So i just got my truck back from the shop after letting them take care of the check engine light after it threw a lean code. They called me back telling me that i have a burnt valve and low compression in the #3 cylinder. its a 94 4runner 3.0L. the truck runs prefect but just with a bit less oomph and the annoying C.E. light lighting up my dash. they quoted the job at 2grand+...too much for me to deal with right now. damn this economy! So where can i go from here? how hard is the job? Realistically i want to pay less than a grand to fix it. if not I'm, selling it to start a clean slate with another yota

what do y'all think i should do?

 

I'd get it fixed. I'd also shop around, though. I'd also see how much of the labor that quote is for. I mean, you could save money by buying the bolt and gasket kit, pulling the heads and reassembling yourself. Just send the heads in for the repair.

In the future, have the valves checked/adjusted regularly. PM zlathim for some good info on that. Or, just search his posts.

 

As compared to the 22RE, the 3VZE is a PITA. I just finished a full rebuild on my 94 Runner and am glad it is finished. Assuming you will be getting the head milled and the valves reseated, you will have to adjust the valves. Determining the right shims is the worst part of the build and can take some time if your local dealership does not have a wide selection of shims in stock. Having said that....go for it!