Recent content by jay333

I believe that is part of the oil pump replacement? I do plan on replacing that. I assume the new oil pump typically comes with new seal? Regardless though I have heard that it is a good idea to put on a new particular seal from Toyota that is sized differently (in thickness) so that the seal...

Thanks. Yes, I did see that page and is in fact the main instruction I am following. I will replace the chain, guides, gears, cover as well as water/oil pumps - figure I may as well if I have it all apart. I haven't gotten back to it but hope to get working on it again tomorrow. One thing I...

Thank you for your response. Very much appreciated. I'm no expert but today I popped the valve cover and could clearly see that the chain has been doing a number on the side of timing cover. I hope this is what has caused the water mixing with oil problem although I'm not totally understanding...

Ok I took your advice and dove in. Bit stressed but pulled the valve cover and I could clearly see the driver side chain guide is gone. I can also see that the chain has been wearing quite a bit on the side of the timing chain cover. I'm not sure how to tell from here if that is the water/oil...

Here is what I have done so far: 1. drained the oil and refilled - clearly it has water/coolant in it. 2. topped off the radiator with premix - it took about 1 US gal. 3. rented the combustion leak tester and did a test at radiator (blue fluid). After the truck ran for a short while (there was...

Should I be able to confirm whether the timing chain guides are toast by opening up the valve cover and looking down rather than removing the timing chain cover (which I believe would be more complex).

Yes, I did stop driving. Not sure how long it went like this. I did just add a little oil less than a week ago and didn't notice the buildup on inside of oil cap (although maybe I just didn't see it). At this point maybe i should drain the oil to see what it looks like. thanks again for the...

Thanks for the advice on all the pieces that should be replaced. If I were to try and tackle this it sure would be nice to have a garage (I usually just do my work on the driveway). Anyways, do you happen to know where best place is to get some of these parts - timing chain and related parts...

Thanks for the advice. I understand there might be a couple tests to confirm HG - compression (via the plugs) or what about the gas? test at the radiator (I have seen something on that before). Is there a preferred/better method of test? Yes, I think engine is probably getting near the end...

Thank you for the advice. I also watched some videos today on replacing some of these things (head gasket and timing chain). Although this vehicle is supposed to be easier than many, it sure looks like lots of work. But maybe isn't worth doing unless I do it myself. Then the question becomes...

I have been searching around the forum and gotten a bit of info but wanted to put my story out there for further comment. Coolant level seems to have dropped quite quickly. Upon checking oil I see the foam type situation under the oil cap. There also seems to be similar on dip stick. As most...

Too much transmission fluid? I have another (hopefully last) related question to the transmission fluid replacement. Before I begin I checked the transmission fluid via the dipstick. Fortunately, it does look very pink and light in color. Regardless I am going to change it. But I noticed...

I forgot about another related question I have. My vehicle has the air up/down option for the back (3 settings - low, med, high). Does this factor in at all on my decision for shocks to replace the XREAS system?

I'm wondering how my current lift might compare to that of others (in particular those that have installed the kyb or even bilstein shocks). I took a few moments to measure the front and back on my 2003 V8 Limited (currently with the stock XREAS). I have about 160k miles on the vehicle and...

I have a 2003 4Runner Limited (V8) with about 160k miles (260k km) and the XREAS shock system Although I do not notice any fluid coming from any of the shocks my family complains at how rough the ride is. I suppose at this age/mileage new shocks are likely required. I took to Toyota - they...