I resently bought my first toy, so I do not know much about them, it does mis, loves gas and seems to lack power, do I need a valve job.

 

LOL Join the club...

AND, try searching

 

understatment of the century.

 

Wow! That is really unusual. Most 3.0's get about 28 mpg and can do 80 mph UPHILL!
There is really something wrong with yours.
Not really...the 3.0 is not well-known for it's power or it's conservative fuel consumption. It WILL run all day and give you years of driving enjoyment. Along the way you will learn plenty about wrenching on this little engine that will.
Welcome to YT!

 

My 3.0 runs like a v-8 chevy. More power than I can stand, get's pretty scary dustin vipers from a stoplight.

Just a suggestion, maybe reading a little would answer your questions.

 

Never mind the newb bashers. Never could understand why, instead of yelling at you to search, they don't just move on to the next thread . Anyway, as Blair said, the 3.0 doesn't have much power as is. That's why it's usually called the 3.slow. However, if it is missing, you might have it diagnosed so you know it's not having abnormal problems.

 

Easy guys, it's his first post. Let me fill you in on a little piece of knowledge: It isn't known as the 3.slow for no reason. This doesn't mean it is a useless mill, but it does mean that unless you dump some time, money, and swear words into it, don't go out trying to race her. I've got a 92 with the V6, so I know exactly where you are coming from. All that being said, it'll suprise you sometimes...

EDIT: Dinger! Bassinfool beat me to the punch! :pat:

 

HA! I'M UP ONE-ZIP!

 

if its missing maybe a tune up will help you out. cap, roter and what not. change all the fluids and all that good stuff. and enjoy not being able to pass anybody. its fun...... story time.... i once passed someone on the highway in the mountians. the problem was it was a big truck with like a 5th wheel behind it.

 

i sure dont miss my 3.slow

 

You are pulling a heavy 4x4 with a small, torquey V-6 engine. Don't expect too much. It's a good engine but a lot is asked of them...

I find mine has considerable torque & power given the engine size & weight of the truck (4x4 xtracab = over 4,000 lbs!). Don't expect it to rip to 6,000 rpms though. It's made for low rpm torque; EXACTLY what a 4x4 needs. No more, no less.

 

actually my 4runner tips the scales at 4900lbs!!

0-60 is about 13 seconds flat with the 3.slow....

After 275,000 miles the HG blew, and now Im doing a FULL rebuild of the top end, cams, oversized intake and exhaust valves, PNP, etc.

Just look for my big thread about "HG issues slow going" ...

 

I noticed that the "Test Weight" they put down on my recent smog test form was 3375 lbs. I didn't ask if they actually weighed it. I'm curious what my truck tips the scales at. It's still getting a front skid, on board compressor, and new bumpers. There's not much more interior for me to strip out. But, with the power part of the equation limited I need to keep the weight thing in line.

 

i find that weight a little bit more than optimistic...

go by your nearest dump and just drive on the scales that the public has to use. It should tell you your weight as you drive on, if not ask the operator your weight and just tell em you are weighing the vehicle. Cost? $0.00



Thats how I know my 4runner checks in at 4980 iirc...

 

Let me guess - it's an automatic.

Check the timing. Factory spec is 10*BTDC - several people have gone to 12* without issues, but you'll have to pay attention for any pinging/knocking.

Seafoam will help a little. Then cap/rotor/plugs/wires. DO NOT USE BOSCH ANYTHING - ONLY NGK OR DENSO. While the Japs and Germans cooperated in WWII, since then they don't work well together... LOL

 

What the heck does iirc mean? I've seen it several times on here, and haven't been able to figure that one out.

 

If I recall correctly, iirc means: If I recall correctly :pat:

 

Clean the motor (auto-rx or seafoam...best I know of), clean the fuel system and intake (seafoam!), the other things suggested here, and what every 3.0 owner should do....the air box and ISR mod! I just recently did it and will probably be hated for I will post it anywhere I am allowed. I just took a trip to Oklahoma from here in Ark., up and down hills, doing average of 60-65, and got over 17mpg. Not all that great for other motors, but for mine it was a big improvement. Plus, I had noticeably more power. I was actually able to keep up with interstate traffic....'cept for that formula one racer. The turd!

 

I got a FIPK for my 3.slow and it helped IMMENSELY in hot weather!!! Then I got a high flow cat put in and 2.25" exhaust from the cat back. Worked wonders on this truck!

 

IIRC someone has a quote that the 3.0 had the power of a 6 cyl and the gas mileage of a V8. Anyone want to buy mine?