A local junk yard has a used 3.4 from an apparently wrecked 96 runner with less than 100k miles. Motor has been pulled. The yard is saying they have no additional info on the motor, they want 600 for it, as is. So what should I check when I go look at the engine?

Some things off the top of my head:

-Check the fluids, discolored oil, coolant
-Bring a square to check for a warped head
-Check for complete wiring harness, though I am not sure exactly it looks like intact


I am relatively new and have never done an engine swap, but I am considering it for my 3.0. My 3vze is running well with 170K. This will be for down the road.

Oh, and I searched, extensively...

 

sounds-like a good deal, but in addition to what you mentioned make sure it comes with the wiring harness, ECU, air flow meter, and ignitor. if it dosent keep looking those parts can be pricy and hard to find.

 

3.4 swap is best done when you have the complete donor vehicle, not just a motor.

:wabbit2:

 

What is the yard's return policy/warranty? It could be you get this installed, go to crank it over and a rod shoots through the oil pan... are you going to be screwed out of $600 then? Will they stand behind it for a few months, or is it a "no returns, good luck" kind of place? How much "stuff" comes with it for the price? Like what smithy said; the stuff to make it run can be expensive at times. You may need the entire evap/emission system too... maybe hold out for a whole vehicle if you can.

Good luck...
>>Dan