i have 94 4runner with the 3.0 v6. it developed a knock/ chatter type noise about a year ago whenever i let of the gas. about six months ago it turned into a full time noise and hasnt gone away. the mechanic who looked at it while i was out of town said it might be the bearings but he couldnt be sure until he pulled the motor and was going to charge me a ridiculous price so i parked it and bought a beater. im about to buy a remanufactured motor but was wondering if anyone else had this same problem and was able to fix it, or had any ideas for what exactly it could be before i spend all that money.

 

This link is to a video i took of the noise sitting in my driveway.

 

3.4 swap time!

 

Is it an automatic?
If it is, does it make the noise only in gear or all the time?

 

WOW, sounds like mine did BEFORE it exploded out the side of block and took out starter. i thought all i had to replace was bearings as well but upon tear down of engine after it took a dump i noticed the head gasket was toast as well as timing belt hanging on by a thread. Also do to mileage i found my self replacing idler and belt pulleys as well as springing for new heads do to previous owner cooking them.
SKIP the 3.4 swap unless you find someone who is a pro at doing it and look for a REMAN which is right around 3K. Just M $.02.....

 

yes it is automatic. and it does it all the time, not just in gear.

wow, was leaning more to remanufactured from the beginning, but after what you said i definitely might just go that route.

 

The reason I asked if it was an auto, because it sounds like a cracked flex plate (Flywheel).

 

thanks, i never thought about the trans. from what ive read on other threads up here sounds alot like my problem. hoping thats all it is, that would be much easier and cheaper than a new motor.

 

I don't know about the flywheel deal, I used to have a 95 4Runner with a 3.0, automatic trans, if that was my truck, I'd say that engine is about to throw a rod.
Sorry, hope I'm wrong.

 

thats NOT a flywheel and YES engine is about to throw a rod.....

 

[QUOTE=brosafari;52024239]This link is to a video i took of the noise sitting in my driveway.

How about a video from engine bay or underneath near oil pan?
I think video from interior it's a little vauge.
I'm just not convinced it's a rod getting ready to do a jack in the box.
And yes, I know I could be wrong.

 

[QUOTE=ksti;52026141]its being stored in the garage at my dads house, im going over there tomorrow and was going to try to get a better video.

 

and i had a feeling it wasnt the flexplate, but was wishing it was. ill most likely be ordering a remanufactured engine soon. just havent decided if i want to spend the time putting it in my self or pay someone to do it for me since im in school and work full time.

 

^^ if you know how to do it id try it myself and save the $$$. im dropping $500 to my friend who's an A tech to do it in his spare time but a shop would probably charge you anywhere from 14-20 hours labor. Labor rate at my place is $112.00 an hour....