1 loose bolt ='s new engine.

[LittleCaesar]

Wow. It looks as if it had been working its way loose for some time, but once the key went, game over. I think DC was right on the money, or maybe an indy mechanic only tighten it to 187ft/lbs (old torque #).

Ever get a CEL at high speeds, especially in the last 200 miles?

If memory serves me correctly, you got this one at a cheap price earlier this year. I'd look for a nice used one first (Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market).

 

[jsukey]

Yes! I've only put about 400-500 miles on it since I bought it back in March though. I bought a Jeep Wrangler shortly after the S/C 4Runner and have been building it up. Finally decided to get up off my rump and get this one squared away. It sat at the dealership all last week, waiting for them to chase down the source for my CEL. Wouldn't pass state inspection and I got tired of trying to chase it down. They called and said the source was some cracked vacuum lines. They got it all sorted out and I finally got it inspected and registered last Monday. Brought it on a 4 hour journey to work but haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. (CEL or running issues)

 

[LittleCaesar]

The only reason I asked is that I can recall three people who had CELs for misfires come on, especially at high speeds, whose crank bolt had begun to come loose. I think two of the three caught it in time but one suffered a similar outcome as yours.

Since it is not a daily driver, it will allow you time to make the right choice when it comes to replacing the engine. Good luck.

 

[jsukey]

True...the fun part comes in trying to get it back home now! I'm 310 miles away from home, at work in it!

 

[jsukey]

So here's my plan: I have to rent a vehicle to finish out my work week. I could catch a flight back to DFW and drive my other 4Runner out here, but I honestly think it would end up running me about the same, not to mention that I don't think my other 4Runner would survive pulling that much weight that far back to DFW. Just wondering whether the vehicle I rent, will have a towing package on it. Was planning on renting a Tahoe or something similar. Once I get it home, there is a JDM facility pretty close by that has several 3.4's with 45,000-55,000 miles on it for $1199. Pull the old engine, swap the S/C on the new motor, then have it installed. Done deal.

 

[TheDurk]

Well, with 216k running an S/C (I take it the S/C was installed when the truck was new?), that engine may not have had a whole lot left anyway. Resetting to a young engine on a truck you plan to keep may be a good thing.

I would love to know if they undertorqued, or reused the old crankbolt and forgot the LocTite, or did it all right and it failed anyway (unlikely, but conceivable.)

Anyway, I'm glad I did mine myself, so I know my new bolt was torqued to the spec. 217 ft-lbs.

 

[jsukey]

Yes, it was installed from the dealership when it purchased new. I really hate that this happened. I wanted to see what kind of life I could get out of it. It still ran unbelievably strong! I pulled out into traffic earlier this week and had an 18 wheeler running up on my tail. I pulled out and then hammered it once I got through the apex of the turn and it was drifting sideways for about 30 feet! Didn't use any oil, and the only issue it's had is cracked vacuum hoses.