1991 SR5 V6-4X4 Auto (65K miles) might buy $500

[johnfrisco]

I am thinking of buying one for $500. I am seeing it in person on Saturday.

1) 3VZ-E V6 Auto 4X$

2) Sat for at least 7 years maybe more.

3) Installed new battery: cranks strong no start--maybe too strong: bad timing belt?

4) Gas tank was pretty much empty--put in 2 gallons of fresh fuel.

5) Can I tell if the timing belt is broken by looking through the oil cap or is there a plate blocking the view of the lifters?

6) I hear the Main Relay is a common problem with no starts. I assume they are referring to the main fuel relay--where is this located and how to test. Does anyone have a diagram?

7) Any ideas on getting this thing started

8) Am I looking at a money pit: Please see bottom of this page for picts.
Link for picts

 

[541joseph]

Easiest way to tell is to pull the timing cover only about 7,8 bolts and you can clearly see

 

[Scalded_Dawg]

You could also pop the distributor cap off and turn over the engine... rotor will spin if timing belt intact.

Just a couple easy access screws, much faster than taking off the timing cover.

Another thing to check is rodent infestation... those little buggers love chewing wires. May have chewed the main coil wire.

 

[airdreams1]

The thing being missed here is that gas turns to varnish (gell or even rock solid) after its been sitting....... After 7 years i can tell you that you have a 99.99999999 % chance that at bare minimum you have plugged injectors.

First thing Id check is fuel & the rail.