Recent content by UpL8

Well, folks - for all intents and purposes, my 4Runner is pretty much dead. I mean, I can start it, drive it...blah, blah, blah. But the mechanic today said that I have significant "blow by", even into the air filter box (someplace I forgot to check). So, basically yeah, it's the rings. As I...

Alrighty then, folks...this is what's going on so far. I am taking my 4Runner to a mechanic recommended by a friend, I have to take it in tomorrow since the guy's booked up...that's OK with me right now. I followed most of the advice given in this thread both by y'all's suggestion of things I...

The idle is good...when I start the truck up, there's smoke, but the idle is fine, no stumbles or missing. When I drive it and it's between 1600 and 1800 RPM at around 45 MPH it does that 'surging' thing, or maybe it's hesitation? It's kinda rhythmic for about 20 seconds. When I get into the...

I'm using Valvoline MaxLife 5W-30. That's - as I understood it - the optimal grade for the situation, but again, I should emphasize that I am no expert - CLEARLY! LOL!

Oh yes, I checked EVERYWHERE for leaks...and yes, I put the plug back after draining! I distinctly recall doing so, even put a nice new nylon gasket on with it after cleaning it up. I am guessing the oil is just totally burning off, and maybe since the oil is new any wear on the piston rings...

Hello all! OK, so, I changed the oil for the first time on my 1997 4Runner on Saturday, 7/9/11. There was a smoking issue when I started it up that precipitated the oil change, plus, since the vehicle is 'new to me', I figured it would give me a starting point in the maintenance. I drove up to...

I hear ya, on the other items for preventive maintenance! I checked the coolant and added a little to top it off. Still need to check the transmission and differentials fluids - though, I haven't a clue how to check the differentials fluids...I'm sure I can find out here though! My next project...

I'm in Los Lunas...I moved here just over 5 years ago. I LOVE New Mexico; lived in Santa Fe as a teenager but wouldn't live there again - it's a classic 'nice place to visit', besides, Santa Fe reminds me of my mama, and she's not with us anymore.

Yeah, after I did the oil change I had the oddest urge to get into a fistfight, or eat raw meat or something. I asked a friend if she thought that maybe there was some testosterone in the oil I drained out of my vehicle! Yep, oil is HOT after being swirled around an engine...found that out...

Excellent point! See...y'all are chock full of info. I didn't even realize I could leave the skidplates off! And you're right, I doubt I'll be off-roading anytime soon, unless someone gives me another 4Runner to just use for that! LOL! Thanks for the suggestion, and the next time I change the...

Hello All! The critical info: 1997 4Runner, 3.4L engine, as far as I can tell it's pretty much stock. I'm the second owner, and the vehicle was a gift with a dubious maintenance history as the first owner was quite ill, but hey, it was a gift, right? I certainly wasn't about to complain. Now...