Need a motor, what to do
- Thread starter coues7
- Start date
85toyrunner
New member
I think you should leave the valves alone, not a simple job. Fix the oil leak, replace spark plugs, wires (OEM), pcv valve and see how it does from there
BrianSD_42
New member
Leave the valves alone. Who's going to do the work?
Here is what I have ordered as of right now:
bolt seals: 90210-05007 (qty 16)
plenum gaskets: 17176-62040 (qty 2)
valve cover gasket: 11213-62020 (qty 2)
thermostat: 90916-03075
thermostat gasket: 16325-62010
pcv valve: 12204-62010
pcv gromet: 90480-18001
spark plugs: 90919-01192 (qty 6)
plug cable set: 19037-62010
spark plug gaskets: 11193-70010 (qty 6)
motor mounts: 12361-62110 (qty 2)
transmission mount: 12371-62120
Hopefully all of this should get me where I need to be. I ordered the motor/trans mounts because I have a banging metal noise when I go from drive to reverse and viseversa and when I go over bumps. I don't have loose shocks or anything else and it won't hurt to replace them.
bolt seals: 90210-05007 (qty 16)
plenum gaskets: 17176-62040 (qty 2)
valve cover gasket: 11213-62020 (qty 2)
thermostat: 90916-03075
thermostat gasket: 16325-62010
pcv valve: 12204-62010
pcv gromet: 90480-18001
spark plugs: 90919-01192 (qty 6)
plug cable set: 19037-62010
spark plug gaskets: 11193-70010 (qty 6)
motor mounts: 12361-62110 (qty 2)
transmission mount: 12371-62120
Hopefully all of this should get me where I need to be. I ordered the motor/trans mounts because I have a banging metal noise when I go from drive to reverse and viseversa and when I go over bumps. I don't have loose shocks or anything else and it won't hurt to replace them.
85toyrunner
New member
Sounds like you have a good start! Might as well check/replace the timing belt while you are under the hood. Check your u-joints, could be the noise you are hearing
Even though I'm a "girl" and don't live in the communist country of Komifornia, I'm doing the work.....
BrianSD_42
New member
Well I wish you luck with the valve cover gaskets. There are actually a lot of guys who don't even do the work on their engines.
As for the commi-cali comment... Last time I checked the 50,000+ brothers in arms that serve in the US Military just here in San Diego are not communists. As a veteren myself I always find these kind of comments laughable. There are far far more of us Californian's who serve than almost any other state. Although if you are referring to our idiot gun laws then I definitely sympathize.
how about a THANK YOU for these great guys who have the patience and the time to help out a FELLOW member in need in a step by step pattern to save thousands of dollars.:thanks:
BrianSD_42
New member
It is interesting how OP went from thinking she had a bad engine even though there were no major symptoms (or codes) besides getting 15 mpg, which isn't even a symptom, AND she didn't know how an engine light works or know to do a compression test, ... to talking about doing a valve job on her own.
More power to you OP for being willing to do that but it's not a simple thing to do and is prob not needed.
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I don know how you get 300+miles per tank.... I get 200miles per full tank with 33" tires. Anyways I got a JDM engine with 60k for 1500$ came with everything. Ac, starter everything. It's very hard to find a low mile 5vzfe motor. I looked on eBay and people want 1500-2000$ for a motor with 100k+. Jdm motor was the way for me. For 1500$, not to mention jdm, plus 60k with everything. But I warn you. Since, 5vzfe was used in many other vehicles in Japan, suvs and not just a 4runner. I had to swap parts from my old blown motor to my new one. I had to swap, oil pan, oil filter location, water pump, pullies, intake, exhaust, FUEL INJECTORS..... Jdm fuel injectors are different then domestic. So when I swapped the injectors I replaced the seals on them. I also replaced front and rear engine seal with oem. Anyways your best thing is to buy a JDM engine. Just If you do. Look carefully at the engine and how it is set up. Because even though it's 5vzfe it might not directly fit.
Got mine from here with paper work and 6month warranty.
[url=http://www.jdmenginedepot.com
If you need a new engine only.
Got mine from here with paper work and 6month warranty.
[url=http://www.jdmenginedepot.com
If you need a new engine only.
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BrianSD_42
New member
If your truck is not misfiring or performing badly it is doubtful you will improve it in any way by doing a valve job. In fact you are more likely to break something that was fine to begin with.
Generally, at least here, we tell people not to fix something that isn't broken.
BTW 16 MPG @ 16 gal = 256 / tank. 300 / tank ? Lol that would be nice but very uncommon.
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BrianSD_42
New member
About the valves ... I say leave them alone because I'm not sure what mileage you have, you say there are not any real major symptoms like ticking or knocking and that you are not blowing blue smoke. Basically there is not really an indicator there IS something wrong with the valves so why mess with them.
Others may disagree ...
There are some pretty good write ups on how to do the valve cover gaskets. I assume you found the links I posted above.
BTW how many miles? I assume at least 150k if it is a 97.
Also are you SURE that it is a valve cover leak? Posting some pictures would help. I guess if you saw the pictures in another thread then you would know what to look for.
I mainly ask because sometimes people post about a rear main seal oil leak as well.
Others may disagree ...
There are some pretty good write ups on how to do the valve cover gaskets. I assume you found the links I posted above.
BTW how many miles? I assume at least 150k if it is a 97.
Also are you SURE that it is a valve cover leak? Posting some pictures would help. I guess if you saw the pictures in another thread then you would know what to look for.
I mainly ask because sometimes people post about a rear main seal oil leak as well.
FWIW, doing a valve job is not gender specific. I know a few women that are excellent Mechanics. What a valve job entails is the proper tools, knowledge and experience to do the job properly.
Adjusting the valves is one thing, (which also requires special tools, knowledge, and experience) but a valve job done properly means removing the cylinder heads to work on them, which requires even more special tools, knowledge, and experience.
I would suggest that anyone asking whether they can perform a valve job, doesn't currently have the necessary tools, knowledge, or experience to perform the job.
Trying to learn those skills on a daily driver, would be an exercise in frustration.
This applies to anyone that wants to acquire those skills: Go to school, gain knowledge on how the various systems of an internal combustion engine work. Gain experience in actually working on the various parts in an engine. Buy the tools you need. Then when you have the knowledge and tools to do the job properly, THEN you should think about performing whatever work your daily driver requires.
Adjusting the valves is one thing, (which also requires special tools, knowledge, and experience) but a valve job done properly means removing the cylinder heads to work on them, which requires even more special tools, knowledge, and experience.
I would suggest that anyone asking whether they can perform a valve job, doesn't currently have the necessary tools, knowledge, or experience to perform the job.
Trying to learn those skills on a daily driver, would be an exercise in frustration.
This applies to anyone that wants to acquire those skills: Go to school, gain knowledge on how the various systems of an internal combustion engine work. Gain experience in actually working on the various parts in an engine. Buy the tools you need. Then when you have the knowledge and tools to do the job properly, THEN you should think about performing whatever work your daily driver requires.
With 33" tires I get flat 100miles per half a tank. So 200miles per full tank.... So 300 is uncommon right ? Im sorry I just couldnt understand if you agreeing with 300miles or less
FOLKS I AM NOT A WOMEN! I MAY SOUND LIKE A WOMAN, BUT I AM NOT A WOMAN. I AM A 36YR OLD MALE.....See what you did Brian
I don't think it is a main seal leak. I can see the leaks and oil around both valve covers. I will try and get some pictures tonight. I have 197k on her right now.
Thank you for all your input and help. I'm trying here....be patient.
