1990 3VZ Poor Compression ?

[dafried]

Hi All, new guy here.

I have owned my 4Runner since new in Dec 1991. At 80k miles, the short block was replaced under the head gasket recall.

I now have 187k relatively trouble-free miles. I do all basic maintanence myself. I don't get much more involved than timing belt replacement etc.

Lately the idle sucks and my car was built for California. This means that it is full of tiny little vacuum hoses. I looked for all the obvious stuff, then gave up and took it to the dealer for diagnostics.

They just called to tell me that my compression is low in all cylinders, but particularly low (60 lbs) in #4. Dealer is recommending Valve Job and Major Tune for $2800.

Is there a chance that they open everything up and find that the head gasket is blown again and I need to replace major engine stuff in addition to this valve job? If yes, then why don't I buy a completely new/remanufactured engine for about the same money?

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

David

 

[TSP-MIKE]

If it's just you valves then you will not need a reman. engine. I would not recommend a reman. engine because it will not last. My 4runner now has over 250,000 miles on it and it still runs. Ive seen reman engines die in a matter of months.

just my $0.02

Mike

 

[toybox]

either way I would find it hard to put $2800 into a truck with 187k on it. Toyota or not. If it is possible I would think that money would be better spent on a newer/different truck.

How about a used engine instead of a reman. You could probably find a lower mileage totaled 4Runner and buy the engine out of that. Just a suggestion.

 

[dafried]

Thanks for the input. I'm in no rush, since it's not my daily driver.

I may turn this into a project. The more I research, the more my options are.

Currently I am looking into doing the valve job and major tuneup myself. I can probably do the whole thing for $600 in parts.

I'm still looking....

Thanks,

Dave

 

[dafried]

ok I lied - now that I have the truck apart, it will probably cost me closer to $1200 !

I need to replace one of the P/S hoses that I cut off out of frustration ($150) and I think my fuel injectors need servicing. The gasket set alone is $200, plus various hoses, o-rings, timing belt parts etc.

Just wanted to be accurate, in case anyone's paying attention.

D