Motor

L

Laceyblue

New member
Hi everyone!!!

I have on '02 4runner which i LOVE!!! I bought it in '07 and i commute to work in it. About 80 miles a day and have gone through phases of carpooling so overall I've put on over 100,000 miles for a total of 176,000 miles.
Friday i was driving home from work and i heard a click click click noise, i got over the bridge i was on and then POP! Liquid squirted up onto my windshield and was all underneath it. I had it towed to my mechanic who told me today that the motor is dead.
I asked his advice- he said he would get a used motor install it and then sell it. I asked about a new motor and he said it would run around $4500. I could prob get a used one with low miles for half the cost he said so he is searching right now. I love my 4runner! I was meant to have a 4runner!
Sell it? Ugh!
It seems to me like a lot of you guys work on your own 4runners and know about whats going on in the 4runner world. Any advice out there? I love this car! But i also dont want to be spending the rest of my life worrying about it. Advice?
Thanks everyone- I'm so heartbroken about this.
 
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Sorry to hear about your engine problem. Did he say what failed?
What liquid was all over; water or oil, or both??

If you really want to keep it (which could be cheaper in the long run), then see what actually failed, then go from there. If it's just top end (head gasket) and the bottom end's still good, it shouldn't be that expensive to fix.

Again, I'd ask him what failed, post back here and I'm sure someone will be able to give some good advice.
 
Thanks!

He said he would have to pull apart the engine to tell me exactly what was wrong and that it would be a big process which could be pricey. So he said he wanted to first find me a used engine he could offer me and go from there.
The liquid was oil. It was so sudden! I had no idea anything was wrong under the hood.
Does the sound reasonable what he said? To look for a used engine and go from there? I found it odd he wouldn't find out the exact source of the problem- he said it was deep in the motor so that's why he didn't pull it apart yet. Sounds like he is looking for a full piece- is it possible that I only need part of a motor? Or if it's deep inside the motor is it just a full replace that I need?
I am trying to decide how to handle this.
Part of me wonders about saving up for a new engine and then keeping my wonderful 4runner forever? Problem is I need a vehicle now.
Thanks for your help. Any more advice or information would be awesome!
 
Stop!

Laceyblue said:
Thanks!

He said he would have to pull apart the engine to tell me exactly what was wrong and that it would be a big process which could be pricey. So he said he wanted to first find me a used engine he could offer me and go from there.
The liquid was oil. It was so sudden! I had no idea anything was wrong under the hood.
Does the sound reasonable what he said? To look for a used engine and go from there? I found it odd he wouldn't find out the exact source of the problem- he said it was deep in the motor so that's why he didn't pull it apart yet. Sounds like he is looking for a full piece- is it possible that I only need part of a motor? Or if it's deep inside the motor is it just a full replace that I need?
I am trying to decide how to handle this.
Part of me wonders about saving up for a new engine and then keeping my wonderful 4runner forever? Problem is I need a vehicle now.
Thanks for your help. Any more advice or information would be awesome!
Click to expand...

I won't spend anymore money on finding the cause Lacey,the money could be well spent on something else a new engine perhaps.From your description the clicking noise is your engine starving for oil and if oil was spraying it could be an oil galley plug or somewhere in the oiling system that blew up.If the source or cause could not be visually seen from the outside of the engine it would be a waste of time and money on your part just to search or tear it down for inspection.Where are you in Cali?I could look at it or help you source out for a used engine if your nearby.Please don't bother about tearing it down it's good as toast in my opinion.

Just to add about getting your car back on the road,this is not going to happen in a few days it could take at least a couple weeks to find a decent used engine or source a good engine rebuilder that backs up their work and you would need to replace other things when you pull out that engine.keep us updated on your findings or what you decide.
 
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I was considering using apr for an engine in my runner before I found one for 1000 bucks from a wrecking yard with 136k on it. Get on Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and look for an engine. You can usually find a somewhat young engine for about a grand. Your mechanic should be able to clean it up and install it in less than a day and maybe cost you a total of under 2000 bucks. If you love your runner then fix it and keep it on the road OR sell it for what you can and buy another runner.
 
In all likelihood, you can have the engine replaced for less than what you'd lose if you tried to sell the truck with a dead engine, so you might as well fix it--especially if you love it so much. These are great trucks, and they're worth fixing, even for something like an engine or transmission failure. A couple grand should have you running again.
 
vipergrhd said:
I won't spend anymore money on finding the cause Lacey,the money could be well spent on something else a new engine perhaps.From your description the clicking noise is your engine starving for oil and if oil was spraying it could be an oil galley plug or somewhere in the oiling system that blew up.If the source or cause could not be visually seen from the outside of the engine it would be a waste of time and money on your part just to search or tear it down for inspection.Where are you in Cali?I could look at it or help you source out for a used engine if your nearby.Please don't bother about tearing it down it's good as toast in my opinion.

Just to add about getting your car back on the road,this is not going to happen in a few days it could take at least a couple weeks to find a decent used engine or source a good engine rebuilder that backs up their work and you would need to replace other things when you pull out that engine.keep us updated on your findings or what you decide.
Click to expand...


Thank you so much for your help. I am wondering... why would it be starving for oil? I was actually due for an oil change this month and was going to go in either this week or next. But I hadn't overlooked oil and my oil that came out was really clean. But... It wan't leaking when I parked. Is it possible I had an internal leak that might not have been noticeable? I had not noticed anything wrong--- I just want to be sure that I don't overlook something in the future that I should have noticed to help prevent this.
Also... I am in So Cal. It looks like from what I have seen I will definitely have to ship an engine out here unless by fluke there is something nearby.
I won't pull it down... you're right its just not worth it.
Thank you so much!
 
SV_Dude said:
I was considering using apr for an engine in my runner before I found one for 1000 bucks from a wrecking yard with 136k on it. Get on Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and look for an engine. You can usually find a somewhat young engine for about a grand. Your mechanic should be able to clean it up and install it in less than a day and maybe cost you a total of under 2000 bucks. If you love your runner then fix it and keep it on the road OR sell it for what you can and buy another runner.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for sharing the source. I appreciate you sending this site!! There is so much here to look at so it makes me feel so much hope! I was so lost yesterday and scared to lose my runner. Thanks for giving me help :)
 
BucknutBob said:
In all likelihood, you can have the engine replaced for less than what you'd lose if you tried to sell the truck with a dead engine, so you might as well fix it--especially if you love it so much. These are great trucks, and they're worth fixing, even for something like an engine or transmission failure. A couple grand should have you running again.
Click to expand...

It is an awesome truck!! I put it through so much too... a massive commute 5 days a week for the past 6 years climbing mountains. A few road trips crossing states... it just needs a little love to be back up and running I hope. I am going to shop around and share what i find with you guys! :) Thank you so much!
 
2RZ 3RZ Toyota Remanufactured Engine Tacoma 4Runner T100

Above is a rebuilt engine which looks great... but below says it is brand new! Anyone have any advice on these? Thoughts? I am thinking I will take them into my mechanic and show him what I have found through the help of my 4runner friends :) Let me know what you think about this :)

2RZ 3RZ Toyota Brand New Engine Tacoma 4Runner T100 2.7 2.4

Also, I have a question about these. I am very unaware of engines and rebuilding them... I have zero experience with this. But KidVermicious added the link for a "long block" which is what both engines above are. I am trusting that that must be what I need. But I also see "short blocks." What is the difference between a long block and a short block? I just want to do my homework and make sure my truck is taken care of as best as possible! :)
Thanks so much everyone!
 
Get some HELP

Laceyblue said:
Thank you so much for your help. I am wondering... why would it be starving for oil? I was actually due for an oil change this month and was going to go in either this week or next. But I hadn't overlooked oil and my oil that came out was really clean. But... It wan't leaking when I parked. Is it possible I had an internal leak that might not have been noticeable? I had not noticed anything wrong--- I just want to be sure that I don't overlook something in the future that I should have noticed to help prevent this.
Also... I am in So Cal. It looks like from what I have seen I will definitely have to ship an engine out here unless by fluke there is something nearby.
I won't pull it down... you're right its just not worth it.
Thank you so much!
Click to expand...

Lacey,your more than welcome.You ask why it starved for oil,from your description about the ticking noise is a sign that your engine is losing oil pressure due to a leak or an internally failed component inside your engine(i.e spun rod bearing) since you also mentioned that oil sprayed out on your windshield i'm thinking that it could be coming near or above your engine.Besides your engine oil which is pressurized your power steering can also burst the same way and leak oil (200 psi +)you really need a mechanic you could trust and just invetigate the source of your leak and not tear it down we already know that if you lost all that oil your engine is done.

So here is my suggestion if another T4R member or a family member could help you with this,bring home the vehicle if you have a garage or a driveway where it can be parked lay some old cardboard underneath to absorb any oil that could still be dripping from the leak,check all your fluid levels (oil,coolant,P/S fluid,brake fluid etc.)if someone could craw under and just look for an area of saturation where the leak could have started disable your fuel system or your coil so the vehicle wont start and make sure the battery is strong enough to crank the engine.you will need at least 2 persons on this next step while cranking the engine have one of them look under the vehicle and one on top to see if oil or any other fluid does leak out and hoping that it is something external of your engine.If it is truly and oil leak it will start to pump oil out even if the engine is not started.hope this helps in some way.

If you decide to buy a used engine get it from someone that could offer some warranty even just for a few months and if you decide to go buy a reman engine do your research before handing out the cash.
 
Laceyblue said:
Also, I have a question about these. I am very unaware of engines and rebuilding them... I have zero experience with this. But KidVermicious added the link for a "long block" which is what both engines above are. I am trusting that that must be what I need. But I also see "short blocks." What is the difference between a long block and a short block? I just want to do my homework and make sure my truck is taken care of as best as possible! :)
Thanks so much everyone!
Click to expand...

A long block includes rebuilt heads, while a short block is just the rebuilt block and internals. With a long block, your mechanic would need to swap over all external parts from your old engine, including the intake, exhaust, valve covers, and all accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, etc.). Some companies will include a new oil pump and timing belt, while others may not.
 
KidVermicious said:
There's absolutely no reason to sell that truck, your mechanic is high. Here's a rebuilt long block for $2000: Toyota Engine 5VZE 5VZ 3.4L v6 Long Block 1995-2004
Click to expand...

Laceyblue said:
2RZ 3RZ Toyota Remanufactured Engine Tacoma 4Runner T100

Above is a rebuilt engine which looks great... but below says it is brand new! Anyone have any advice on these? Thoughts? I am thinking I will take them into my mechanic and show him what I have found through the help of my 4runner friends :) Let me know what you think about this :)

2RZ 3RZ Toyota Brand New Engine Tacoma 4Runner T100 2.7 2.4

Also, I have a question about these. I am very unaware of engines and rebuilding them... I have zero experience with this. But KidVermicious added the link for a "long block" which is what both engines above are. I am trusting that that must be what I need. But I also see "short blocks." What is the difference between a long block and a short block? I just want to do my homework and make sure my truck is taken care of as best as possible! :)
Thanks so much everyone!
Click to expand...

Before you invest your money on a new or reman engine do an extensive research of the company your about to deal with,before i purchased my engine i searched and ask on different forums for any reference or suggestion for a source on a reman engine.i did found these two to be on top of my list.
TOYOTA 3VZE 3.0L V6 ENGINE HI-PRO 190HP/210FTLBS - $1,995.00 : Raptor Engines, 7 Year 700000 Mile Warranty
Engines - 5VZFE - TEAMYOTAhttp://www.yotashop.com/3rz-1/
 
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Update

Hello friends :)

I just wanted to post an update. So... the place I had taken my runner to was not doing much. They've been looking for motors but they haven't called me back or done anything to get the ball moving.
So... I decided I wanted to get a second opinion before I did anything. I told the mechanic I was going to take it home and determine what I am going to do because at the very least I will have to save up money to buy a new engine and that would take some time.
Really... I took it to another mechanic which I used to go to back when I had an Accord. They specialize in Hondas and Toyotas. They called me and informed me that it does indeed need a motor.
I had been hoping from tales I have heard from other people and in reading that possibly the Timing Belt had snapped but... that was false hope.
This other mechanic told me that there is a hole in my motor. He has no idea how it happened though. He is investigating for his own curiosity's sake (thank goodness because I want to know!) He has said that the oil was full and great, it didn't overheat, all fluid looks great and everything is in tact... there is simply a hole through the motor. He said that from his experience that means a piston has come loose and shot out, but that wouldn't happen until there was an oil issue. He also said it won't turn over to start fully. It is odd because it was on when it happened... I turned it off. I even debated trying to drive it more but felt I shouldn't so that is how I called AAA. So he is going to call me back to inform me what is happenning.
In the meantime... I have to figure out what to do. I have been checking out motors and staying with the long blocks. The one mechanic I was originally at has let me know that he would charge me $900 for labor, plus the cost of the motor. The dealer said it would be over $3000 for labor. I don't know about the mechanic I am currently at, so we shall see.

Another note... nearly 2 years ago, the dealer told me that there was coolant in a cylinder of mine. They said that they would need to replace the head gasket and fix it... thousands done through them!
So... I took it to the same mechanic I orignally took my runner to this time around. He tested and tested... no coolant in the cylinder. He said everything was fine! He sealed with some solution to ensure that if there was an coolant leaking (which he said it wasn't) that it wouldn't leak. What if that was true? What if over the years coolant has leaked into the cylinder? Would that cause this to happen? My mind is racing with all the possibilities so I thought I'd come on and ask everyone's advice and opinions. :)
Thanks you guys!
 
Okay....

This is the deal. The new mechanic will put in a new motor, timing belt, water pump, all new gaskets, etc... For between $5000-5200. The engine e found is used with 85000 miles on it, this is a lot of stinkin money! I think I am just going to have to do it and sell it? I don't know. I could tow it back to the other mechanics who will be cheaper BUT... He won't replace everything for that price and it's been 3 weeks. I need a car. I am scared for something bad to go wrong with my car now.
Any ideas? How much could I sell my runner for as is? Its in great condition just doesn't drive right now. It's infuriating how this is all happening. I am so upset and I just don't know what to do.
I am terrified for the transmission to go next and then that's another huge bill I am forking out! Ugh!!!
How much do you think I could sell it for? Any thoughts?
This new place tells me that with a new engine and only 85000 miles I could get over 7000 for it. Is that true you think?
 
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