I rolled my 4runner (1997 - 3.4L - 5spd) onto its side a month ago and just got it back from the salvage yard - called it a total even though there wasn't too much damage relative to the vehicle - still runs strong.


So, I've done research on what to do with the vehicle after the roll but pretty much turned up this quote,

"There have been several threads on what to do if the truck is rolled. First thing is to drain/refill all the fluids, then pull the plugs and crank it to blow anything out of the cylinders, then put them in and start it. Keep an eye on the coolant and oil, and change after about 500 miles."

which sounds like good advice. Being a newbie when it comes to engine work (I've mostly just done my own mods and installs and such with drivetrain, body, etc.) I want to play it really safe - I've gotta have a few more details on what to do.... So any help would be great and really appreciated -


1 - Plugs - probably a stupid question but I'm assuming spark plugs? I've already found the writeups on how to remove those but if it's any different than those ("changing spark plugs" - http://www.4runners.org/articles/sparkplugs/index.html) then let me know please


2 - "drain/refill all fluids" - ALL ALL the fluids? differential and stuff too? or just the ones in the engine bay? or just select ones in the engine bay that are vital to the car running?


3 - and I know some of you are laughing so far but what does "crank it to blow anything out of the cylinders" involve?


if there are any shortcuts I'd love to know them cause I don't have a lot of time on my hands especially since it's my only vehicle

thanks!

 

Cranking to blow anything out and drain and refill fluids is usually done when you submerge your vehicle.

 

really? I heard that oil could seep into the cylinders if the truck is on its side for a while (mine was on its side for about 30 - 40 minutes) - if I dont have to do it to that extent then that's great news

 

If you roll your truck, its very possible that you can get fluid in the cylinders. Need to get it out before trying to drive off. It is true that you should do all this when going through deep water and hydro locking your engine (should change diff fluids if breathers have not been added).

It's not hard, just takes a little time. Be better to go above and beyond what you SHOULD do sometimes to assure yourself your not going to be paying out the later for trying to shortcut something.

Pull the plugs like your going to change them.

Radiator, Oil mainly.


Turn the key over like your going to start the truck. When you do this, you'll want to take a plug out, crank it over and let what ever is in that cylinder blow out. Put that plug in, pull the next one and crank it over. Install that one, pull the next one and so on.



Shortcuts usually lead to things breaking down. Better to do it right once, then wrong 3 times.

 

Great! thanks for the good advice!

Just one more thing - when I crank the engine over while pulling the plugs - Do I pull them all out before I try cranking over, or do I leave it in, turn the key over, and pull one plug, put it back in after letting it all out of the cylinder...like you said there?

or do I pull them all out first, then keep one in there, pull it out when I turn over, let stuff out, put it back in, do the next plugs...etc?

sorry if it sounds redundant, just want to do it right.

 

After doing a little extra reading, crank the engine with the spark plugs removed to expel any fluid from the cylinders. Make sure the spark plugs are thoroughly dried before reinstalling them.

 

Hey - I think I said that! I'm famous!
Technically, if you only made it to the side (not the roof), then it's a "flop" not a "roll"

Yes, remove ALL the spark plugs like you're changing them (actually, if you don't know when they were changed last, it wouldn't hurt to change them) and then try to start the truck (turn the key, crank the starter). Fluids (water, oil) are not compressible, so if there is any in the cylinder and you were to try and start it with the plugs in, it could cause SERIOUS damage.

Yes, I mean ALL ALL the fluids. Oil, coolant, diffs, power steering, brakes - EVERYTHING.(you can just bleed the brakes really well) First, it's not a bad idea on truck that old anyways. Second, the seals and stuff are not designed for that kind of roll angle. Since you didn't go on the roof, you might be OK, but there are many stories of people who have flopped/rolled their truck, and think it's fine, then get stranded along the side of the road a month later. It's not THAT much money, and you'll learn A LOT about the maintenance of your truck. All the fluids are vital to the operation of the truck!

It shouldn't take that long to do all this - with experienced people, probably a few hours, probably more for you being it's your first time. Do you have someone to help, like you dad or something? If you need help, post up on here or your local chapter of www.ttora.com - there's probably someone close by that could show you how it all works.

 

Much better advice than I gave. I wasn't to sure about the brake fluid, diff's and power steering.

 

I had to do this. Someone tried to convince me that my engine was screwed. Then someone up at uwharrie told me about pulling the sparkplugs and put a little bit of gas in the sparkplug holes and use some to clean the sparkplugs. It'll smoke like crazy but mine has worked good since.