954x4runner

I havent bought the gaskets yet, but i was thinking of going with the engnbldr gasket set. I would like to go with mls gaskets but i dont want to pull out the block and resurface that. The heads are at the machine shop getting resurfaced, and a full valve job. They should be done this week hopefully.

SnowDrive215

Right on. I hope the shop does an excellent job...how are your camshafts? mine had a crack in the collar or whatever it was called...bought a new one for 50 bucks your block should be fine for MLS gaskets...you just have to measure the flatness with a straight edge and a spark plug gapper thingy mabob haha but either way graphite will be fine...just dont ever let it overheat. MLSG handle head motion like a champ! I would also recommend replacing the coolant temp sensor/knock sensor wire and get your injectors serviced, Witch Hunter in WA does an excellent job. It all adds up and your 3VZE will be happy and purr like a cougar.

So far with my low budget build has seen about 500 miles or so and it's doing great except for a small exhaust leak, leaking a bit of oil but that is my trans going out....oh joy....still havent found one yet.

Thor95

One other thing I would do while you have the intake off is replace the metal coolant line that runs from the front to the back.
Mine has a patched up crack (rot) in the rear where part of it branches off. It cracked AFTER I had everything apart changing water pump and timing belt.

wildfire124

thanks

SnowDrive215

Good idea! I dont even remember inspecting that part. I should have just replaced all three parts while I was in there. Next time right?

ToyTank

Guys, I just blew my HG on my 95 wondering if there is anything specific to look out for. This is by far not my first rebuild but it is my first 3VZE, I just did the TB on it 2 weeks ago so I'm good with the front of the engine just seeing if there are any tricks to the intake/exhaust/cams/heads that aren't mentioned in this thread. Thank in advance.

jammin962

ToyTank I would agree with Thor95 about replacing that water by-pass pipe while you're down there ... I'm replacing mine right now do to a good sized coolant leak underneath the intake manifold.

I ordered it here for $63 ...local dealer wanted $114

http://www.toyotapartseast.com/Page_...3611,3614,3615

I have a couple pics on my thread too that show the pipe.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...t-leak-249438/

Good luck!

jammin962

That Toyota link I put on here isn't working for some reason but look up your vehicle on that site and you can find "no. 1 water by-pass pipe" in the radiator & water outlet section

ToyTank

OP sorry to thread-jack but this seems like an appropriate place.

Thanks man, now I got another question, I talked to a buddy of mine who has had the pleasure of owning 3 3.slows and he tells me that judging by my symptoms its not a HG but rather an internal leak on the water passages of the lower plenum gasket, has anyone ever heard of this?

Symptoms:
Last night drive home from work, truck drives fine.
Get ready to leave about a hour later, start truck and produce huge cloud from the exhaust.
Add a bottle of BARs Stop Leak (temp fix) and smoke stops and does not come back, truck still drives fine.
Leaving Burger Joint after dinner, no smoke, CEL comes on code: 25 - O2 low output.
On the way to work today truck starts overheating while in stop and go traffic but quickly cools off when I start moving.
Leaving work I add about 1/4 gallon water to the radiator.
As soon as I hit traffic truck starts to overheat again when idling, BUT if sitting still I hold revs at 2k-3k the temp drops to normal.
5 miles from home pull into gas station and add about 1/2 gallon water.
Drive home with 0 problems?

I replaced the Timing Belt along with all of the components 2 weeks ago so I'm ruling out water pump and thermostat. I am going to get the CO test kit right now to see if there is exhaust in the coolant because there is no milkshake anywhere and it doesn't seem to be loosing power at all (whatever power a 3vze has lol) just coolant with not the slightest bit of smoke or steam from the exhaust. I'll get back with results. Thanks all.

SnowDrive215

Hey man i say take it slow and dont cut corners. remove the heads together but install the passenger side head first but only finger tighten the head bolts so you can get the driverside head attached. fingertighten the exhaust bolts to the head, torque CORRECTLY to manufacturers specs, then torque the exhaust down. toughest time i had with the rebuild. you'll be fine. it was easy

SnowDrive215

you're head gasket is busted and will only get worse. you're leaking in coolant to the combustion chamber....obviously...add only distilled water but you need to fix it before things get worse...USE Multi Layer Steel Gaskets...they will never fail with holding in coolant and oil...DONT USE GRAPHITE!!

ToyTank

Thanks for the replies guys, I did the HG job this past weekend and I must say I want to castrate whoever engineered this engine, so many things could've been done better starting with the placement of a lot of nuts and bolts an ending with the infamous x-over pipe. It took me about a total of 20 hours start to finish (longest HG job I've ever done), I did use MLS gaskets and replaced all other accessible gaskets while I was in there. The tear-down and cleaning took 2/3 of the entire 20 hours. It seems to be running very well, a bit on the hot side but I haven't had a chance to flush the cooling system yet and am running on only water (distilled) until I get a couple hours to do a full on flush. Having done this now I can tell you about most of the roadblocks you'll encounter so if anyone has any questions please feel free to pm me. Thanks again for all the suggestion gents.

SnowDrive215

congrats man!! yeah i agree this engine sucks to work on especially the passenger side. but it is a good engine...it can last a long time with the proper maintenance it took me over a month to rebuild but it's my first HG replacement ever. roadblocks were popping up everyday.

SnowDrive215

Here's an update on the rebuild....trust no mechanic!! haha ok ok I'm just upset about a shop called Candy Man Automotive or something in fontana california. My valves sound awful and the valve covers leak like crazy!! They even painted the aluminum heads grey or silverish grey. I'm pissed...I worked so hard on this thing to only have to eventually tear it apart and have the heads worked on properly. it runs good/ok ish...but there is a lot of clicking/chirping/clacking....its ugly. runs good besides a few thing, no smoke, no sweet exhaust smell, no leaks other than the valve covers which are really really bad. I spent a tremendous amount of time cleaning and prepping and slowly put it back together. didnt leak for a few weeks or months but it leaks so bad now...a quart of oil every few weeks.

I think the problem with the heads are the exhaust valve seating. I'm wondering if they did not check if they elongated....?....I have no experience with valves but from many many months listening and feeling out the noise thats what I think. My plan is to buy new or well rebuilt heads and swap them out on a weekend. then rebuild and sell my old ones to try and break even. good idea?

Any professional/experienced advice out there? I need help since I'm in a tight spot now.

My starter just went out...going to research that too...help please!!!!?????!!!!!???!!!

TNRabbit

Check with Ted @ engbldr.

coopster

Hey, SnowDrive.
How many miles did you put on it since the headgasket? You used the MLS gaskets, right? Never any problems?

I ask because I'd like to know. I've heard that you should have the deck and the heads milled when going to MLS. I had bunch of work done on my block in 2011, then ran into ring gap issues, and shortly thereafter moved. Never got a chance to finish the build.

(So, just using the 4R'r as as excuse to pay monthly rent on shop space 200 miles from here. Yeah, i know... not the brightest crayon in the box).

On other hand, would love to put in a 3.4 anyway. Hell may as just throw money at it now.

Toreador

I will be doing this job soon.
Did you ever find out the problem? the fix?

johndoe13

if you were previously running conventional oil have you decided to run synthetic oil after the hg job? may be the issue

SnowDrive215

I tried synthetic before and it didnt like it. I run heavy heavy heavy lucas 20w40 now. it runs good....just need to fix the speedometer guage so it runs the correct A/F mixture...and the oil leak out of the valve covers....be sure to use blue lock tight on those bolts

SnowDrive215

here's an update. Still running strong....havent touched the engine and still drive it daily. it does leak a lot of oil but I have been cleaning up and filling up every so often. annoying yes but I dont have the time or a spare car to fix this issue yet. I will have to kill all those birds on a three or four day weekend....sooner than later.

I have to hand it to these engines...I have driven an extensive amount of miles in blistering desert heat and treacherous snowy mountain roads with some issues restricting its performance and efficiency. I will never want to get rid of this 4runner since it has transported me and my little family safely all over Southern California while it is still in serious need of repairs. Thank you Toyota.

Here's a list of items/parts needing repair/replacement/maintenance:

-Tie Rods(super squirrely when breaking from high speeds)
-Steering Rod Relay (recall. dont know why I have lagged on this item Free Fix @dealer)
-4 Shocks(completely shot)
-Speedometer Cable(broken, causing major performance problems)
-Timing Belt Kit(way overdue and will run better for sure with new complete kit)
-PCV valve clogged(maybe causing Crank Case Gasses to push oil out of valve covers)
-Started died...rebuilt it but the contacts were toast so opted for new one. easy fix.
-O/D light does not come on but the A340E Trans shifts to all 4 gears.

Thats pretty much all of the major issues lingering over my head still....
It needs a lot of work but the fact that this baby will fire up first try EVERY time I need it is what counts. So far so good and by the grace of God I am still a live and making it to work everyday. I need a miracle to get this baby together so I can safely transport my daughter around too... God bless Toyota