Maintenance advice

[152 Sumo]

Hello all. I have a 97 SR5 4WD with 199,000 miles. I just had the timing belt, water pump, and some seals replaced. Dealer informed me of some leaks and recommended pulling the engine, replacing all of the seals, and re-installing. I hadn't been losing too much oil, so I decided to let the leaks go and just watch them. Less than a week after dealer service, I am noticing a bad leak. Not 100% sure if it is transmission fluid or oil. It looks red on the pavement, but when I let it drip on a napkin, it looks more brownish like oil. I haven't had a chance to look into it closer.

Now to my questions: Of course depending on where the actual leak is coming from, what do ya'all think about having the engine removed and seals replaced? What about transmission? With almost 200k miles, how much money ball park am I going to have to spend to keep her road worthy? I really like the 4Runner and don't want to replace it (cant afford to anyway). I considered getting a small loan and fixing everything and painting it at once. I could use some advice. Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[KidVermicious]

If it's a reddish fluid, it's probably trans fluid, and if it's dark or a brownish red, it needs changed. Engine oil starts the color of honey and turns black, trans fluid starts a bright red and turns dark brown.

Just how many leaks are we talking about here? Unless practically every gasket on the truck started seeping, I can't see pulling the motor to replace them all being necessary. Get some Purple Power or other badass degreaser, clean up your block, and find out exactly where it's leaking from and how bad. Go from there.

You didn't recently change to synthetic motor oil, did you?

 

[audiness]

Get another shop's opinion, there is no reason the engine should be pulled to change a rear main gasket. The transmission might have to come out to replace that tho....

 

[152 Sumo]

If it's a reddish fluid, it's probably trans fluid, and if it's dark or a brownish red, it needs changed. Engine oil starts the color of honey and turns black, trans fluid starts a bright red and turns dark brown.

Just how many leaks are we talking about here? Unless practically every gasket on the truck started seeping, I can't see pulling the motor to replace them all being necessary. Get some Purple Power or other badass degreaser, clean up your block, and find out exactly where it's leaking from and how bad. Go from there.

You didn't recently change to synthetic motor oil, did you?

No, I didn't change to synthetic. I think cleaning up and finding the TRUE leaks is a good idea. It is easy for a dealership tech to recommend pulling the engine since he doesn't have to pay for it or worry about return customers.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[152 Sumo]

Get another shop's opinion, there is no reason the engine should be pulled to change a rear main gasket. The transmission might have to come out to replace that tho....

I am taking it to another Toyota dealership since I have a recall for the rear suspension anyway. I will see what they tell me about the leaks and go from there. I already know of a good local mechanic that seems to be trustworthy. I will probably go there for a second opinion after recall done and depending on what Toyata dealer #2 says.

Thanks for the advice. I guess the other question I have for all of you that have 3rd generations is how much money is it worth putting into? How many miles do the engine and transmission last on average if not abused?

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I am taking it to another Toyota dealership since I have a recall for the rear suspension anyway. I will see what they tell me about the leaks and go from there. I already know of a good local mechanic that seems to be trustworthy. I will probably go there for a second opinion after recall done and depending on what Toyata dealer #2 says.

Thanks for the advice. I guess the other question I have for all of you that have 3rd generations is how much money is it worth putting into? How many miles do the engine and transmission last on average if not abused?

I would take it to a car wash and spray all the oil off the engine, transmission, and undercarriage. That way you can see what redevelops. If it's oil, it's most likely valve cover gaskets. It will run down the back of the motor and look like a bad rear seal.

As for mileage, 250K-300K is not unusual. I sold one with 230K last May and the buyer (who lives not far from me) drives it about 600-700 miles a week and I see it all the time. He's probably up to 275K by now, and drives it on 500 mile round trips for business each week. It also has leaky valve cover gaskets.

 

[sakoluvr]

152 Sumo, I sent you a PM.

 

[152 Sumo]

I would take it to a car wash and spray all the oil off the engine, transmission, and undercarriage. That way you can see what redevelops. If it's oil, it's most likely valve cover gaskets. It will run down the back of the motor and look like a bad rear seal.

As for mileage, 250K-300K is not unusual. I sold one with 230K last May and the buyer (who lives not far from me) drives it about 600-700 miles a week and I see it all the time. He's probably up to 275K by now, and drives it on 500 mile round trips for business each week. It also has leaky valve cover gaskets.

Thanks!