what's wrong with this 4runner?
 

I am looking into buying a 1988 4runner and the post says that most everything on the engine is redone or new. But oil is in the water, but water is not in the oil. What is wrong with it?

Could be many things. Could have been a bad engine build, leaking seal or head gasket leak.
You need to do a compression test on the motor first off. Then go from there.
Can't do a diagnosis on a truck unless you test some things first.
Need some data first...

lol-sounds like head gasket.

yeah the guy that is selling it thought it was the head gasket. i was just looking into it to see if it was a fairly quick fix.

Probably not a quick fix but if it starts getting the other way around (water in the oil) that new engine is going to eat itself fast, so whether you buy it or not somebody better take care of the problem. Water is not a good lubricant.

haha yeah, i think im gonna pass on this one.

An old car isnt something you want to get into if you're not hooked up with a mechanic, or not mechanically astute, or at least brave... even with this problem, it might be a good deal if its priced right, and in good shape. I'd rather work on the motor than the body....

I agree, if it's been taken really good care of and the frame & body are in good shape and you don't mind working on it, and the price is right, it could still be a good deal.

Negotiate!!!
 

Negotiate (assuming you like everything else about the rig) as though the engine needs a complete rebuild. The seller is faced with two choices, fix the problem him or her self, or walk away and let you worry about it. If the seller won’t negotiate along these lines walk away.

Is this the 4runner that you speak of ? My hubby and I are lookin for something like this too :) In the same price range, in WA or OR

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/cto/908765114.html

yep that is the one haha. ya i would love to get it but i cant at the moment. my mom wont let tear into something and leave it for long. and since im only 16 i dont have all the time i want.

with my dad's help i could easily have this as a project, and it would be really nice to have. its a pretty nice rig but i wont have the time i want until summer.

Wow, a 3vze with a 0.050" overbore.. I wonder what kind of parts he used..