Hey All,

I have been doing some research this week after purchasing an 86 Extracab SR5 4WD and I am still in need of some answers. This is my first vehicle (17 years old) so I am still learning the ropes, but there is a lot I want to learn and do maintanance wise to this truck. First off, let me tell you potential problems I have noticed and then mention what I am trying to accomplish.

The truck has 200k on the odometer and is completely stock engine wise. It has had the basics replaced and taken care of (plugs, wires, clutch), but I believe it is still running on the OEM water pump and timing belt/chain.

The first thing I notice with the truck is a ticking that is coming from the engine/front exhaust area. This ticking gets more pronounced as more gas is given. I can tell the valves need to be adjusted, but it sounds to me like there is also an exhaust leak that is contributing to this sound.

Is this a common issue with these trucks? The exhaust is 100% stock at the moment, but I plan on changing this out down the road.

On the topic of valve adjustment, is there any information online or in a Chilton or Haynes that will walk me through adjusting them myself? I have adjusted the valves on an old school Honda Civic and assume the process is very similar, but I want to make sure I do it right the first time. If there is any online tutorial, that would be very helpful.

Can anyone tell me what the timing should be set to? When I just smogged the truck, the dude at the station backed off the timing by turning the distributor and it ran like poop after that, but passed the sniffer here in CA. I want to make sure I have the timing set correctly.

I want to change out the intake box for some sort of K&N system or something similar. Can anyone recommend something that would work well? I am not looking for a ton more power, just looking to change out the ratty induction system that is in there now.

I also want to swap out the exhaust from the header back. What would you guys recommend? I do not want it too loud, so keep that in mind. Any gained performance is a plus, but not my complete intention. The stock system has seen better days, so I want to put something fresh on there. Plus, the factory exhaust can double as a pea-shooter, so I want to open it up a bit and let her breathe!

On top of what I have mentioned here, what other maintanance/modifications would you guys recommend I do first? I literally just bought the truck a week ago, so all I have changed is the oil and spark plugs.

Thanks,
CJ

 

Here are a few links to get you going...
this one is the rebuild of the head and water pump. the end talks about timing. Great thread!!!
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...nt-pics-88722/

These two are on the intake
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...e-mods-168041/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...lation-177941/

Last one is on Seafoam.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-truth-160614/

I believe this is the correct setting for the valves (.008 intake, .012 exh) (.007, and .011 cold) I'm not 100% on this. and the timing is around 5 degrees.

Here is a thread on the valves, this is where I got the info. I redid mine and I think I set them at .007 & .011 cold. I know i have to readjust them a wee bit. Just a touch of chatter that I'd like to clear up.

 

Hard to say just from what you mentioned about what the ticking is. Exaust leaks are loud. Could be the timing chain slapping the timing cover...which means definitely time to replace. If the chain has never been done it's waaaay past due and you're probably close to wearing a hole through your timing cover and destroying your engine, so do that first. It could have been replaced at some point though, and you just don't know it. Not something I'd want to leave to chance so definetely change it.

Haynes and Chilton are ok, but a factory service manual is your best bet, and they are available for free download online, just search (google or something) for toyota truck fsm or something like that.