Hi everyone.
Just wanted to say you have a great forum here. The level of expertise is awesome!!
I just purchased my first SUV.. a 93 'runner SR5 V6 auto w/ 128,000 kms (80000 miles) and I'm ready to take on my new hobby.

I'm looking into the typical things like Head Gasket change and I'm trying to find out if the timing belt has been changed yet.

One thing I'm pretty disgusted with is the fuel economy... I was expecting it to be bad but I'm only getting 18 mpg on the highway. And that's imperial gallons..

This is my short -term fix-it list and I'm hopin' someone can help fill in the blanks..

1. Change engine oil to Mobile 1 10w30 (tomorrow)
2. Change timing belt and possibly water pump if ness.
3. New plugs, caps, rotor, and wires (these are original).
4. K&N Air filter.

and my questions are:

1. Have many of you had to replace your water pump?
2. What are the best choices for the tune-up kit?? Toyota replacement or aftermarket parts where applicable?

Once the above is complete, I'll get around to an entire drive-train fluid change, coolent change, and brake fluid change.
Hopefully the tune-up will help a little with the gas mileage.
Well that's it for now..
Thanx in advance for any and all help on the matter.:pat:

 

Hi KraTOR,

I gather you're from Toronto. :beaver:

Welcome to the forum. I've gathered a wealth of info here.

Yep, I've had to replace my water pump. If you're going to do the timing belt you might as well replace it while you're in there to save the inevitable labour later. I think the part is only about $130 Canadian.

You may want to do some further research on the K&N filter. Lots of mixed reviews on that one. Quite a few folks have purchased one and then ditched it later. Then again, a few have noticed positive performance gains. The mixed reviews have prevented me from purchasing one. I think the biggest improvements you can make to the 3VZe are to let it breathe better. Headers and some type of air intake mod. (do another search!

Sounds like you're on the right path though. Let me know if any of your tune-ups improve your mileage ok?

Good luck,

Warren

 

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your new ride. This place is great. Everyone is happy to help with any issues that you might have.

Noel

 

Hey Welcome

Hey Krator Im from Hamilton, not too far from each other huh?

 

Hmm...18 imp gals = about 15.5 mpg US. That is a slightly low for highway. I usually get about 17 highway. But then again, there are some on this board that get about the same as you.

I have 160k miles and I have the original water pump and I plan on replacing it in 20k miles when the timing belt is done again. Personally, I would stick with all toyota equipment. The KN filter did nothing for me.

Steve

 

On the filter,

If you plan on keeping the vehicle for awhile, to me the K&N is worth it because after a couple cleanings it'll pay for itself.

I've had one on every vehicle I've owned, and had no problems with them.

85 Supra (267K miles before crashed)
89 Supra
90 Integra
93 Accord
95 Accord
98 Maxima
95 4Runner

Also, I've always tuned up with OEM parts, and I usually get everything from Jay Marks Toyota for the best prices :

http://www.carshouston.com/

I get around 15 MPG combined, I think it's because the little engine is trying so hard to move 4,000 pounds around.

 

Welcome, and congrads. on your purchase. Your low mpg could be improved with a good tune-up and you may want to check your tire pressure, if they are low you will get lower milage because of increase drag. Also you may want to go with a free flow muffler. I alos have a K&N filter and although I have not noticed any gains, it is nice not to have to buy a new filter every 3 to 4 months. Just clean and reoil. Hope this all helps.

 

Welcome to THE BOARD.

 

Hi, welcome. I drive 50 miles everyday to school and find that I get around 20ish miles per gallon. I am on the highway going 70MPH about 70% of the trip, so that may be the reason why. You may want to dump some Chevron Techron in and maybe clean out your fuel system. It is some great stuff, I just put some in about 15 minutes ago. Goodluck and have fun! :fireman:

 

So I'm gonna noodle on the K&N but I'll prob. get it..
I'm gonna do the timing belt, water pump, and valve clearance,
tune-up next weekend using OEM parts.. I'll let you all know how it goes..
I upped my tire press. to 36 front, 34 rear and I have a trip to Toronto tomorrow so I'll see what happens.

For all of you from southern Ontario I'm from Kitchener..
Home of the world's 2nd largest Oktoberfest..

Let it snow let it snow let it snow...:confused: