4 cyl engine question

[cheekcreek]

Here is a question for all of my smart toyota brothers. I have a 2000 4runner with the V6 but am looking at a 1998 Tacoma Pre-runner with the 4 cyl in it for my son. How are those engines compared to the bullet proof V6 in my 4runner? Are they good, reliable engines and are there any "problems" I need to look out for with those engines from that year? Thanks for the feedback!!

 

[DC runner]

The 4 cylinders are even more bulletproof.

Good engine. Not quite as awesome as the 22r's that Toyota used for damn near 20 years, but still very strong engine.

Will give him good gas mileage and prevent him from being able to go too fast.

 

[pat161]

The 3rz is arguably just as reliable and bullet proof as your 5vz. I owned 3 2.7 trucks before getting a 3.4 and I never had an issue with any of them. It is not as powerful, but the lower weight of the pre-runner and any gearing difference will partly make up for it, plus they get a bit better MPG. Only issue I ever heard of is cracked exhaust manifolds, but being a 98 if it was going it should have been replaced by now, this was resolved in 00 with a factory header. The 3rz also has a timing chain, so no worries about changing it every 90k.

 

[stevec5000]

I wouldn't call them bulletproof since I've had to rebuild the engine in my pickup 3 times now. The problem with them is the head keeps going bad, warps and cracks, head gaskets leak and the antifreeze will eat away the metal around the combustion chambers and cause liquid to leak into the piston area stalling the engine when it floods with water. Otherwise the insides look just like new.
I've had to replace the head twice but the third time there were no cracks or leaks so I just machined down the surface so it was flat again and put in a new head gasket. Be sure and always use good antifreeze rated for aluminum engines to prevent damage to the head, usually the most expensive kind, and don't ever let it overheat.

 

[cheekcreek]

Hey Thanks guys for the replies! This truck has 149,000 that I am looking at. Is there anything in particular to look for when I go look at it? Keep the info coming. There are a lot of smart people on this site about things.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I'd consider a valve adjustment after purchasing, should be good to go. Great motor. 206k on mine, never rebuilt, supercharged at 190k. Runs perfect.