I believe that my 1990 4runner 3vze has position slap. It starts up just fine, no noise at all, even on a 10 degree startup. After full warm up, when driving or not in gear or revving the motor, it makes a clacking sound at 2200 to 2800 rpm. Noise is not present above or below these rpm levels. Sounds exactly like when the Predator in the movie makes that clicking noise, same speed and sound level. Seems to make the noise more when at 2500 rpm when letting off the gas or coasting coming off the high rpm's with the clutch engaged.

My brother thinks it's piston slap. It has 210,000 miles. I just bought it not knowing it had the noise because I test drove when cold, it had no plates, so test drive was short and previous owner lied to me. It's not a big deal because I purchased at a low price anyway. It also passed smog.

I have been researching for a rebuilt motor, but can only find reputable rebuilders for the 22re. Posts for 3vze motor rebuilds are old. I don't have time to rebuild it myself. Anyone know of any good recommended sellers? I am located in Reno, NV but I am willing to buy and ship in.

 

Piston slap is usually something you hear when the engine's cold and goes away when warm. From what you describe, it seems more like a valvetrain sound.

 

I have a rebuilt 3.0 for sale.Hows $1000 plus shipping sound?Maybe 40 k on it.

 

Yea exactly, maybe it's a spun bearing or a rod knock. I don't know. From what I understand about piston slap, when it's cold, the piston can rattle around in the space within the cylinder wall, and when it heats up and expands, it should quiet down. This is the opposite, only when warm at higher rpm, more so when letting off the throttle at high rpm or pressing the clutch when accelerating and up shifting.

if you can imagine the noise the Predator makes in the movie, it sounds just like that.

 

Thanks for the offer, but will pass for now. I'm still conducting research on what the problem is and how best to proceed. I am also considering a 3.4 5vze swap.

 

Are you sure it's not the PAIR valve?

 

Because of the issues with a 3VZ-E when it ages (worked great brand new!), you won't find a whole lot of people rebuilding that type of engine. 3.4 swap is more common but more work, obviously, since you have to change a few things. If I had the time and money I'd consider it myself.

 

What is a "PAIR valve?"

 

Time is the issue, I don't have much because I am salaried and work 70 hours per week. I can pull a motor and put in a rebuilt one if necessary, but don't have the time for rebuilding or a technical swap.

Anyone heard of this place:

http://www.yotashop.com/3-0l-toyota-...ed-long-block/

 

These are the only sites I have found:

http://raptorengines.com/index.php?m...l&disp_order=2

http://www.yotashop.com/3-0l-toyota-...ed-long-block/

http://www.toyconnection4x4.com/

http://toyotaperformance.com/3vze.htm

http://www.doaracingengines.com/v6-engines.html

http://www.sunwestautomotiveengines.com/lb-toyota.html

DOA and Toyotaperformance are extremely expensive. Any recommendations on these or other rebuilders?