New 4runner new problems

[96-Runner]

Hi guys Im new to the forum. I just bought my first 4runner 2weeks ago and Im loving it. Im also starting to realize more is wrong with it than I though.

Sorry this is long IMO

The guy i bought it off of said it had a P0300 code related to a random misfire in #3 cylinder. OK no problem at all. It has new plugs, wires, and a new coil pack in that cylinder. So i did a little research and found that the MAF sometimes get clogged so got the appropriate can of cleaner and that seemed to help a "little"

Yesterday a buddy and I where BS'n and I let the runner warm up and idle for abit and noticed an unusual amount of condensation coming out the tailpipe (it was 75° outside) which has now moved my fears to problems with head and/or gasket.
After my second class at night I fired up the runner again let it idle around as I cleaned the inside out (as Ive become extremely anal about cleanliness in it) and noticed a "richly" smell from the tailpipe. Another bad indicator something is wrong.
On the drive home I got stuck in dead traffic where nobody moved for awhile (on the freeway in-between mountain ranges) Everything was cool after moving again but when I started the final climb to the top which is like 4miles long the CEL started having a seizure about 1/2 up, stopped, and just stayed solid again.
I was suppose to go over to the shop to have it checked today(diag is free)(and no I didnt drive it) but didnt make it over there to have it checked it (that's thurs and i dont own a reader yet!)

Yes, there are other things that I can look at myself and was hoping someone who has similar experiences could shoot in in the most guided directions.

Im not worried if I need replace the headgasket as it wont be the first time Ive done them, but if I find the head is cracked where can I get just the head and not one of these forced ones with cams?

Thanks

 

[houjames98765]

Ok answer m questions?

Where did you buy the 4Runner?
How much did you pay for?
Did the previous owner told you it had issues?
Did he had good maintenance?
How many miles it has?
What year is your truck?
I need to figure out your issue.


Honestly to replace the head gasket, Fuel filter, clean injectors, clean engine inside, change thermostat, replace sensors and other water cables with labor it cost from $1,100 to $1,300 in the toyota dealership. If you take to a mechanic you will not solved your problem. If you take it to the dealeship your truck will become like brand new and your motor oil will not turn to dark in the normal wear. I recommend you to find another 4Runner or repair . It's too much money to have it unless you want to do this type of service. Your mechanic dose not know about 3400 four cam 24 engine is only Toyota dealer and it has special materials to fix it.

 

[96-Runner]

I bought a 1996 with the 3.4L in San Diego and everything has appeared to be in order. clean oil in the motor and all I was told that its on problem was random misfire code p0300 (random misfire) in #3 cylinder. I have 217xxx on it right now.

Im not havin the mechanic fix it as I dont have that type of cash lying in my back pocket and Im more than able bodied to do myself, but as I said in previous post I want to know where I can get a head without the cams in it since I can change mine over and the head will be sent out for testing to see if a crack may have occurred

 

[gamefreakgc]

Hi guys Im new to the forum. I just bought my first 4runner 2weeks ago and Im loving it. Im also starting to realize more is wrong with it than I though.

Sorry this is long IMO

The guy i bought it off of said it had a P0300 code related to a random misfire in #3 cylinder. OK no problem at all. It has new plugs, wires, and a new coil pack in that cylinder. So i did a little research and found that the MAF sometimes get clogged so got the appropriate can of cleaner and that seemed to help a "little"

1. Yesterday a buddy and I where BS'n and I let the runner warm up and idle for abit and noticed an unusual amount of condensation coming out the tailpipe (it was 75° outside) which has now moved my fears to problems with head and/or gasket.
2. After my second class at night I fired up the runner again let it idle around as I cleaned the inside out (as Ive become extremely anal about cleanliness in it) and noticed a "richly" smell from the tailpipe. Another bad indicator something is wrong.
3. On the drive home I got stuck in dead traffic where nobody moved for awhile (on the freeway in-between mountain ranges) Everything was cool after moving again but when I started the final climb to the top which is like 4miles long the CEL started having a seizure about 1/2 up, stopped, and just stayed solid again.
4. I was suppose to go over to the shop to have it checked today(diag is free)(and no I didnt drive it) but didnt make it over there to have it checked it (that's thurs and i dont own a reader yet!)

Yes, there are other things that I can look at myself and was hoping someone who has similar experiences could shoot in in the most guided directions.

Im not worried if I need replace the headgasket as it wont be the first time Ive done them, but if I find the head is cracked where can I get just the head and not one of these forced ones with cams?

Thanks

:welcome:

Glad to see another joins the 4Runner club!

I'll try and answer as best I can, I numbered your post above.

1. Water vapor is a completely normal emission. The catalytic converter changes the exhaust gases to CO2, O2, Nitrogen and H2O. Mines puts out enough water vapor to get the side of my garage damp when I start it up!The only reason you would suspect a head gasket if you saw white smoke and it smelled very sweet. Not mildly sweet, since for whatever reason these 4Runners always smell mildly sweet when idling.

2. Excessive idleing isn't all that great for the engine, it will tend to build up carbon or make funny smells. Once again, unless you're seeing smoke or anything really bad, I would not worry.

3. That's probably that P0300 code, which is a "random misfire" which is affecting multiple cylinders. A cylinder #3 misfire would be P0303. Clean your MAF sensor, you can use the search at the top for some photo walkthroughs. That clears it up more often then not. Also looking into replacing your spark plugs and wires if they look worn.

4. If you have an Android phone with Bluetooth, I highly recommend getting this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's $24 and you can read and clear codes at any time. Cheap and effective. Just download the Torque Lite app from the Play store and you're good to go.

Lastly, most likely not a head gasket/cylinder head issue. You'd be having a whole lot more issues that just a random CEL. Just watch your coolant levels and the clarity of your oil.

 

[Brveagle]

How does the sparkplug look from that trouble cylinder?

I also doubt a headgasket issue.

 

[96-Runner]

Hi guys I just sent the wife over to NAPA 2 get me replacement wires and plugs and c if that solves the issues. Im also due 4 new belts and probably timing...how hard is the timing belt ive done SOHC never dual DOHC

 

[96-Runner]

I installed new plugs,boots and new spark plugs all the way around and hole crap the stuff I pulled out was way past its prime. 4runner runs like a vehicle that has never seen a CEL =)

 

[BattleWagonActual]

I installed new plugs,boots and new spark plugs all the way around and hole crap the stuff I pulled out was way past its prime. 4runner runs like a vehicle that has never seen a CEL =)

Welcome to the forum, and glad to see you got your 4Runner working all by yourself. Nothing worse than getting a new ride only to find a laundry list of problems. Probably would have recommended you replace most of that stuff anyways if the previous owner didn't keep up on maintenance, CEL or not. Take care of these things and they'll last forever.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I'd check all the fluids too, if the previous owner neglected the ignition I bet the transmission fluid, power steering, and others will need some TLC.

 

[96-Runner]

Those are all items on the list to come as money rolls in over the next few weeks.

how many of the guys on here have been locked out due to the autolocks? How do I bypass that "wonderful feature?" and i mean that in the most sarcastic way

 

[Wikki]

Hi guys Im new to the forum. I just bought my first 4runner 2weeks ago and Im loving it. Im also starting to realize more is wrong with it than I though.

Sorry this is long IMO

The guy i bought it off of said it had a P0300 code related to a random misfire in #3 cylinder. OK no problem at all. It has new plugs, wires, and a new coil pack in that cylinder. So i did a little research and found that the MAF sometimes get clogged so got the appropriate can of cleaner and that seemed to help a "little"

Yesterday a buddy and I where BS'n and I let the runner warm up and idle for abit and noticed an unusual amount of condensation coming out the tailpipe (it was 75° outside) which has now moved my fears to problems with head and/or gasket.
After my second class at night I fired up the runner again let it idle around as I cleaned the inside out (as Ive become extremely anal about cleanliness in it) and noticed a "richly" smell from the tailpipe. Another bad indicator something is wrong.
On the drive home I got stuck in dead traffic where nobody moved for awhile (on the freeway in-between mountain ranges) Everything was cool after moving again but when I started the final climb to the top which is like 4miles long the CEL started having a seizure about 1/2 up, stopped, and just stayed solid again.
I was suppose to go over to the shop to have it checked today(diag is free)(and no I didnt drive it) but didnt make it over there to have it checked it (that's thurs and i dont own a reader yet!)

Yes, there are other things that I can look at myself and was hoping someone who has similar experiences could shoot in in the most guided directions.

Im not worried if I need replace the headgasket as it wont be the first time Ive done them, but if I find the head is cracked where can I get just the head and not one of these forced ones with cams?

Thanks

Your CEL having a "seizure" (flashing) generally means it is Misfiring right then while flashing. Then of course, once done it will store the code to read later(staying solid).