I have an '89 4runner 3.0EFI 4x4 and I was about 4 blocks from home when a really loud sound almost like a belt had come off and was mashing around under the hood. I didn't seem to lose power but I didn't drive any further than the 4 blocks home. It wasnt a belt of course, the engine did seem to be moving around a bit harder than normal but I could see anything like a hole in the muffler or cat or anywhere along the piping. Its a very loud, rough sound. I'm hoping its only exhaust and not a blown head or anything that serious. Any suggestions will be a great help.
Thanks in advance.
Jess

 

If you can't visually see anything, start checking that compression.

 

did you check your motor mounts?

 

Thanks for the help guys, it was a spark plug. So that being said, any advice on spark plugs(what kind) , OE spark plug wires(best place to get them from) and distributor cap(what brand)?
Thanks again,
jess

 

I couldn't recommend a particular brand of wires or cap, but I love NGK plugs.

What happened to your spark plug? Did it come out or foul?

 

NGK thank you, I've read in quite a few places about those and Denso's.
Yeah the plug came out. The port is still threaded, luckily, everything should be ok. I was planning on a tune anyway, just didn't see that coming. The sound is really bad though, almost painful to listen to.

 

I've always ran NGKs on my dirt bikes and street bike, and all the other bikes and ATV's I've ever worked on. That's what I run in the truck. I don't think they can be beat without paying for some really high dollar fancy plugs, if that.

I'm glad to hear it wasn't anything more severe. I bet that was loud!

 

nippon denso iridium plugs - best you can get. came stock on fj80's. they are supposed to last upwards of 100k mi. read it in 4wd toyota owner a couple issues ago. they are a little spendy though...