Any advice?

[Millerad1651]

So I found this on CL today. Haven't called him yet. The ad says there is upper engine noise. From what I've read, that can be anything from warped rods to head gaskets to leaky lines. Is there something that is more common than others? Or do you guys think the engine is shot?
I could probably walk away with it for $500, which I will do if it doesn't need a new engine. I'm familiar with the 3.4, not the 3.0. Any advice would be appreciated.
1995 Toyota 4-Runner 4x4 Limited - 166k miles - Motor noise - Pictures

Thanks

 

[kiyobrown]

I personally wouldn't touch it. Lots of rust, leather is tore out. Even if you try and part it 2nd gen parts just don't fetch much, especially around here. Even if you were buying it for a 3.4 swap rig, I would be a little cautious that there was enough rust to eat through the rear bumper. But of course, we see internet pics and you can see it in person. Good luck.

 

[ajordan1975]

buy it. put a 4.3 in it and make it a trail rig!

 

[Millerad1651]

I'm not too worried about the seats (can get some covers) or the bumper (make or buy a new one), and I'm sure there is some rust underneath, but at least the body hasn't been eaten away.
This will be driven occasionally, maybe 5,000 miles a year. I'd let my wife drive it back and forth to school. I'll use my 98 as DD. I'll also keep the engine stock, just wondered if anyone had an idea of what could be causing the noise.

 

[kiyobrown]

hard to diagnose with just the term "upper engine noise" but 3.0's had a lot of problems because of their exhaust manifold design. It would heat up at the collector, which would overheat that last cylinders valves. I had a 3.0 years ago, and the valve seats blew in that exact cylinder. But could be anything in between a gummed up valve to a shot head.

 

[azshtr]

3.0's are known for head gasket problems. Mine was rebuilt by toyota for that same issue about the same mileage as that is. I wouldn't buy that just because of the rust. But then again I live in a desert and we don't have to deal with rust.

 

[OTTERYOTA]

it could just be a lifter or maybe the idler on the timing belt is noisy id atlest check it out i have a 95 and im a total 2nd gen guy im happy with mine!! And even though I know the 3.0L has HG issues thats not likely to cause upper engine noise!!! id check it out!!! as for the bumper about 200 and its fixed the rest of the body looks pretty straight!!!