MAD 4Runner

Ok I'm sorry to beat an old subject up because I have found a lot of people talking about the head gaskest. I am going to attempet to replace my head gaskets. I order a kit for about $80 off ebay and has everything that the other head gasket kits have that I've seen go for $150. I have a manual from chilton. It seams like it might be ok if I knew more about the engine. I orderd the factory eneging book and then two days latter I go an email saying it would take 3 weeks for it to be published and then it would be sent out to me. I would like to know if there are any write up or other places I can look for a better "How To" then the chilton manual. Thanks for you help in advance you guys are great!

95 4runner 3VZ-E

DirtCheap

Try this link. The manual is the same for your year.
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-buchanan/93fsm/

GSGALLANT

The above link is for the '93 pickup. A lot of the stuff will be the same as the '95 4Runner, but a better choice would be to go here and get the '95 4Runner FSM.

DirtCheap

Engines are the same. I, have a 95 and use the 93 FSM.

MAD 4Runner

I just read something on the Knock sensor. Do I need to worry about this and if so what do I need to do?

GSGALLANT

Yep. The engines are, but the rear suspension, body, some of the electrical, etc... are different.

Bumpin' Yota

since you will be pulling the lower intake off, you will want to replace the knock sensor wire and for good measure the knock sensor itself...

As easily as I can get the pelnum and lower intake off, I dont want to do it again unnecessarily...

MAD 4Runner

Where can I get the wire and sensor?

Elvota

I have had good luck with these guys for factory parts.

http://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/

Very helpful over the phone and good pricing. Make sure they know you are calling from the internet.

Also, do not re-use the head bolts. Might want to think about changing water pump, oil pump, timing belt since you are in there. Headers could also be of consideration as this will help with overall performance and reduce some valve overheating problems.

Try http://www.engnbldr.com/ or http://www.partsdinosaur.com/ for those as well as various other parts you will need.

There is a ton of 3.0 HG threads on this site that I found very useful when I did my HG replacement.

Bumpin' Yota

if you want more performance you can also check out www.sea2skytuning.com for 3vz-e cams and engnbldr for larger intake and exhaust valves and his EPN 10.9 headbolts.

MAD 4Runner

So I just looked and a new Knock sensor will cost something liek $150, money I don't have right now ... what happens if I don't replace that and the wire?

Bumpin' Yota

well at least swap the wire. But if either fail you get a code for that and the computer SEVERELY retards the ignition timing resulting in a rediculously minimal amount of power and gas milage.

MAD 4Runner

Hooray!!! Its running. I just wanted to thank all of you for your help. It took me a better part of a month to replace but I learned a lot about my engine and what not. I also took the time to go through and clean every part I took off so that it is nice and shinny. Thanks again.