It seems the 1st gen 4runners are prone to failure/rusting/seizure of the water control valve for the heating system. Someone said that the 89 models had an updated rust resistant/proof valve. But looking through e-bay motors i'm seeing a valve from a 95 pickup and it looks similar and i was wondering if it will work with little or no modifications. My valve was so seized that it broke the cable going to it. Thanks

 

I have the same problem. I looked at my friend's 89 4Runner and there's actually a plastic control valve instead of the old metal plunger ones we have.

If anyone has some input on this that'd be great. I want my heater to work again haha

 

OOh Brutal. Wish I could help. I haven't had this problem on mine yet....

 

I have a heater control valve from an 89 4Runner on my 86 4Runner, the 89 heater control valve is plastic, so it wont corrode like the original heater vale does.

Here`s a picture of the 89 4Runner heater valve.

 

just gonna add to this as it's my problem. With mine it's not the control valve that stuck. Mine moves fine, the control cable doesn't move with the heater controls inside the cab. So basically all I am saying is just make sure yours doesn't move because the cable is stuck like mine.

The only problem with mine is the fact it leaks around the urethane ??? seal around the rod. So I removed mine and just bypassed it. Of course it takes a little longer to warm up now though.

But from what I can tell, it's pretty much a direct swap. Even the mounting holes on the firewall are the same.

 

myyota, is the 89 water valve any different from that of a 90-95 truck/4runner? would you happen to know if it different, if it will fit?

 

that's awesome, I'm going to have to go pick up a heater control valve from an 89 runner then. I would love for my heater to work.

Hiltu: I know in 89 a lot of changes were made to the 4Runners that continued on into the 2nd Gens, so chances are its the same.

EDIT: I find it ridiculous that the heater control valve is $45 at the auto parts store...

 

Nic, there are a couple on ebay for under $30

 

Thanks for the heads up, I just snagged one for $24 shipped!

 

I put one on my truck the mount holes didn't line up as nicely but it works.

 

As long as I can get one bolt in I think it should be fine considering the hoses are clamped in around it.

Any problems with play in the valve when trying to go from hot to cold without all the bolts in?

 

Mine has one bolt and hasn't been any problems in the month its been installed.

 

The mounting bracket might be a little different, but it should still work.

 

Resurrecting this. I am having some problems with my heat on my 86. Looking at the 89 heater valve, there are only 2 hoses on it. Mine has 3. How did you get this to fit on an 86?

 

My '86 heater valve was metal with only two hoses. Does your truck have the rear heater? That could be the difference but I'm not sure, just speculation.