Is this what I can expect, or does it finally get better?

helusay

New member
Hi guys,
I am having a ton of problems with my runner. I bought a 1990 runner with a 3VZE 3.0 V6 and since then I have done nothing but pour money into repairs. I just want to know if it will get any better. So I paid $2100, and I knew it would need some repairs, but this is crazy. I don't know if it needs a new trans or not yet, but the one I have slips and I was thinking about replacing it, until this past week. On Thursday, I was driving and I heard the most god awful bearing sound coming from the motor, I opened the hood and saw that the fan was wobbling, so I figured it was the water pump, and since I was planning on getting the water pump and timing belt replace, I figured, no big deal. It seemed to be running fine after the repair and then all of a sudden BAM!! The noise came back and the fan started to wobble again. I was PISSED! Then I went online to investigate "fan wobble" a little further and found out there is something called a "fake water pump" on the front of the motor. I can't remember the official name of the part, I think it is call a "fan spacer bracket", but it doesn't matter, because everywhere I called looking for it knew it as a "fake water pump." Oh yeah, if you call Toyota for the part, they want $700+ for the part, even the service manager @ Toyota said to go hunt one down in a salvage yard and they would install it for $180. I found the part after market for $150 from a local parts dealer, not a chain, but I found out that BAP Import parts carries them for $200 if you have on in your area. Got that repair done and so now, a new problem arose and I noticed it first happened after the timing belt was replaced. I have the worst time starting my truck in the morning or after sitting for and extended period of time. It cranks, but it doesn't seem to be getting any gas. Do they have to mess with the manifold @ all to change the timing belt? I can get it to start, but this is driving me nuts and eating away @ my transmission funds. Can someone please tell me if it gets better? I have spent over $1500 on tires and repairs so far. Can any tell me what might be causing my starting problem? Oh yeah and there is a weird sound coming from the mechanism attached to the air filter compartment. Any insight to that would be helpful too. Sorry for venting on you, but I need a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.
-Thanks
 
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The reason your yota might not start is due to a worn distributor. i have a 91 4 runner and I had the same problem a few months ago. The cost was a bout 400 for instalation and parts. But i am sure you can find a remanufactured distributor for around 200-250 and install yourself. I just didn't have the time to do it.

Good luck
 
Hey guys,
thanks for the replies, actually, I think that the distributor sounds more like the cause. The truck is starting ok now, weirdly enough, but it seems like the timing changes on its own, just slightly, but I can notice it. It would also explain the noise that I think is coming from the area of the air cleaner. Anyway, I found a remanufactured one @ Checker for $140, and I am going to have a mechanic buddy of mine that works for Toyota help me install it. Although, I will be replacing the tank and fuel pump soon as well. I am also going to change the screen and gasket in the trans this weekend and see if it helps with my slipping trans. Anyone have any pointers on doing the trans work?
-Thanks again
 

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