Questions about my 4runner

[mkking]

Howdy everyone!
I have myself a 1986 toyota 4runner, she is my first car and i truly don't know much about her. I am quite eager to learn from any experienced minds!
some background, shes got over 325,000 miles on her and I haven't a clue how the previous owners treated the gal. Most of the adults around are pushing me to sell her, but i just can't do it, i've grown quite fond of her and i'm wondering if this car is actually something i can wisely invest money in.
She runs quite well, except there is definitely an exhaust leak(or two) which is easily fixable. i feel like she lacks alot of power and performance wise, shes not in the best shape.
if you have any questions or want specification, please ask and i shall do my very best to answer.

 

[GonOvr]

I think being more vehicle specific will help a lot! Pictures help quite a bit too.

325,000mi I would definitely look into a timing belt. Unless you have proof that it was done. Might be a sticker under the hood somewhere.

I would give it a tune up. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, filters. Sea Foam the engine (many threads on this), clean the throttle body.

Give it a good cleaning top to bottom, then fix the obvious stuff.

Sounds like you got some work ahead of you, but that goes for any project. Use it as a learning tool, no better way than hands on.

Welcome to the forum! :hatsoff:

 

[KidVermicious]

22re or 3vze? Auto or manual? Any time you're posting up for help, it's good to include what kinda rig you've got. Also, I think there's a board rule that if you post more than twice without pics, we get to give you a swirly.

Definitely do everything GonOvr says, and unless you know for sure it's been done recently see to the timing right away. These are interference engines, and if your timing goes the whole motor goes with it!

We get lots of threads about folks thinking their motors have something wrong because they aren't fast. These aren't fast trucks. They ARE about the most reliable trucks around, if well maintained, and you can absolutely "wisely spend money" to get her back in shape and keep her there.

Welcome to the board, and gratz on your new rig.

 

[niteman]

Welcome!
My first two cars were in pretty horrible shape, but I learned a lot from working on them and they still hold a special place in my heart today.

I have to say this, so please forgive me and just read for a second: [rant]You ask if this is something you can wisely invest in. Vehicles of any make or type are rarely wise investments. At best they're diminishing assets, and usually they're flat out liabilities (if you're making payments). Instead buy reliable brands, think of them as hobbies or transportation or training tools, and "invest" accordingly. You will almost never get a decent return on the money you put in a project vehicle once you factory in your time, a mechanics time, shipping or parts, etc...unless you're a professional restorer and do this for a living. [end rant]

Now, that being said...I think you picked a great first car. I would have loved to have a first gen as my first car but they were still too new at the time lol. Do all the maintenance items and suggestions that GonOvr suggested and you will have a good base to work with. Get/download the Factory Service Manual for your truck, here is a link to download, between the manual and this forum there's not a lot you can't figure out.

Oh, and give pics and more info. Some engine/transmission combos have better track records than others. Since you say 325,000 miles I'm going to assume that you've got a 22re 4cyl/5spd MT but I could be wrong lol. I like my 94 4runner well enough, but I doubt my 3VZE and AT will still be moving at 325K miles.

 

[fourwd1]

22re or 3vze?

It's an 86, there was no 3VZE available then, just the 4 cyl.


And 325K is a lot of miles, even for a Toyota. Unless it has been rebuilt, the engine has quite a bit of wear on it, which is a likely cause of poor power and performance. Another very likely cause is a clogged cat conv.
A compression test on the engine can give you an idea of the shape it's in.