Got some discouraging news today. I had two mechanic friends of mine tell me the knocking sound coming from my 3VZE when revved up is piston slap. It seems to be coming from number 6 cylinder where the head gasket failed. They said when you get water in the cylinder, the chamber can't compress water (of course it can vapor/air), and the forces from trying to compress the water can crack the piston or cock it. They said if I keep driving it the piston could crack (if it already isn't), possibly break the skirt, or possibly blow through the side of the block. They said to try grounding the spark plug wire from the #6 the plug (to eliminate spark), start it up and see if I still get the knocking (basically takes a lot of the stress off the piston with no combustion). As some of you may know, I posted a thread last week on repairing a blown head gasket on 3VZE motors (subject: "Just finished 3VZE V6 head gasket replacement - How it went..."). I guess that's the risk you take buying a broken truck like I did. I guess I can replace those head bolts now... ha ha.

So yes, now I'm looking for a reputable supplier of a rebuilt 3VZE 3.0 V6 short block. Does anyone have any suggestions? It's preferable to have one in the southeastern Pennsylvania area, so I could p/u to avoid shipping. Any info is appreciated....

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94 'runner SR5 3VZE with new heads and busted #6 piston

 

HERS THE POST FROM HIM ON MID ATLANTIC TTORA

complete 3.0 (90)locked up from oil leak complete with harness and pcm air box and all ☺☺☺☺☺ needed to install $300 5spd for same truck $150 t case for same truck $100 not shipping will trade for tires and rims 35-38.5"

 

check out orient engines. 2k is pretty reasonable for a fully rebuilt block. you'll have to pay for shipping but it's not much.