Hello again all.

My trouble with the 3vze continue. 91 4runner, 5 speed. Begun a complete rebuild of the engine, all cylinders this time were around 85 psi, car barery run. Timing was two teeth before on the crankshaft. The worst thing so far is that the left head is cracked. What should I do? Replace only one head, or both, or? I have an offer for a head, dude says it really doesnt matter which head is left and right, also he thinks they are interchangeable, but is this really true?

Thanks for every comment, guys!

 

The driver's side front cam cap has the mount for the distributor. You can't just move cam caps to a different head, they are machined to match. Seems to me you need a driver's side (left) head.

 

How do you know the head is cracked? If the crack is visible, it is possible (but not a given) that the other head has a harder-to-see crack

RockAuto has (bare!) cylinder heads for $305. You can use that number to evaluate alternatives.

 

Pressure tested with liquid, producing constant air bubbles. So you say its best to replace both heads? The other head will be checked once more to double check its condition.

 

I no authority on this, but if your existing head passed reasonable tests (pressure test, flatness, valve-seat condition), I'd keep it. Toyota heads don't really "wear out," something happened to your head to crack it. Unless you know the engine was WAY overheated, whatever it was could easily have happened to just one head.

 

Thanks Arlindsay, Scope. I found a used head in good condition that will order on monday, then pressure test and everything. If its good will put it on. So far no visible damage to the rest of the engine, meaning the crankshaft and so on. I hope this engine will be rebuild right this time, with special attention to the cooling system, so I could avoid overheating issues in the future. Crossing fingers, anyway