I've found an 86 4runner in good shape for 500bucks. Heres the thing that bothers me. His states it needs a timing belt and will provide a new belt (chain). If the chain broke doesnt this mean that the engine is bad off? If I do get it, its for weekend wheeling only and wont be a dd. Thanks guys

 

I would go for it... may need some head work done, that's not much though. The timing kit is around a $120, a head job and some valves will be$1-150ish. For a straight runner, thats not bad. Providing you will be doing the labor that is, if not... it's a big investment.

 

Well, there's bad and there's BAD. Bad could just be worn out guides and a lot of slapping sounds that also could also mean a timing chain cover that is being or has been, eaten through. BAD like snapped (can that happen?) means you tow it home and start looking for someone to put the new motor together. There isn't much room between the pistons and valves and BAD would be REALLY BAD

 

Thanks