96 4runner project
 

Hello everyone, im in the process of buy a 96 4runner that needs a new engine... My question is if I could put a newer year engine... I found a few 2001 engines. Thank you

Yaaaaaa!!!!! Soo I fanilly bough my 97 4runner. The PO told me the cylinder 3 have low pressure soo im going to do a pressure test tomorrow

You can. Any year 96-02 just look at the exhaust they are different manifold wise and flage think it goes 96-99. 2000-02

well. here it is, my 97 4runner 4wd, auto tranny, with 225K miles. low compression on cylinder #3, no dents, paint ok, clean interior. sunroof. Found it on CL for $1500. I think I got a deal.

Attachment 164587

Looks good! Body looks very clean for that mileage.

You should try the seafoam/marvel mystery oil stuff before you do anything super expensive with that low compression. Texas_Ace has a great writeup on how to do the treatments and most have had good results.

Yeah, I think you got a pretty good deal on that. 4Runners around here seem to hold their value pretty well. I'd be shocked to find that for $1500 near me. Nice buy!

is there a way to get the CEL codes without the OBD2 scanner code reader... None of the auto part in my area do it for free. :(

It's a good del got mine for 1600. Have fun with the motor swap lol. It's a pia. U dont have to remove the radiator, or disconnect the power steering or ac just unbolt them and hold them out of your way. You will have to unplug all the connectors off the tranny because all the wiring comes out with it. Got any more questions feel free to ask or pm me just got done with mine 3weeks ago. Ps it's worth it in the end

thank you crazypaint!!! Im going to get the CEL codes first and see what I got to work with... The PO wasn't not sure what was wrong with the engine.... He was telling me one thing and his wife was telling another.. the 4runner run good so I'm going to start from the cheapest solution.

Ok, so last night I went and bought me a cheap OBD2 scanner code reader.. I just come back from checking the codes and I got three codes
P0303
P0300
P1300

Im going to chance the cables and spark plugs today, any suggestion on the brands

Soo, I changed the spark plugs and cables. still have code P0303 and cant take spark plug from cylinder #3.... soo it seem that I might have to replace the engine after all... if you have any suggestion, you be more that welcome..
here is a pic of the old spark plugs
Attachment 164394

Any suggestions on how to take a stuck spark plug out of the head.. I even tried cheater bar to break it loose but woulnt bunch!!!

Did you shoot some PB Blaster or other penetrant down the hole?

Hmm, needs dual electrode spark plugs too. :)

yeah!!! I put wd40 over night and nothing happened...

Wd40 and blaster are different. Blaster is what you need for this project

Like crazy said, use PB Blaster overnight and you should be able to get the plug out.

Also, like he said, you should use dual electrode spark plugs. Instead of having one little metal thing on the end, they'll have two. There should even be a little picture on the timing cover on the front of your engine that shows a little picture of the two, with a big "x" through the single electrode plug.

As far as what brand plugs and wires, ONLY use NGK/Denso plugs and wires. You will save yourself time and trouble by paying a little bit more for the OEM stuff. You don't have to go to the dealership, they sell Denso/NGK wires and plugs at your local parts store.

Here's plugs you should use:

These:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...034%7CL3*16071

Or these:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...034%7CL3*16071

And here's the wires you should use:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...034%7CL3*16072

UPDATE!!!!!!!! Thank you guys!!!!! I went and bought the PB Blaster and let send overnight and it work!!!!!! Well, with a little of elbow grease too but I did it.. Change the spark plug and no more codes!!!!!!!!
spark plug #3
Attachment 163993
new one with a lot of the anti?
Attachment 163994
and the next thing i'm replacing on the engine... but why are soo expensive?????
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...923%7CL2*15034
Also, as I was doing the test run, I tried to run the A\C but it wasn't cold at all.. So I check this little tank. I forgot the name of it, but isn't it has to be green when the A\C system is full?

oooppppssss!!!!! I forgot to post the pic of the A\C
Attachment 163992

you likely have a leak somewhere if you can't see any fluid. I'm having to replace my condenser in a month or so.

Nice job getting the old plug out. Good idea with the anti-seize, but try to keep it on the threads only, lol. And like chadsy said, you probably have a leak somewhere.

My AC system has been leaking for the last few years. It must be a pretty small leak though, because I haven't been able to find it, and it takes months for the system to lose the refrigerant and fail to cool. Before every Summer I just go get a can from the parts store and recharge the system. I usually forget about it until the following Summer. It's cheaper for me to spend $20/year on A/C than to go have it worked over.

EDIT: Also, I see you posted that you're changing the boot on one of the coil packs. Is there something wrong with yours? If you're talking about getting new coil packs, you should go OEM.

Wouldn't it be nice if every engine swap was really just a bad spark plug? Congrats