I have a 1993 4Runner...took it in to have the head gasket replaced, and once they got it replaced it, "blew the cam on the right head"...I don't know that I know what that means other than I drove my truck in to be fixed and now I apparently need a new engine. I posted on here some time back about it needing a knock sensor, but apparently, it was worse than I thought. I have no internet at the house (I know...it's shocking) so I can only do a quick search at work...and I was wondering if anyone had some advice as to where I can start looking for a replacement engine. The mechanics at the shop were shocked when I said that I didn't want to just "walk away" from it, which I assume means they want my TITLE?!?!?! I am totally in love with my truck and would love to get it on the road. I am ok with paying them for the parts that they put on my truck (knock sensor and head gasket = $300ish) and they have stated that I won't be charged for labor or the machinist that they called in.

Any and all advice of where to find a motor, price range, etc is VERY MUCH appreciated. I would like to steer away from the 1988-1994 used 4runner engines as I understand that there is something in the engineering that leads to these devastating engine issues. In fact, I went so far to see if the recall of the head gaskets applied to my truck, and unfortunately the previous owner already had had it replaced...

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your responses. I need to get Shelby back on the road...it's canoe season!!
Dee

 

First things first, we are not mind readers so its always a good idea to tell everyone what engine your talking about. It will help get you some advice.

Next...Welcome to Yotatech.

 

im thinking u mean the v6 motor, so if only the right side head and cam are the issue then why replace the whole motor? and if u are going to replace the whole thing might want to just look at doing the 3.4 swap better motor and not the issues the 3.0 had.

 

Oh wow. My bad, I guess that would have been helpful information... SR5 4X4 V6 3.0...

And apparently the whole engine is "locked up". I don't get it. I drove it in there!!! This is apparently one of the most reputable places in town...but then again, I can't get this guy to call me back. It's tough being a lady in a "man's world"

 

3.4 swap.

 

I think they are trying to rip you off. There is no such thing as "blowing up a cam" in my honest opinion. Not saying its impossible to need a new cam... its just weird how they put it. And if you drove it in there then the motor is not locked up. Take it somewhere else and have them do a compression and leakdown test

 

Sounds like a tough situation. I'm sure it must be a 3VZE because a 22re doesn't have a right side head, only one head. I don't know why a new/used cam or a new/used right side head with the cam couldn't fix this problem. Something sounds a little fishy. I'd look into salvage yard parts first, next a salvage yard engine. I'd start here: http://www.car-part.com/

If you can do the work yourself I'd look into a 3.4 swap, but if you needed someone else to do the head gasket, it stands to reason the 3.4 swap may be over your head too.

If a whole 3VZE engine is required (again I don't know why it would be) I'd look for the same year or newer if possible.

Good luck

 

It is fairly common to fix one problem in a motor like that and cause the next weak point to let go... so i'm not saying chances are your motor is fine by any means... I'd just have someone else take a look

 

Here's one broken 3VZE cam: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...mshaft-138860/

Another couple:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...estion-111625/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/c...se-look-69461/

This is a 3.4 but happened right after a timing belt change:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/t...ed-cam-207271/

 

Thank you so much! I am more informed when I finally talk to this guy. I'm no mechanic, but I knew something didnt feel right. I don't mean to sound dumb, but what do you mean by a 3.4 swap?

 

in 96 to 02 they have a 3.4 liter motors better put together and more power. people put that motor in place of the 3.0 crap motors.

 

Removing the 3.0 (3VZE) engine and putting in a 3.4 (5VZFE) engine. Its a common swap here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f160/

 

Another pic of broken cam:

 

a 3.4 is a better engine than a 3.0... lokk here for more info as well as the engine swap section on this site.http://toyonlyswaps.com/

 

It's possible the shop did this...post 21 (like mt goat's pic) due to improper removal or install of the cam (post 25 for caution):

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...5-3vze-243403/

I think it's time to pay up and get it to another shop.....this shop sounds fishy to me.

 

Be nice to know where you live.

we have members all over the country and world.

it might be help is at hand nearby.

I have found it is very hard to find a good shop even those that come highly recommended !!

Hard to say they could be on the up and up but who knows.

Some things to think about how many miles on the engine?? What shape is the rest of the vehicle in?? there are those that hate the 3.0

It is so very easy to say swap up to a 3.4 but paying someone to do a swap like that if they have never done one is going to be very expensive.

Good luck no matter how this plays out.

 

well if it is a cracked cam i dont think it will cause the motor to lock up... a locked up motor is a lower end problem. if its just a cracked cam then all you gotta do is throw a new cam in there and your good to go! if you need a new motor for sure a rebuilt one will cost you around $1.5-2k... i just completely rebuilt my 3.0 for about $1200. it all just depends on what is wrong with yours... i wouldnt bother with a 3.4 if you need it fixed asap

 

First off, THANK YOU SO MUCH. Y'all have helped me so much already, I can't thank you enough.

As is, today, I'm going to spend $721.78 on parts (knock sensor, gasket set...seems high...too high, but I got to get my truck OUTTA there) i'm only slightly bitter...

The car-part.com link has been most helpful and it looks as thought the 3.4 swap is going to be the avenue I choose. I spoke with someone from a company that has centers all over America....LKQ--does anyone have an opinion or review of this company either way? I'd love to hear it.

Also, I live in Fayetteville, Arkansas...if help is close at hand...

Thank you so much again.