A question for you 4Runner guys...

F75gunslinger

F75gunslinger

New member
My GF is VERY interested in getting a new 4Runner as her next vehicle,but I have a concern. Hopefully you guys can put it to rest for me.

I'm a Tacoma owner myself,and looking at TW,it seems that some of the guys are having problems with their V6 engines. A few have noticed noises in the 2013 Tacomas,due to what has been called " piston slap " . I just wondered if any of you have experienced the same problem with any of your V6 equipped 'Runners,or if it seems to only be an issue with the Tacomas.
 
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I can't say that I've heard anyone report this with their 4Runner. Maybe the odd one, but certainly not an "issue."
 
This V6 is not a sewing machine-quiet engine, so don't expect that. Nor is the drivetrain programmed for those desiring snappy performance (esp 4G V8 whiners).

But issues? Nope. You're a wise man to get her what she wants, I'd only suggest test drive, test drive, test drive.
 
Yah I would agree - I would say it is safe to say that the engine/tranny combo in the 4Runner isnt the prettiest picture, but its tried and true and should last longer than you will drive it, with proper maintenance. No princess on gas, but I haven't heard anyone complain about engine reliability.
 
The engines are NOT the same. For starters, one is assembled in Japan and the Taco engine is assembled in Texas. Now for the rest of the story:
This is from [MENTION=48413]Quentin[/MENTION] who is one of the few who knows what he is talking about

"he 1GR-FE in the 4Runner is basically a refreshed version of the one in the Tacoma. It was a heavy refresh, though. It gained roller rocker valvetrain, VVT on the exhaust cam, and now runs on 0W-20 oil. The oil filter is no longer remotely located at the top of the engine and is a replacement cartridge style instead of the screw on unit. I like the cartridge better, but the placement under the skidplate is annoying."
 
piston slap is usually the result of either wear or sloppy tolerances in the cylinder bore, no? you won't think a '13 would have excessive wear issues, pretty scabby if the tolerances between the piston and cylinder are off from the factory
 
1engineer said:
The engines are NOT the same. For starters, one is assembled in Japan and the Taco engine is assembled in Texas.
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Both engines are manufactured in Japan. The 1GR used in the Taco is shipped to Huntsville and assembled there before the finished product is shipped to Texas to be put in the vehicle.
Assembly location doesn't matter with regards to piston slap, if that's what you were getting at.

Maybe both trucks will soon see a new V6?
 
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JeremyB said:
Both engines are manufactured in Japan. The 1GR used in the Taco is shipped to Huntsville and assembled there before the finished product is shipped to Texas to be put in the vehicle.
Assembly location doesn't matter with regards to piston slap, if that's what you were getting at.

Maybe both trucks will soon see a new V6?
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My point was thtat final assembly location matters. Example a few years ago the Tacoma engine had a TSB for an oil leak that was caused by too little sealant being automatically applied. That did not happen on the Japan assembled engines.
 
1engineer said:
My point was thtat final assembly location matters. Example a few years ago the Tacoma engine had a TSB for an oil leak that was caused by too little sealant being automatically applied. That did not happen on the Japan assembled engines.
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It does for some items -such as the oil leak you described. Offhand, I can't see any reason piston slap would be assembly dependent. Quentin would certainly know.
 
We haven't seen any 1GR-FE engines in the Tacomas exhibiting piston slap in my area, if you don't mind giving a link to those threads, I'd like to look them over.

The 1GR-FE in the 5th Gen is an updated unit with Dual VVTi as was mentioned before. Its not a new engine, but it is very different from the carry over engine in the Tacoma. They've been pretty reliable so far, they aren't very smooth V6s though, but they are pretty peppy.

I think you and your GF will be happy with a 5th Gen if you're looking for a new 4Runner.

Post Note-

When I went to NUMI a while back, the Tacoma line had what looked like crate engines ready to go. Typically the engines are like 90% or so assembled and then shipped on pallets from what I saw at NUMI
 
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The only thing i hear is the normal modern valve lash sound which has been noted as normal since the new 3.5v6's came out. i forgot what it was but it had to do with the rockers in the head.
 
Piston slap is due to how the piston can rock in the bore. Modern engines don't have long skirts like they used to (extra weight) and more rely on balancing, fitment, and wrist pin positioning to prevent piston slap. If your vendor supplies bad pistons, rings, or poor block bore, slap can happen.

Anyway, in essence, 1engineer is right. Different engines, different assembly location, different vendors. I wouldn't extrapolate an issue from the Tacoma to be a problem in the 4Runner as far as engine goes.

In regard to "valve lash sound", you really shouldn't hear what is valve lash. The 4runner 1GR has hydraulic lash adjusters on which the roller rocker pivots to prevent valve lash. The Tacoma 1GR uses old bucket shims and will develop valve lash noise as the engines age. There are a lot of moving parts in the newer valet rains and that is likely the source of the noise.
 
Quentin said:
Anyway, in essence, 1engineer is right. Different engines, different assembly location, different vendors. I wouldn't extrapolate an issue from the Tacoma to be a problem in the 4Runner as far as engine goes.
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For some reason, I thought the block/crank/rod/piston was kept the same between the two, but none of those parts interchange!
 
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Quentin said:
Piston slap is due to how the piston can rock in the bore. Modern engines don't have long skirts like they used to (extra weight) and more rely on balancing, fitment, and wrist pin positioning to prevent piston slap. If your vendor supplies bad pistons, rings, or poor block bore, slap can happen.

Anyway, in essence, 1engineer is right. Different engines, different assembly location, different vendors. I wouldn't extrapolate an issue from the Tacoma to be a problem in the 4Runner as far as engine goes.

In regard to "valve lash sound", you really shouldn't hear what is valve lash. The 4runner 1GR has hydraulic lash adjusters on which the roller rocker pivots to prevent valve lash. The Tacoma 1GR uses old bucket shims and will develop valve lash noise as the engines age. There are a lot of moving parts in the newer valet rains and that is likely the source of the noise.
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Thanks Quentin! How's the bike and the FRS? Oh right...you are a new dad lol. Thanks again bud!
 
1engineer said:
Thanks Quentin! How's the bike and the FRS? Oh right...you are a new dad lol. Thanks again bud!
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Had my worst ride ever today at Spruce Knob. 4 miles total at a 6mph pace. Terrible, terrible trail. I was livid.

FR-S is built and at port. Maybe a month before it gets here.
 
Good little bit of info on the thread already :thumb3:

Not that this has any scientific/engineering/quantifiable data - just experience - but out of the 10 vehicles I have owned - 6 have been Toyotas, and there is a reason I go back to them - they work like a reliable tool and get the job done well. There may be "prettier/smoother/nicer" options out there - but if you want a "worry free" ride - go with a Toyota.

As for my experience with my 5th Gen (2010 SR5 4x4) - I went from a 2001 4.7 V8 Tundra to the 4.0 V6 4R. It's not as eager to go as the Tundra - but the engine is solid, drives well, pulls well, and gets-up-and-goes when you need it to. I commute ~40 miles each day here in Houston on the toll roads and freeways - I get (strictly highway) 22-24 mpg. I'm 20/80 city/highway - each tank I've been getting 21-23 mpg (not the computer number, but actual calcs - puter wasn't too far off). Flip that to 80/20, and I'm in the 15-16 range. The ride is surprisingly quiet, good room, comfortable for a vehicle designed to crawl and trail, and good cargo space (especially with the seats down).

If you're looking for something more pleasant to conquer the concrete jungle - I would look at the highlanders (new 2014 ones). Sat in one the other day - I thought it was worlds better than the model they replace. Much more...refined.

Anyways - sorry for the long reply - biggest thing that philsey said - test drive everything, and more than once. Good luck and happy hunting! :hunter:
 
Quentin said:
Had my worst ride ever today at Spruce Knob. 4 miles total at a 6mph pace. Terrible, terrible trail. I was livid.

FR-S is built and at port. Maybe a month before it gets here.
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Rode 35 MILES of singletrack today down here in Florida. Easy trails but hot riding! When you have to fill up a Camelbak twice during a ride you are sweating lol. Need to see your ride when it comes in!

OP don't worry about the engine but test drive it like [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] says.
 
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