Bad News... I need your help.
 

Well, i just got a call from my mechanic about an hour ago. The ticking noise is not good. Three of the Mechanics came up with three different possibilities. I couldn't hear what they were individually, because his cell phone wasn't getting good reception, but he pretty much advised that i need to get a new engine, or i need to sell the truck off. However he said that it's not that bad right now, so i still have a bit before i need to do anything about changing the engine. I'm gonna go to the dealer tomorrow, and pick up the truck, and i'll try to find out exactly what the 3 things they think is wrong with it. They made their guesses as best as they could without taking the engine apart. They think the noise is coming from above the oilpan, and i think he said something about a main bearing and something about pistons. The mechanic i go to, is a good family friend, so i trust his opinion.

Since i'm studying ethics at school, i don't think i'd feel very comfortable selling my truck off fully knowing that the engine is not in good condition. So my next move is to find a new or used 4-runner engine for the least amount possible. If anyone can help me find a 3.4L V6 that i can swap into my truck, i would be very grateful. (oh by help me find i meant tell me where to look: junkyards, websites, cheap dealerships in the washington DC area)

Thanks everyone, and i'll probably post some more information tomorrow when i know more about what is actually wrong with it.

-Jay

If your engine will last you through the sememster, I would get a 3.4. Ive read of people buying 3.4s with less than 50kmiles for under 2grand. I figure you can get everything done right for 3.3-4.3 grand and that sounds kinda high, but im sure a 3.0 (assuming thats what i think i read you had) it would cost almost the same. Good luck man.

such a new engine with that kind of problems? thats retarded, shouldnt they last for more than 4 or some years? how many miles does it have? there arent any warranties? i have 91 3.0v6 and its running great. :T im sorry though, i hope everything works out.

if u want more power, and since u will be dumpin in a new engine, get a chevy v6 :)

oh sorry, i didn't clarify. i presently have a 3.4L V6 in the truck right now. I just need to know where to look for a cheap new or used engine. I checked www.toyotaparts4u.com and they didn't have what i needed. that's pretty much the only parts website i know of. so any other sites that people know of would be a great help to me. also, if anyone lives in the DC area, and know of any places that sell used parts that would also be a great help.

however i was wondering, since i am going to buy a new or used engine... would a 2003 V6 be swappable into a 1997? sorry, it's kinda early for people to know... but i was just taking a shot in the dark.

oh, and thanks 96_First_Responder for that insight. i was expecting to pay about $5000 so anything under that is excellent.

-Jay

It sounds like you've been given a diagnosis equivalent to "Terminal Cancer" based on a simple physical exam. I'd sure want something more definitive before writing off your present engine.

Who did the workup on your truck? Dealer? Independent mechanic? Did they recommend further teardown for a more solid diagnosis?

How many miles on the truck? Any associated symptoms like smoking exhaust, oil pressure or "Check Engine" light on, coolant level dropping, high oil consumption, etc.? Does it seem to miss? Is power OK?

The 3.4 engine has seemed to be very reliable and durable thus far. I'd want to know more before plunging into a new engine or another truck. If the truck's in good shape otherwise without too many miles, I'd think you'd be prudent to spend a few more bucks to firm up just what's wrong.

Good luck.

yeah, it's a '97 with about 105,000 miles on it. it's pretty sad. my dad's got a '96 with less miles and it doesn't have any problems. Also, we had a '90 with 275,000 miles on it, and it was perfectly fine when we sold it back in '96 :dunno:

-jay

sorry for so many posts.

i was also wondering if anyone knew the part number for a new engine? and also what other toyota cars use this specific engine. Tacos, 4 runners, and what years use them. do 1996 runners have the same engine as a 2002?

thanks again,


-jay

Same deal
 

I just had a similar problem with my 1st Gen, drove out from NoVA to WV and by the time it got back it had a loud clacking sound under certain conditions. Only 115,000 miles.
Same diagnosis, "We won't know what it is until we start taking it apart". In other words, write a blank check.
I decided that since my engine was old anyway, any repair I made would likely be followed by another so I just got a reman engine put in. Took 3 months to research the install, find the engine and installer, then get it back after one glitch with the oil pump. Have had it back since Monday.

Got This engine, http://midatlanticengines.com/specials.htm
However, If I could have pulled it off I would have dropped a Toyta specialist's souped up rebuild in it.
Either, http://www.doaracingengines.com/4cyl.html or
http://www.lcengineering.com/home.htm

If you're going to get a new engine, might as well keep driving it easy if you need to (I only commuted, had to rent for T-giving and XMas) and take the time to really find the right deal or the ideal replacement. My GF hated my guts cuz it took so long but now that we have it back I think she appreciates the 3 year warrantee, unheard of for any 89 vehicle.

If not, might as well start right now and get this one fixed.
Wish I could give you some contacts, but I'm into the old runners.
Good luck.

Wierd... I have 140,000 miles on mine... no problems.

Have you thought about a crate engine? A Chevy 350?

I have also heard Isuzu turbo diesels are a good swap for Land Crusiers but I don't know...

i really wish i could do a nice engine swap. but would anything else be as reliable as a yota engine? i guess it's kinda funny that i'm asking myself that question. but what can you do? sometimes you just get stuck with the runt of the litter.

I went and picked up my truck today at the dealership. It turns out that it was the main bearing. The mechanic took a look at it last night. So he says that the wear on it doesn't look too bad. However he said that the remaining life on my truck's engine can vary anywhere from a month to a couple of years. He advised that if i didn't want to sell, the best thing for me to do would be to ride it out, until the noise gets really bad, and then return the engine to him. He has a hookup at an engine shop that will completely disassemble the engine and clean it out and in the process they'll fix the bearing problem and whatever else is broken. He said the total process would cost about 4000 labor, shipping and all. According to him, the fixed engine will run a lot better than if i bought a new one.

so, i'll either reply to you guys about this in a month or 2 years letting you all know how it went. :rolleyes:

again thanks for all the help and support.