I just bought a '93 4Runner M/T 3.0 lt with 172K....the vehicle was poorly...or better stated, had null maintenance in the past 2 years.....I bought it from a friend that used to take it to the beach and the mud....did not wash it frequently and only changed the filters and the oil 2 YRS AGO!!!!!!......that is basically the history I got from my new rig.....are there DO's and DONT's I should pay attention to......

Also, I started by cleaning the vehicle to identify leaks and other issues that are covered by dirt....I power washed the vehicle (engine, doors, chasis, suspension, body) and now it seems that I created a severe ground fault....I tried to start the truck this morning but the batery is dead (totally).....is there some place I should start?

Thank's....

 

First don't:

Don't power wash the engine bay!

 

One hint that may lead to my electrical issue....after I wash the truck....the break and battery light turned on at the dashboard.....they turned off when I pushed the breaks....and back on....and off when pushing the breaks....?????.....I thought that it was a wet terminal that had a false contact and that the problem was going to go away after drying....the light's issues went away....but now I have the ground fault issue....any clue?

 

x2 On dont wash the engine bay

I made them same mistake, damn near killed my truck. Water and 4runners dont mix well at all in my experiance.

 

93 Runners with a 3.0 are a PITA ask TC and me how we know (We both own two)

Since it was on the beach check for rust, rust can KILL!!!

Here's our saga with TC's rig and rust...
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44914

 

Hey Guys and Girls,

I'm going to guess, that a relay is wet (internally) from the power wash.

Possibly the starter relay?

Thanks, Kiwi

 

The battery and brake light on at the same time are a sign that the alternator is bad.

 

X2, you probably pushed dirty water deep into the alternator.

 

Thank's for the replies....

Alternator was charging OK yesterday....

I run the truck for several hours....turned off/on several times....A/C, lights (I droved it at night), radio.....everything fine.....it was today when I tried to start the engine....did not start....looks like the battery is dead....I tried to charge it with another car and when I was connecting the negative of the other car's battery to the engine block of the 4Runner....when I got a big spark (that was my lead to a ground fault issue).....

So....one big question....

WILL I NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK ON WATER?....

 

my 4runner had the brake and battery light on also and it was draining the battery, I thought it was a bad alternator but one of the wires connecting to the alternator was sparking when i jumped the truck, make sure they are all connected tightly otherwise the alternator will suck every bit of energy from the battery.

 

hey lysmachia why not own 2 22res??? are they harder to find or something???
it never occured to me to even look at a 3.0 because my father had a 22re 87 and after he passed away inherited his 94 which is now my trail rig.. and when i got my dd it was from a friend... when i drive around i notice most runners have v6 on the front..which is a same because i love my 22 re as much as I love that old removable top!

 

I guess, I will adhere to my original plan.....charge the battery,,,,spray dry all electrical components....study the wiring schematics of the Haynes Handbook...start the truck and take it to the electrician to look for the fault (in case I can not find it thorugh the Haynes Handbook).....I may missled you by writing that I power washed the engine....I did it....but with some care.....I did severe power flush to the suspension and to the transfer case.....this is the first vehicle that had this problem after washing the engine.....Is this a 4X4 for dry conditions only?....

I looked for loose cables....but could not find any...I will review the started relay....I did not heavily washed the alternator.....was more that the rinse of water...the belts are a little loose, so I will replace them.....

Thank you....

I will post my findings....on Monday.....I am leaving town now.....NOT ON MY 4RUNNER.....on my wife's Ford Windstar.....whish I power washed today.... ;-)

 

The actual engine in fine, its just all the electronics that dont mix fair well with moisture. You might be okay by monday if it just drys out.

 

I got Tippy for a song... can't beat that!

 

thats amazing!!
it must have been a pretty good song!

 

Why not? I powerwash my engine bay whenever I wash the car, I just don't spray the exhaust manifold, the electronics and the intake.

 

Dude I wash my engine bay every time I wash my truck, I just stick a rag in my air cleaner opening, and my dist. cap is siliconed so water can't get in.. not to mention I waterproofed my coil... It doesn't do any harm, working on a clean engine is oh so much nicer..

 

I tell you what, if you can.... that will be one amazing truck.

 

Trailer wiring or one of the "big 3" is corroded

 

I wash my engine bay too with no ill effects. Avoid direct high pressure on the Alternator, coil/ignitor, and MAF area.

Once you get it dried out, I'd suggest getting under the hood with a spray bottle and wetting the electronics a little at a time. You don't want to be pushing through a flooded road and run into a BS electrical issue that can be fixed in your driveway now. Reliability = Toyota.

If the spray bottle doesn't work, step up to a garden hose. And silicone your distributor anyway... it's good preventative work.