Alright, I've got a problem, and dunno what I should do, so here goes.

I'm looking at purchasing a 1994 4Runner with 141,000 miles on it. 3.slow, V6, Automatic. We know there is a tranny seal leak, but it went to the shop today to get that fixed. The block was rebuilt at 125,000 miles, giving me aproxx. 15,000 miles on it. Found a reciept for the rebuild from a local dealership for $3,200 and some change in the glove box on the first test drive. Obviously not the problem Anyway, I called my local dealership with the VIN and checked on the HG recall for the 3VZ-E engines, and they said it wasn't due and hadn't been completed. Although at the beginning of this month, the steering rod recall was completed. With 141,000 miles on the original HG's, its anybody's guess as to when they could go. (I'm not an engine guru, but i don't think rebuilding the block involves HG's) It runs and drives GREAT, I'd driven 3 or 4 other 2nd gens and this one felt like it had the most power, even for the 3.0L. I'm really anxious to get my first Runner, but knowing how much the HG's can cost to replace, i'm curious if i should go through with the deal or not. Dealership is saying anywhere from $3,700-$3,900 for the price of the Runner, INCLUDING the tranny seal leak currently being fixed. Please let me know what you think, any input is glady welcomed and if for some reason you need the VIN let me know via PM or e-mail and i'll be happy to give it to you. Thank you in advance. and btw...

 

if the engine was rebuilt 15k ago, didnt they do the HG then?

 

I don't know if the block assy. includes HG's or not. Let's say no for now. I can get more info. either tomorrow or this weekend to verify. Any other feedback still welcome please.

 

can someone with experice rebuilding engines answer my question?

does a block rebuild typically include doing the head gaskets?

 

For $3200... I hope so. Can't get the pistons out with the heads on, so you should be good. Is anything on the receipt? Rings, bearings, etc.

 

i dont have the reciept in my possesion, its in the glovebox of the Runner at the dealership. i will probably be going back this weekend to drive it again and take another look, and if i do i will take photos of all reciepts in the vehicle. thanks for the response. any and all input welcome.

 

My guess is that even if it was PARTLY rebuilt the HG's would have been done.

I know all of the guys at the dealership that Exeter called and that the rebuild was done at, they're really great guys and do everything in their power to do their job right. If it was my guess, I would say that it has been done. But I would hate to see him buy the Runner and then 3 months down the road have it blow.

I looked on the NHTSA website for the Recalls for a '94 and they said the only one was the steering rod, my guess for that is the Runner is out of the covered timeframe.

See if you guys can get him some input on it, it's his first Runner...we all know how exciting that can be!

Thanks guys, good luck Keith...let me know if there's I can do for ya. I'd be happy to go look at it with ya.

Fink

 

since you saw a total for $3200 on the receipt.... it could be quite possible that the previous owner paid out of pocket and did not claim reimbursement through toyota...... (if it was covered by campaign, total should come out to $0) if so, toyota still owes that truck a HG replacement.... confirm through the toyota HQ 800 number with the VIN that it has not been done...

if this is true, i would buy it..... drive it and enjoy it.... you'd have insurance in the future for if the HG ever do go again..... it would be done at the dealer's expense.... just be sure to confirm that the truck is eligible for HG campaign and that it has never been claimed for VIN before you buy.


JQ

 

just called the place where the rebuild was done, and turns out the HG's have been done twice. once for just the HG's in oct of '00 and once with the rebuild in '03. Thanks everyone. goin to drive it again tomorrow, and if we like, we'll probably strongly consider purchasing it. thanks again.