Hi,
Found another 4runner w/ a blown motor, its in great condition , 133k miles, manual tranny, but it has a blown motor. Instead of putting a rebuilt in this time, I am going to try and do the rebuilding myself. My question is can i take the cylinder heads off the motor without removing the camshafts. I would like to unbolt the cylinder heads/w camshafts left in and take them right to the machine shop for them to give them the once over, is this possible?

 

It is technically possible, as is anything, but its not something you want to do. You will have to remove the cams to get proper torque specs and reinstall new head bolts anyways. Remove the cams and do it right the first time.

 

u cant get the bolts out of the head with the cam in place, but u can get the head off. the machine shop will have to pull the cam to deck it anyways, save them some work and take the cam out

 

you will also want them to check your valves and install new seal anyways might as well make it easier on yourself and remove the cam.

 

MAKE SURE you keep all the cam tappets/shims in the SAME LOCATION!

 

yes you can. i did this on the first 88 4runner i owned in 96. don't remember how but i did it. machine shop said it was probably better that i didnt' b/c most people crack them when taking apart. they resurfaced, shimmed, and had it all back together for me so i just bolted it back on.

 

There is also a recommended pattern for removing the head bolts:

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...68cylinder.pdf

 

It would be a major PITA unless you removed the cam pulleys which in itself is a major PITA. If you don't remove the cam shafts or the pulleys you will have to remove BOTH heads at the same time since they will be connected by the rear timing cover. The cams are very easy to come out and as long as you follow the sequence you should be alright. Just keep everything in the exact order.

 

I should have specified that the motor was going to be on a stand. The camshaft pulleys and timing cover will be removed.
I was just trying to avoid all the measuring with the plastigauge as spelled out in the factory service manual (FSM) because I have no experience with that. Don't want to f*** it up.
I just checked out engine builder teds 3vze master rebuild kit, its only $298.00. Anyone rebuilt with his stuff, the auto parts store wanted $800.