Need a motor, what to do

[coues7]

I have a 1997 4runner that needs a new motor. My current motor leaks badly and I'm no longer getting 315 miles per tank more along the lines of 225. There is a guy here in az that has a complete motor from a 1998 with 30k on it. He wants $2500. I don't know what route to take. Is that a good deal? What would need to be replaced before it is installed? I see the jbm
Motors around on eBay that say they have 45-60k miles on them. I suppose that is a another option.

 

[dd210]

bought a motor from just truck and van with a 1 year warranty also you can get a jdm motor with low miles

 

[nevada]

I have a 1997 4runner that needs a new motor. My current motor leaks badly and I'm no longer getting 315 miles per tank more along the lines of 225. There is a guy here in az that has a complete motor from a 1998 with 30k on it. He wants $2500. I don't know what route to take. Is that a good deal? What would need to be replaced before it is installed? I see the jbm
Motors around on eBay that say they have 45-60k miles on them. I suppose that is a another option.

he wants $2500 for just the engine?
hes high, and not just the price.

 

[WillK]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/118588-long-term-update-v8-swap-up-date.html

 

[coues7]

Any recommendations on where to get a motor? What is one with 30k worth?

 

[541joseph]

i would imagine that you could buy a built 3.4 for $2500. if your willing to spend that much just order a built one that wouldnt need anything to be changed

 

[WillK]

What's leaking??

 

[85toyrunner]

What's leaking??

Agreed! What's leaking? Sounds like you might just need to do some maintenance!

 

[coues7]

i would imagine that you could buy a built 3.4 for $2500. if your willing to spend that much just order a built one that wouldnt need anything to be changed

Where can I purchase a built one in az or elsewhere? What is considered built?

 

[coues7]

Agreed! What's leaking? Sounds like you might just need to do some maintenance!

I have no idea what's leaking. I can't imagine a oil leak would cause that bad of fuel mileage. The rig has 199k. I did have a leak in the intake hose (between the air filter and intake) that I took longer to repair than I should have. I think the rings are shot. I've never done anything to the engine other than change the oil

 

[541joseph]

Where can I purchase a built one in az or elsewhere? What is considered built?

I'm not sure where you can get them but someone had to do it. And built just means high performance parts are installed instead if the oem. Can't do much of any research on my phone

 

[WillK]

So, something is leaking and your gas mileage is suffering...

Did you get an actual diagnoses? The 3.4 engine is pretty tough.

I wonder if there's someone on the board who's close to you who could take a look for you if you aren't sure...

 

[85toyrunner]

Is it burning oil? Is it smoking? What does the leaking fluid look/smell like? I'd hate to think I put a used engine in my 4runner just because it needed some maintenance. Elaborate a little more for us please

 

[wc11]

Hey remember.
Tacoma's of the same Gen used the same motors so it gives you options.

 

[amalik]

take it to a local meineke instead of getting a new motor, LOL, you might save a few thousand dollars.

 

[coues7]

It is definitely oil smell. You only smell it when the motor is warm. I can't really say that is is burning oil. My biggest indicator that something is wrong is the fuel economy. What COULD be wrong that would make it leak oil? Is it a PCV value?

 

[Scotty_h]

Sell that junk to me at scrap price...



So you are saying that you went from 21 mpg to 15? Both of these are as far as im concerned, acceptable fuel mileages based upon driving conditions, temp, air filter quality, tire differences?... the list goes on.

Fluids are all filled? Are they getting low, colored smoke? Check out the mpg threads in the search. Doesn't sound like an engine failure to me... Test your rings with a compression test. I have 201K on a engine that I'm putting INTO my truck.

 

[coues7]

I just went out and looked and the valve covers are covered in oil. Nothing has changed in regards to tires or the such. I was more than happy with 21mpg. I think something is wrong if I'm getting 15mpg. I live at 7000' and was getting 21mpg. Something changed and the one thing I can think is the that leak on the hose between the AF and intake that I allowed to leak for way to long. I had to of been sucking dust into the intake. Maybe I need new injectors. I do agree I should have the compression tested. Where can I get a FSM?

 

[541joseph]

If it smells like oil burning when its hot you might want to have someone check valve cover gaskets. I really don't think you need to replace a motor.

 

[coues7]

Sell that junk to me at scrap price...



So you are saying that you went from 21 mpg to 15? Both of these are as far as im concerned, acceptable fuel mileages based upon driving conditions, temp, air filter quality, tire differences?... the list goes on.

Fluids are all filled? Are they getting low, colored smoke? Check out the mpg threads in the search. Doesn't sound like an engine failure to me... Test your rings with a compression test. I have 201K on a engine that I'm putting INTO my truck.

I drive 50 miles on the highway at 70mph everyday. That's not city driving. 15mpg is not ok in my book. Especially since I used to get 21mpg.