The guy I bought this Pickup from said it would need new rod bearings and a timing chain tensioner in the near future. I've been driving it over a year and just put in a new clutch, but haven't had any other problems other than it goes through quite a bit of oil.

A friend said I should just drive it until it dies, then replace the engine rather than messing with it now. I'm just beginning to learn to work on my truck, and the clutch was my first major repair.

I'd like to do what I can to keep it from dying and maybe get it in shape to keep it running for a long time.

Any suggestions?

 

maybe pick up another block to rebuild before you totally hose your current engine.

read up from various sources, educate yourself...

 

thanks for the tip!

 

hmmm guy you got it from kinda sounds a little odd telling you it would need rod bearings, cus you really shouldn't just "replace" rod bearings. You'd be wasting your time because if the bearings are making noise then the crank has suffered as well. What the guy should have told you instead is that the engine would need a rebuild in the near future.

 

The guy is a pretty good mechanic as far as I know, so I don't know why he said that. I was just happy to get a truck that runs and gets decent gas milage for $800. It doesn't seem to be making any unusual noises, but I'm just learning to work on my own truck. I work seven days, so finding the time to do an engine rebuild seems pretty daunting right now. I'm wondering what I can do in the meantime to keep it running.

Is there anything besides oil changes and not pushing it too hard that will help prevent problems?

I'm glad I found this forum. It was very helpful doing my first clutch job. Thanks!

 

valve stem seals and a new timing cover would help prevent problems...

Bad valve seals will lead to consuming oil, and the steel oil pump ring has prolly wore a groove in the TC cover by now. And if oil can get behind it, that makes the oil pressure lower...



Still trying to figure out warning signs of a 20/22R/E chain tensioner though...

Most I've seen are either in pieces in the bottom of the pan or the snubbers have a groove that matches the chain in them (that you can't or hardly can see from looking down the engine) or working properly...

Never seen one "going out"


Just make a PM list and as time is available, giterdone!

Start with a tune-up, oil change, and use a Toyota filter...

I'd go 20/50 Castrol and Toyota filters if it was me.

OEM plugs, wires and cap...

Then be hunting a 81-84 22R to bolt that 20R head to... For a 20/22R Hybrid motor

 

Thank you! I'll get started on those things.