I'm looking at buying a 1997 4runner with the 3.4L, i went out to see it and it was -19 Celcius and it wasn't plugged in. When he started it there was a rattle for 3-5 seconds and then it was gone. Then it ran like a dream.
SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT THIS ENGINE OR NOT?

NOW, some history on the vehicle you should know, it was sitting for 18 months, the guy said he started it once or twice a month. There are no oil leaks and it appears to have been well taken care of. Also the coolant was like a brownish water, not very clean in other words.

 

If you do decide to, you will need to drain all fluids and replace with new. My concern would be sitting that long that some of the seals may have dried up.

 

I've got replacement fluids, i just really need to know if the rattle at start up is anything i should be worried about?

 

Bump....

 

Super cold temps equals thick oil equals bad flow equals startup noises. Get it in a heated garage and see if it still does it.

I would check compression and manifold vacuum too.

 

Its not that hard to rebuild those things. Ide buy it and build it quick.

 

That is great info guys thank you, if anyone has more info don't hesitate to post. Otherwise I'm still going to get it.

 

Cold weather does weird stuff to engines. Like already said, in weather that cold, oil will need time to flow and until it does...there is going to be "noises".

I'd buy it...

 

my 3.4 sometimes makes start up noises when i forget to plug her in. if it only lasts a few seconds, its not a big deal. i would not make a habit out of not using a heater, because overtime parts will wear out faster.

were seeing around -25c in the mornings and the heater makes a huge difference

 

So really ive got nothing to worry about then. Good to hear, next week i can start my 3.4 swap finally.

 

coolant was brown? Not a good sign. Did he run straight water in it? is it rusty? coolant should either be toyota red, or aftermarket green. Not brown.

 

not too sure, gonna have a better look tomorrow but it appears to have been just water. would i be looking at any short term or long term damage if it was rust in the water? i will be putting in toyota stuff tomorrow when i pick it up.

 

....use distilled water on the coolant refill.