I started up my 93 4Runner (3.slow 3VZE) this morning and it kicked over, made a grinding noise and stalled for a sec but then started. I shut it off and restarted it and it blew a huge cloud of white coolant scented smoke out of the tailpipe....
Does this sound like the head is cracked, warped or the head gasket needs to be replaced again? It hasn't been running hot at all, well according to the thermostat on the dash. It has actually been running pretty well for having 186,000 miles on it.

Thanks for any advice.

 

H.G blew again sorry

 

That's what I was afraid of. And, of course, I'm working on another project in the garage now that really can't be moved. Guess I'll take it to a local shop so they can have a look at it. I was thinking about doing the work but honestly that's a little out of my range of abilities.

 

has it been fixed by toyota yet, through the recall?

 

Yeah it has. I got it used but I called Toyota customer service and gave them the VIN. They ran it and told me that the HG recall was done and so was the steering recall. I guess this one is on me. LOL

 

bummer. considered an engine swap?

 

i'm thinking about it. a buddy of mine has a toyota parts place up in the SF Bay Area. hopefully he can offer some good insight. Which motor is a good candidate for a swap??

 

the 3.4 liter is the one you want to swap in. at least thats what evryone was telling me when i blew a piston

 

search 3.4 swap. tons of reading. thats what i plan on doing when mine takes a crap. Great engines imo,

 

3.4

 

cool thanks for the info guys

 

keep in mind an engine swap is also going to involve all the emissions equipment too just to keep it legal to drive on the road.

 

For some reason I thought the 3.4 was a direct bolt in swap. I think I'm going the 3.0 rebuild or remanu route. I'll probably end up selling the 4Runner after it's done anyway...

 

oh well, if you plan on selling it, i don't think the swap would be worth while.

but good luck on the rebuild!

Future toyota?

 

Well I may not sell it after all. This comes at at bad time though as I've just started another car project. Perhaps the 4Runner is jealous. I have a buddy that can help with the repair I just need to get my rig up to his shop. I'm still debating on doing just the HG repairs, rebuilding the motor all together or throwing a re-manu engine it it.