Overheating - 3.4 v6

[Nyathi]

Hi,

I am new to the forum but am looking for advice on buying a 1998 3.4 v6 Toyota surf/4 runner. I have heard this model is prone to overheating, has anyone had experience with this? I would welcome any other comments or advice on these vehicles. I am looking for a solid 4x4 that is highly capable off road and is reliable.

Thanks, Nyathi

 

[audiness]

I have never heard that the 3.4 is "prone" to overheating. I see very few post on here about it actually.

 

[theizzardking]

Hi,

I am new to the forum but am looking for advice on buying a 1998 3.4 v6 Toyota surf/4 runner. I have heard this model is prone to overheating, has anyone had experience with this? I would welcome any other comments or advice on these vehicles. I am looking for a solid 4x4 that is highly capable off road and is reliable.

Thanks, Nyathi

where in the world are you from so we know what models we are working with?

the petrol power 3.4 v-6 is a very reliable motor and not prone to over heating at all, though we do have problems with radiators failing every 100~150k or so but is a cheap and simple fix you do once and it's good to go, this failure tends to cause problems with the transmission as opposed to the engine, the engines on these things are pretty darn near bullet proof.

 

[shadow247]

These engines are know for being incredibly reliable. I have not read any threads on overheating being an issue. I have 346k miles on my original engine/trans and radiator. In fact, the only major issue this truck has ever been through is replacement of the rear-end, and that was due to a failed axle seal that happened on a long trip and burnt up the rear-end.

 

[nissanh]

your location?

I know some of the used JDM toyota hiace (LH 102) exported to African, middle east had over heating problems as these were fitted with small radiators and is not sufficient to cool the engines in hotter countries. But none of the hilux/surf had this problem

 

[Nyathi]

Many thanks for all the responses, I am based in Southern Africa but the Hilux Surf is an import from Japan. I have found one that has just come off the ship, having been bought direct off auction - It is in great condition with 107K kms on the clock. Mechanically it is sound but someone mentioned an overheating problem, which to be honest I had not heard of.

Its great to be able to ask people on this forum and get such good input, thanks again!!

 

[theizzardking]

Many thanks for all the responses, I am based in Southern Africa but the Hilux Surf is an import from Japan. I have found one that has just come off the ship, having been bought direct off auction - It is in great condition with 107K kms on the clock. Mechanically it is sound but someone mentioned an overheating problem, which to be honest I had not heard of.

Its great to be able to ask people on this forum and get such good input, thanks again!!

add an external trans cooler and call it good, i would be ok with buying that truck, where you live in the world i would probably suggest that for pretty much most trucks your where looking at, you got one hell of an environment to deal with in most regions there ....with that sort of mileage i would jump on it... Kwaheri!!

 

[brian2sun]

The earlier '90-95 2nd gen 4runners (with the 3.0L gas engine) were prone to head gasket failures which cause overheating, but Toyota got it right with the 3.4L in the 3rd gens. Head gaskets/overheating is rarely an issue under 200K miles on these motors.

 

[jspagna1]

The earlier '90-95 2nd gen 4runners (with the 3.0L gas engine) were prone to head gasket failures which cause overheating, but Toyota got it right with the 3.4L in the 3rd gens. Head gaskets/overheating is rarely an issue under 200K miles on these motors.

^^^ Correct. I have had my 97 3.4L since new and now with 170,000 miles it has never once over heated and still on the original radiator.

 

[agloukhoff]

The earlier '90-95 2nd gen 4runners (with the 3.0L gas engine) were prone to head gasket failures which cause overheating, but Toyota got it right with the 3.4L in the 3rd gens. Head gaskets/overheating is rarely an issue under 200K miles on these motors.

Not to say that they don't happen...

BUT - when they do...engine swaps are not too hard...and if you are getting a JDM 4Runner, you should have an easy time getting a JDM engine.

 

[nissanh]

Not to say that they don't happen...

BUT - when they do...engine swaps are not too hard...and if you are getting a JDM 4Runner, you should have an easy time getting a JDM engine.

I think it is diesel.

 

[JEL]

IIRC head gasket issues at all, even well over 200k, are extremely rare on a maintained and non-overheated 3.4 after late 97. 96 and earlier 97's seemed more prone to 'limited' head gasket issues, but after that just keep the antifreeze and oil fresh and you're not likely to have problems well in excess of 200k.

I ran into a few during my search that had ~350k on the original head gaskets, these engines will give a 12v Cummins or Mercedes OM617 diesel a run for their money in longevity.