4Runner's Toast

D

DarthRevarder

New member
Hey guys, today my 4Runner blew about a one inch hole in the passenger side of my block. I haven't tore into it yet but I'm assuming it threw a rod. Is this a common problem? It had full synthetic in it and it wasn't low. The oil was about 1,000 miles over 3,000 but it is full syn so it shouldn't have been hurting that bad for a change. Just wondering if there is anything I should look for when I tear it down etc? The truck only has 87,000 miles on it by the way. Any insight would be sweet
 
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I don't know, I've only had the truck for 2 months. Ironically enough I was putting regular oil back in it this afternoon, it was the first time it's needed changing. I was on my way home from buying oil. I'm guessing it didn't. The guy I bought it from was not mechanically inclined by any means and just assumed full syn was better. Those were his words.
 
DarthRevarder said:
I don't know, I've only had the truck for 2 months. Ironically enough I was putting regular oil back in it this afternoon, it was the first time it's needed changing. I was on my way home from buying oil. I'm guessing it didn't. The guy I bought it from was not mechanically inclined by any means and just assumed full syn was better. Those were his words.
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How often did he change it is the real question or how many times has it be ran low near empty??

EDIT: once apart you'll be able to tell due to sludge etc..
 
Post some pics when you can. Sorry to hear such.

I think the connecting rod goes and then the show is over due to a crack in the cap. Not 100% sure on that diagnosis. The problem isn't reported too much anymore; it seems to never be reported after an engine hits 130,000 miles. No, not your fault. Engineering material flaw.
 
LittleCaesar said:
Post some pics when you can. Sorry to hear such.

I think the connecting rod goes and then the show is over due to a crack in the cap. Not 100% sure on that diagnosis. The problem isn't reported too much anymore; it seems to never be reported after an engine hits 130,000 miles. No, not your fault. Engineering material flaw.
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Will post pics as soon as we get it out. It's almost there. Do you know if Toyota does anything as far as engine failure like this pretty premature? Not necessarily a recall because I can't find one but are they aware and do they work with you?
 
You mentioned it only has 87K and you've owned it for 2 months.

What year was it?

Is it possible that the odometer was rolled back? Did you check CarFax or have it inspected?

Is it the original engine? Does the VIN match?
 
As Brian asks, what year is it?

As far as I know, no recall has ever been issued on this. Due to its rather limited occurrence (I think you are the first this year on here), Toyo just let it go.

I know I read that someone on one of these Toyo boards did some statistical work and was able to pinpoint that from their research all the failed engines that they knew of came from one factory (I think two made the 5vz in Japan). Supposedly all the failed engines fit within a certain VIN number range. I don't know how much validity I would put in it, nor can it really help ya now. If I can find the link I will post it.
 
That would not be a common issue. Unfortunately, you never really know what you are buying when you buy used. As far as you know, the previous owner could have been a maintenance bum, and discovered an issue then dumped it.
 
It's a 99 and I did carfax it, everything matches. It was honestly an incredibly straight 4Runner. I did my homework because I definitely paid for the low miles. Come to find out I have 2 holes in the block. The front most 2 pistons both smacked some rather hefty holes. I found a few good sized metal chunks on the road when I went back and looked. Still haven't gotten it out, frustration started kicking in and it's never fun to work like that. I'll get it out in the morning. From what I could tell the previous owner did regular oil changes but there was an owner in between him and all the carfaxed maintenance records that isn't accounted for. I understand this happens with used cars and I'm not *****ing at all, just wondering if anyone else knows of more people with this issue because I bought this gen 4Runner with the idea that she was basically bulletproof. I'll be rebuilding it because the truck is WAY to clean to not fix and keep. I love it and its killing me having it under the knife. Like I said I'll post the carnage tomorrow. I'm curious what I'll find in that oil pan :censored:
 
It's really the only "common" death sentence this motor has, and its not all that common at that. Tough break man, but your best bet is to swap in a new motor and call it a day. These 3.4s will easily give you 300k if taken care of. I have 265+and still going strong and pulling hard.
 
What's the common part? Busted rod? I'm hoping it's not something crank related because it was both sides of the block in the same spot.
 
Sorry to hear this, especially on a recently-purchased car. I'd be pissed if it were me.

But, given the straight/good body, it also sounds like a great opportunity to find a rear-end wrecked 4Runner to buy and engine swap.

That would suck if it were my daily driver, though.
 
DarthRevarder said:
What's the common part? Busted rod? I'm hoping it's not something crank related because it was both sides of the block in the same spot.
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You blew a hole on each side? Just the front two pistons? Was the motor knocking at any point before it blew up? Maybe a main bearing went bad and crank walk caused those two rod bearings to fail at the same time, but you should have heard that.
 
I'm sorry to hear that. Best option is to get a low miles long block or jdm block and swap it in. Def not a common failure as others pointed out. I bet the connecting rod bolt let go. Does it look like he had previous mods like a turbo kit? Mine has 242,000 miles with mobil 1 synthetic every 6000 niles, runs like a top.
 
Not to be a dick, but does it really mater what part failed... That motor is not rebuildible. I wouldnt call it a fluke, but its not a "common" enough problem that I would be worried about it with your next motor.

What was your rpm when your motor blew? Cause if you where accelerating and up in the rmps, say like 4000 or so one rod blowing, could of damaged enough internally to cause another rod to fail and blow the second hole in the block. These motor are a very reliable and strong motor. If I was you I would not worry about a replacement motor... It's kinda like a shark attack, very rare, and even more rare for the same person to have it happen twice.
 
That's sad to hear. I somewhat know how you feel. Swap the motor and consider when life gives ya a good kick in the teeth it just makes ya stronger and more knowledgeable. Good luck sir -
 
crap luck dude, either way looking forward to seeing pictures of the damage.
if the truck is really as clean as you say it is when you swap a new motor in your gonna get ten good years out of that truck
good luck !
keep us posted
 
It definitely didn't knock before hand or make any noise at all actually. My rpm was normal and I was only going 15mph going through our local highschool. I'm not complaining at all, I know these things happen. Just was curious if anyone else had this problem and to get some discussion going. Here's the pics. I'll be looking for a motor or a block this week. Haven't decided what I'm doing yet.

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