T4R V8 reliability

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bo0oost

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I've read some stuff on this forum about how the V8 in the 4Runner isn't as reliable as the V6. Why is this? I hope I didn't make a bad purchase by going with my 05 SR5 4x4 V8.

I bought this truck on the assumption that it is bulletproof.

I hope I just read wrong. Any opinions? Are there any high mileage V8 guys on here?

Thanks
 
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That's the first I've heard of it too.

Generally, the V8 has been regarded as more reliable than the V6. The V8 has been proven in the Landcruiser, Tundra and Sequoia as well as in a lot of Lexus models. The V6 was brand new in 2003, so that's why it hasn't been proven to be as reliable as the V8.
 
I don't remember reading anything about the V8 being unreliable. There was discussion about how Consumer Reports gave the V6 a bad reliability rating only because of a fuel system recall. To my understanding, that has since been corrected. None of the 4Runner engines are unreliable. The V8 is especially bulletproof and extremely reliable. They even use the same engine in the Lexus GX470. I don't think you should have any second thoughts about buying a V8 4Runner. I have 18,500 miles on my V8 and it has given me no problems at all. I just give it the routine oil changes and this thing runs amazing.
 
He/she probably means the thread where a few people think that the new '05 VVTi-V8 will be less reliable due to increase technology in the engine.
 
toyo v8 are tanks. the only bad thing i could say about them is why ....why did you put the starter in the valley of the heads.:bash:
 
Endless engine discussions

But not much discussion of the other big lump of metal, fluid, and technology that sits right behind it.

The 5 speed was new brand new for the 2003 V8s, though the engine itself was well proven. If anything was going to be a problem with the reliability of the V8s, it figured to be the transmission--though given Toyota's history nobody expected the tranny to be a problem either. And it wasn't.

Modern engines and transmissions seem to be about equal as sources of complexity and expensive repairs, but the engines get the glory and the transmissions labor in obscurity. Ah well. . .
 
Yeah, I've also heard that the V8 engine is very unreliable for a Toyota engine.

I think it is mostly due to lightweight aluminum casting used throughout the block and heads.

Also, the timing belt, which is prone to breakage, should be replaced by a chain.

THe silica-filled intake valves have been known to fail under high-rpm operation.

If I were you, I'd trade in that V8 before it's too late and replace it with a V6 version.












BTW, I'm just kidding:p I'm sure the V8 is just as reliable as any other Toyota engine these days. If you drive a Toyota, reliability should be the last thing you worry about.
 
The V8's don't have a timing belt.. it has a timing chain.

As far as reliability.... the V8 has proven itself over and over again. Why do you think its in half of the toyota and lexus suvs? because its proven to be reliable. I would say the V8s are more reliable than the V6s, but we have one of each. :D
 
iFORCE said:
The V8's don't have a timing belt.. it has a timing chain.

As far as reliability.... the V8 has proven itself over and over again. Why do you think its in half of the toyota and lexus suvs? because its proven to be reliable. I would say the V8s are more reliable than the V6s, but we have one of each. :D
Click to expand...

Belt or chain... who cares? Didn't you see where I said I was kidding? I just made all that up as a joke anyway.

Either way, it's a Toyota engine, so it will be one of the most reliable vehicles available.
 
I think he is talkin about the piston slap he will get if he leaves it out in the cold. I would get rid of it before it starts!!! Plus resale on the V8's is really bad because of the timing belt and piston slap. :D
 
My engines running great, it did not hold to well after the rebuild but they decided to replace it and my 2nd engine runs better then my 1st;):
 
Hitman said:
Belt or chain... who cares? Didn't you see where I said I was kidding? I just made all that up as a joke anyway.

Either way, it's a Toyota engine, so it will be one of the most reliable vehicles available.
Click to expand...

when you joke.. you need a .... :D or a :P ... :D

Sorry.. I keep getting our two T4R mixed up. V6=chain, V8=belt
 
yeah the V8 is really crappy, everytiem I hit 12000RPM it throwsa damn rod, wish they would fix it :D



On a serious note, the V8s are bulletproof and they have tried and tested over many years now. So dont worry about it. Also the new V8 has VVTi, which Toyota has been making for many years so I wouldn't expect any issues with it.
 
Looking at a v8 as well. Very very seriously.

I know about the secondary pump failure, which seems like a common issue above 100k+ but it seems fixable via a simple relay. Not sure on the long term effects but these have gone to 300k+.

another concern is the re-circulation actuator - on this forum I have read that this means the engine is losing power and prone to fail. You can replace pretty easily so NBD but does that still mean I need to watch my engine and be concerned?

Help me out!
 
I purchased my T4R 2005 fwd V8 sport edition with purchased with 218k miles, previous owner kept current on all maintenance, I found a local mechanic (Nestor, aka Nestah edition) in Northern California he has replaced coil packs, spark plugs, smog air pump, and installed my lift /Suspension, exhaust HID headlights etc. I have been super pleased and anybody who’s ever rode in it tells me how smooth it is. I am excited to go another 100k+! :). I currently have about 235k miles.
 
Exhaust manifold cracking, secondary AIR pump failing, and timing belt replacements are the significant concerns with this engine. None are major.

Compare against the early V6 head gasket failures, make an informed decision.
 
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