T

Damn that's cheap! I wish I could hae found something like that when my 3.slow blew up in my 94.