Hi everyone. This is my first post on here. I just purchased a 1994 toyota pickup dx x-cab 3.0 v6 with 118k miles. The interior is near mint and runs nice.I've never owned the 3.0 engine before always the 22re..can anyone give me some tips on the good and bad with these engines.seems like all I read is a lot of bad on them..I do hear a light valve tap? Is this common? The head gasket and timing belt have been replaced..I paid 3200 for it..good deal? My brother thinks I overpaid but he's doesn't know how much they hold there value and how reliable these pickups are..thanks again

 

3VZEs Are not bad Engines, Ive seen way more 22RE HG failures than 3VZE...thats not to bad what you paid for it. sounds about right..I paid 3500 for my 92 in may of last year.

3VZEs are very good engines as long as you take care of them..


Welcome to YT

 

Thanks man..with 118k miles and one owner I feel it has a lot of life left in her. Thanks again for the info.take care

 

these motors are known to have some noise from them, valve train wise, so i wouldnt worry about it too much unless its loud. as for what u paid not bad it sounds like, enjoy the truck and have fun with it, u will love it.

 

Thanks for the info..thanks the truck is awesome

 

Just purchased a 94 with 118k miles new to the 3.0 engine is this common? Thanks kevin

 

Anybody else have this problem. Just purchased a 94 dx with 118k miles at first start up engine races the idles normal after 30-45 seconds or so, is this normal? Thanks kevin

 

Please stop creating multiple threads. Merged.

:wabbit2:

 

Sounds like you got a pretty good low mileage truck.

2wd or 4wd?
Auto or manual?

Mine wasn't taken care of very well when I got it. The block coolant drain on the drivers side feed the oil cooler. The cooler acts like a rust filter and plugs up the hose so check that when you do your fluid change.

The ticking could be the injectors. They are pretty loud.

Idle up at start up is normal but I think you are hearing the radiator fan. Mine sounds like its racing at start up and even when I'm slowing driving away. It quiets down by itself within a minute with no rpm change. The fan clutch has a viscus fluid in it which needs to warm up to bring the fan speed down.

If you have a manual the clutch pedal bracket can crack and break. If you have problems trying to fix a spongy pedal look up at the bracket. Mine went at around 200k so you may have awhile to go.

 

my ex wife just took my 94 3.0 i loved that truck yes mine idled high at first start up and would slow after a wile i also found that it did it for less time after i found a vacume leak that thing ran great yes it dosnt make a ton of power but mine never failed to start and get me where i needed to go i dont think you paid to much i loved mine enjoy it and wen if you still own it when the engine dose go then you can do a 3.4 swap if you want more power

 

There is a sticky around here somewhere that is BRILLIANT READ on the 3.0 & this truck in general. READ IT!!!

The ticking is MOST likely the fuel pulsation damper. Normal.

I recommend you thoroughly flush the coolant system (don't forget to leave the heater core open as well) then put ONLY Toyota Red coolant ($25 from dealer; WORTH IT) at a 50% mixture or less (not less than 40%) with distilled water only. % depending on your environment.

High idle for a few seconds after start is normal also.

Welcome & congrats!

Where are you located?

 

My 3.0 has a little tick too. I asked my friend who has worked on a lot of 3.0 engines and he said there is a rubber seal around where the steering shaft goes through the firewall. These wear/rot out. Since it is right near the exhaust manifold it gets a little noisy there. Sure enough when I got down on the drivers side floor with the hood open, i could see daylight through the seal. I Duct taped some reflectix foil/bubble insulation around it and took it for a drive and the tick was considerably quiter. I plan on getting the seal from the dealer next time I am there.

I had my 3.0 headgasket blow 2 weeks into owning it and with a friends help did the head gasket, valve job, thermostat, water pump, timing belt and idler. I was pissed at the time, but it was a great learning experience and I appreciate my engine a lot more now.

 

A proper functioning coolant system is KEY to the life of a 3vze engine. If you overheat it, expect a blown headgasket at some point in the next 30,000 miles. If you EVER detect any sort of coolant leak, find & fix it FAST.

Main reasons for an overheat are clogged radiator, non-functioning fan clutch, and worn out water pump