thegipper
New member
Long story short, I have a bad motor in my 97 (3.4 V6) and will be swapping in a (3.4 V6) used motor from a donor truck I bought (99 SR5). The truck came from a member on here who was rear ended and the truck was totaled (frame was shot). Before I bought it, I was able to test drive it and it ran great. He had an entire folder of maintenance records, he took much better care of his truck than my previous owner of my 97 (my bro...lol)
Just 3 weeks ago I did a full timing belt, water pump job on the now bad motor (including the cam/crank seals).
My first step is going to be pulling the engine from the donor truck, hopefully this Saturday. The transmission has already been removed, I needed it in my 97.
Once I get the donor motor removed my plan was to strip it down and prepare it for a timing belt/water pump job (it was due anyway). I will be using the parts that I just installed on my blown engine. Obviously I cannot reuse the seals but I should be able to reuse everything minus maybe the waterpump gasket. Would you guys reuse it or just buy a new one. Again, its only 3 weeks old.
I will be replacing the rear main, front main, cam seals on the donor motor. The valve covers and associated seals were done in 2013 and do not appear to be leaking at all. I'll also look it over and see if anything else needs attention while the motor is out. A member on here (on a different thread) suggest I reseal the oil pan. If it is bone dry right now would you reseal it or leave it be?
Once I get my blown engine removed, I'll swap over all of the timing belt/water pump parts.
As soon as the new/used engine is all put back together and refreshed, I'll be swapping it in.
Here is the list of things I'm planning to do to the new/used engine, OEM parts only:
1. Install new cam seals, rear main seal and front main
2. Timing belt, water pump and all related components with that job
3. Possibly reseal the oil pan?
4. Inspect for any other leaks or warning signs
5. New coolant
5. All new hoses
Couple other things to note. I gave my buddy who had a Tacoma the flex plate from the 99 donor motor. I will have to reuse the flex plate off of my 97. I will inspect it and make sure there aren't any cracks or issues.
I'll also be using the V beltes off of my blown engine since they are only 6 months old.
Another concern is the down pipe bolts. I've heard they always snap off. I'm assuming you can buy just those bolts/studs and replace them? It just so happens that the donor truck has a full TRD stainless steel exhaust (cat back).
I have read the 5VZFE engine removal thread but if anyone has any other tips or tricks they would like to share, that would be great.
To be continued....
Just 3 weeks ago I did a full timing belt, water pump job on the now bad motor (including the cam/crank seals).
My first step is going to be pulling the engine from the donor truck, hopefully this Saturday. The transmission has already been removed, I needed it in my 97.
Once I get the donor motor removed my plan was to strip it down and prepare it for a timing belt/water pump job (it was due anyway). I will be using the parts that I just installed on my blown engine. Obviously I cannot reuse the seals but I should be able to reuse everything minus maybe the waterpump gasket. Would you guys reuse it or just buy a new one. Again, its only 3 weeks old.
I will be replacing the rear main, front main, cam seals on the donor motor. The valve covers and associated seals were done in 2013 and do not appear to be leaking at all. I'll also look it over and see if anything else needs attention while the motor is out. A member on here (on a different thread) suggest I reseal the oil pan. If it is bone dry right now would you reseal it or leave it be?
Once I get my blown engine removed, I'll swap over all of the timing belt/water pump parts.
As soon as the new/used engine is all put back together and refreshed, I'll be swapping it in.
Here is the list of things I'm planning to do to the new/used engine, OEM parts only:
1. Install new cam seals, rear main seal and front main
2. Timing belt, water pump and all related components with that job
3. Possibly reseal the oil pan?
4. Inspect for any other leaks or warning signs
5. New coolant
5. All new hoses
Couple other things to note. I gave my buddy who had a Tacoma the flex plate from the 99 donor motor. I will have to reuse the flex plate off of my 97. I will inspect it and make sure there aren't any cracks or issues.
I'll also be using the V beltes off of my blown engine since they are only 6 months old.
Another concern is the down pipe bolts. I've heard they always snap off. I'm assuming you can buy just those bolts/studs and replace them? It just so happens that the donor truck has a full TRD stainless steel exhaust (cat back).
I have read the 5VZFE engine removal thread but if anyone has any other tips or tricks they would like to share, that would be great.
To be continued....
