I have a 3.4L V6 Toyota 4-Runner. I'm experiencing a loud engine roar, and sluggish performance. The gas pedal is also incredibly stiff. These symptoms happened after my former engine mechanic removed my right cylinder head to correct a cooling problem. I was wondering if you all have any ideas or suggestions of what could possible be causing the problem. My engine mechanic has no clue. Honestly, I don't want him near my 4runner anymore!

 

We need a bit more info here...

1. Year/mileage?

2. Describe the "roar" a bit more. Is it only at WOT (Wide Open Throttle), partial throttle, all the time?

3. If the gas pedal is really stiff, you need to check out the TB (Throttle Body) area. The mechanic may have screwed something up in that general vicinity.

 

Can't say as I blame you!

Well there are a few things (roar is a tough term to understand):
1) exhaust leak
2) vacuum leak (intake gasket or disconnected vacuum hose)
3) throttle cable bent or kinked
4) throttle cable badly adjusted
5) damaged throttle body

Sounds like the motor is just racing and won't idle, right?
Sadly, that is pretty major work so there are all kinds of things that could be wrong. :pat:

 

The 4Runner is a 1996. It has 159,550 miles. The roar sounds kind of like a wide open roar when u accelerate. Does this help any?

 

So your mechanic did the Headgasket on your 96? Out of curiousity, did you call Toyota with your VIN and see if your 96 was eligible for the Headgasket Recall? Mine was.

Funny, the HG problem on the early model 5VZ was external on the passenger side...

 

Actually he installed it wrong and it was causing my engine to overheat. This guy is a complete jackass when it comes to rebuilding. I wish a thousand times i would have gotten a salvage motor or got someone else to rebuild it. Now I'm trying to correct his problems. Everytime i let him honor his warranty, he f***s something else up.To be honest, If i could sue him and get my money back I would. As of now, I'm trying to correct this unusual engine roar when I accelerate and this stiff gas pedal.

 

Did he leave the air filter service port flap open? Not sure why he would be in there, but its a thought.

So what about the HG recall, are you eligible?

 

Actually he installed it wrong and it was causing my engine to overheat. This guy is a complete jackass when it comes to rebuilding. I wish a thousand times i would have gotten a salvage motor or got someone else to rebuild it. Now I'm trying to correct his problems. Everytime i let him honor his warranty, he f***s something else up.To be honest, If i could sue him and get my money back I would. As of now, I'm trying to correct this unusual engine roar when I accelerate and this stiff gas pedal.

 

Yeah, I heard you the first time but you still haven't answered my question...

 

I accidently sent it two times. I wasn't trying to be an a**. I'm not eligible for the hg recall, because the owner before had it done. I tried that before, but they refused to fix it. I'm guessing the head gaskets are fine, I just get an awful roar, and it is almost like the truck is struggling to go. This all happened after the driver's head was removed. I appreciate your help.

 

if it feels sluggish...and you had your engine rebuilt...but you are not feeling the performance...
you should try a compression test on ur cylinders...

well...i am a honda guy...so that's the first thing i would do...
maybe ur air filter is clogged to hell?

 

OK good. I was thinking, sheesh we are trying to help you out man!

Its all good then.

Well crap. How about the exhaust manifold? Could there be an exhaust leak? Have you peaked around in that area?