New owner, used 4runner, questions and issues.

[jimmy310]

Hey guys,

I just bought a new to me 4runner. Its a 96, automatic, 4x4, SR5 trim. Has 160k and seems to be in decent condition. Exterior and interior wise, its in great shape for a 19 y/o SUV. The mechanicals im unsure about. It drives well. Seems kind of slow compared to my 2004 honda crv.

My main concern the oil leaks. (atleast what i think is an oil leak...could be PS fluid although when i dabbed a papertowel at the small puddle it looked and smelled like oil). The oil leak is mainly rolling off the skid plates in several spots. When driving, you can smell faint oil burning coming through the vents. The valve covers dont seem to be leaking from what i saw, see pics.

From behind the skid plate:

valve covers:

The sticker for the timing belt says it was done at 80k miles and done in 2000...YIKES! Yesterday during a cold start the belt squealed until it warmed up. Today when i looked under the hood i saw the drive belt had cracks in the middle of it....that seems to be the culprit.

The other thing is rust. It looks like the P.O. treated the 4runner for rust before, it spent most of its time in NY state.

 

[jimmy310]

Pics of undercarriage:

Kinda deceiving when looking at the engine from the top (intake manifold has been painted):

Seems like it has alot of new parts. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Sisente]

The local Firestone here will do an inspection for $25. They will put it up on a lift, pull the tires, check fluids, and pull any maint history they can find. Not a 100%, but good enough, and cheap enough to tell you if it is oil, and any other issues you may not see withou a lift.

 

[Scramble]

Looks like power steering fluid on the rack that's wet.
Engine oil on top of the skid plate is normal from oil changes. The valve covers look good.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Even if you put a little money into this truck it is low miles at the end of the day. If you have any mechanical skills you can do a valve cover gasket job your self if needed. As for a steering rack it is a little harder but still can be done also. I would not worry to much about the timing belt just because the worst it can do is break and just die on you. This is a non interference engine so it will not destroy the engine if it goes. It will just be out of time and you will need a tow to a shop in the end, not a big deal.

I thing all and all if this is all the is wrong you did really well. Hope you enjoy the 4Runner. As for the engine power it is normal. They didn't even make 200hp new so I guess you will be getting a super charger in the near feature. Enjoy


Blue

 

[T4R2014]

I'm thinking leaking cam plugs and/or half moons. Tune it up. They are not rockets but if you leave the tires and suspension stock it will hustle along when you need it to very nicely.

 

[jimmy310]

The local Firestone here will do an inspection for $25. They will put it up on a lift, pull the tires, check fluids, and pull any maint history they can find. Not a 100%, but good enough, and cheap enough to tell you if it is oil, and any other issues you may not see withou a lift.

I'll probably take it in for an oil change, my usual place does an inspection and give opinions/advice on whatever they find.

Looks like power steering fluid on the rack that's wet.
Engine oil on top of the skid plate is normal from oil changes. The valve covers look good.

I'll search leaking power steering threads....and get several opinions.

Even if you put a little money into this truck it is low miles at the end of the day. If you have any mechanical skills you can do a valve cover gasket job your self if needed. As for a steering rack it is a little harder but still can be done also. I would not worry to much about the timing belt just because the worst it can do is break and just die on you. This is a non interference engine so it will not destroy the engine if it goes. It will just be out of time and you will need a tow to a shop in the end, not a big deal.

I thing all and all if this is all the is wrong you did really well. Hope you enjoy the 4Runner. As for the engine power it is normal. They didn't even make 200hp new so I guess you will be getting a super charger in the near feature. Enjoy


Blue

Thanks Blue, this seemed like the best one i found for under $5000. In Socal, used 3rd gen 4x4 4runners are like unicorns and cost a small fortune. I believe I stole it for $3200.

I got tired of dealing with Heep XJ's that couldnt pass smog.

I'm thinking leaking cam plugs and/or half moons. Tune it up. They are not rockets but if you leave the tires and suspension stock it will hustle along when you need it to very nicely.

I will seek a second opinion on the leaks. As for a tune up, i dont know too much of the history on this vehicle but cables going to the coil packs look good, air filter looks good, and the oil level looked to be within limits and golden in color. Idk about spark plugs but idle is at about 600rpm and is smooth. I had a 2003 camry that needed its maf sensor cleaned out regularly, but i'll hold off on the 4runner until i get more acquainted with it.