Engine Block Warped! True Story! 3rd Gen 4cyl 4runner 1998

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bpechtim

New member
Very sad story. Apparently not all Toyota's are "bullet proof."
My friends are shocked. I really loved this car and want to keep it.
I bought a 98 4Runner 2.7L with 96k.
I replaced oil and coolant regularly.
Ran great for for 25k then blew head gasket.
Mechanic found that engine block (not head), yes the cast iron engine block, was warped at the number 1 cylinder where the gasket blew!!! Specs are 2000th but this was at 7000th. Engine is doomed. Coolent still leaks into engine and exhaust after machining head and new gasket.

I was able to limp home to my garage with it.

Now I need a new engine. So 2 questions:

1. Where/how is the best place to get and rebuild a new engine? Craigslist, junkyard?

2. How hard is it to put in a 2.7L in a 4runner. Can I install from underneath? Or must use a crane. Any documentation on this? I couldnt find anything.

Thanks,

Brad
 
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good lord im soory to hear about that friend.Can someone also tell me if there is any sort of preventive maintance to do to keep away this problem so i can do it.i also have the 2.7,and i cant have my engine do that to me.
 
doylee4693 said:
good lord im soory to hear about that friend.Can someone also tell me if there is any sort of preventive maintance to do to keep away this problem so i can do it.i also have the 2.7,and i cant have my engine do that to me.
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Make sure your cooling system is in peak condition, to help prevent any overheating situations.
 
im going to get my trucks cooling system looked at hopefully within the next week or two.again im very sorry for youre mis fortune man :cry2:
 
bpechtim said:
2. How hard is it to put in a 2.7L in a 4runner. Can I install from underneath? Or must use a crane. Any documentation on this? I couldnt find anything.
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honestly, if you are asking this, then you shouldn't do it by yourself.

the answer is you can either remove the cab and do what ever you want while the engine sit on the frame, or it's a lot easier just to remove the hood, drop the engine from the top. an engine hoist is the tool you need. some shops would even remove the engine and transmission together so they can do the work on a bench or engine stand. it all depends on how far you wanna go.

if I were you, I'd drop in a 3.4 instead.
 
I've pulled engines before 3 times - lonnnnng ago -- 68 Mustang, 67 Chevy truck, and lastly a VW bug (ok that doesnt count), and a I agree I'm a bit sheepish to do again.

If I do this again, I'd go with same 2.7L 3RZ as easier.

Someone suggested pulling *with* the trans attached.
 
I've only took a V6 out of a 2000 auto 4Runner, I'd say it's easier and less messy if it has the tranny attached, only you need a bigger cherry picker.

for getting a junker engine, there will be no real difference on price between a 2.7 and 3.4, maybe 100 bucks extra for the loom and computer. there are far more 3.4's out there than 2.7, so you should have more choices.

Location, Location, Location. here in the midwest, I can get a Ford tanny for $70 but a Toyota would cost me $300 if I can find one.
 
TC4Rnr said:
I've only took a V6 out of a 2000 auto 4Runner, I'd say it's easier and less messy if it has the tranny attached, only you need a bigger cherry picker.

for getting a junker engine, there will be no real difference on price between a 2.7 and 3.4, maybe 100 bucks extra for the loom and computer. there are far more 3.4's out there than 2.7, so you should have more choices.

Location, Location, Location. here in the midwest, I can get a Ford tanny for $70 but a Toyota would cost me $300 if I can find one.
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That's fantastic, but you've forgotten the entire exhaust system (exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, and the rest of the exhaust because 4 cyl has a thinner pipe overall) airbox, both O2 sensors, driveshaft slip yolk (different on V6 trans) and/or driveshaft depending on length (unsure), and springs (4 cyl springs will not hold the weight well). Transmission alone will be a lot, my replacement trans for my 4Runner was $600. I don't know where the hell you're shopping for $100 engine harness, tranny harness, and computers.

You're adding at least $500-$1000 that the OP may not have. Not to mention, anyone swapping a V6 should replace the timing belt, water pump, etc... so you're spending even more for that.

Sorry dude, but I've done my research on V6 swaps into my 4cyl 4Runner. I do plan to do it someday but it's not a comparable job to swapping another 4cyl in.
 
Just keep the 4 banger in there, for the extra money you would spend on getting the 3.4l you could just mod the 4 banger and get as much if not more power with money left over, and its much less of a headache putting the right engine in instead of modifying a different one to fit.
 
my chief mechanic just bought a 4R70W tranny for his 97 F150 for $70(with core) with 90 day warranty. again, it all depends what is available in your neck of woods.
 
The original problem was intermittent overheating.

Bought car at 96k and ran SUPER no issues til 124k.
I changed the coolant once around 110k. I live in SoCal.

Then i noticed coolant missing. Noticed white smoke at start. Car ran rough at start then white smoke went away after 10-15min.

Engine would get hot but not stay at overheated really. Would cycle back down or bounce around.

Took to dealer who said head gasket and recommended machining heads. When they got heads back, they called me and said warped block at same spot as gasket on #1 cylinder. specs are ok if .002 but this was .007 per shop. Dealer said coolant found in exhaust and engine.

Put engine back together. Dealer charged me $570 and I drove it home since they wanted $5k to put new engine in. Now it's worse. Appears exhaust is venting back into cooling system. Probably due to machining of head.

Really really really sucks since I love this 4runner. I want to put a new engine in if I can keep the wife off my back. Luckily I have a small motorcycle for transpo and live in SoCal.

Seems the best option from all the advice is just pull the motor and replace with something running from a Junk yard.

Cost in this area looks around $1k for 2.7L out of wrecked 4runner. They made these engines from 96 - 02 in tacoma's and 4runners. 98 and after they used the 2 ignition coils for the 3RZ. I will have to check junk yards from Mexico to LA. I just missed one last week.

Im not quitting on this 4runner just yet! (even if my wife has).

Thanks all for the comments.
 
I finally ended buying a used running engine for $1000. Truck salvage border patrol drug seizure (I live in San Diego). These 2.7L 4cyl are sooooo hard to find. Did not take mill block route as I'm too much of a noob. Even swaping this engine should be entertaining enough.

"Noob engine swap! Success or epic fail?" Plan to start a new thread with pics.
 
bpechtim said:
I finally ended buying a used running engine for $1000. Truck salvage border patrol drug seizure (I live in San Diego). These 2.7L 4cyl are sooooo hard to find. Did not take mill block route as I'm too much of a noob. Even swaping this engine should be entertaining enough.

"Noob engine swap! Success or epic fail?" Plan to start a new thread with pics.
Click to expand...

Sorry man, this is an old thread, but I should have suggested a few places for you that you can get your engine same day.

Good luck with your swap
 
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