Tapping noise in engine

[rosmith2]

Hey guys,

Went and drove a 91' 4runner yesterday (looking for my first one) and probably would have bought it but it had a tapping/rattle to the engine. As you sped up and the rpms increased so did the speed of the tapping. When I asked the guy about it he said that it was the tappets and that he had had it looked at and he was told that this was a common problem with these toyotas and that if fixed that it would/could start up again in 10,000 - 15,000 miles. Is this true or false??? My gut is telling me to stay away from it. Even if it isn't hurting anything is is very annoying!! I hope this is not common cause I don't think I could live with this on any vehicle.

Also, what would you say a good price would be on a 91' - 92' 4runner in good shape with around 150k miles on it?

Thanks.

 

[mikes4runner]

cars and trucks with fuel injection have that tapping sound if you listen close. if it is real loud it could be a bad lifter,valves etc.

What kind of condition was the truck in besides the 150K?.

Most will go between 3K-5K depending on condition with that many miles.

Check autotrader.com to get a idea for the price in your area.

 

[rosmith2]

Mikes4runner,

The guy was wanting $4000 but acted like he would take any reasonable offer. The odometer on this one read 290K but apparently it had been towed behind a motor home for many years going from coast to coast so he didn't know what the actual miles on the engine were. No dents , rust on bottom of back bumper and one spot by the rear fender area that had bubbled up but not broke through yet. Drivers seat was torn up and the carpet could stand to be replaced along with the windshield. He was very willing to start deducting for the carpet, bumper and windshield. It was a nice looking rig, just needed some TLC.

I've got my eye on a couple other ones. A 94' 4x4, 5-speed, V-6 SR5, 161K miles $5300. Exterior lookes great but the interior has wear on the driver side carpet, steering wheel and seat.

Also, 91' 4x4 , auto, V-6, leather, SR5 with 145k miles for $4600. This one I haven't seen yet but has small dent above passenger headlight, other than that the guy says it's like new.

 

[mikes4runner]

I might shy away from something that shows 290K on it when he can not be sure of the true milage. But if you get him down $$$ go for it.

Some guys have said they like the 5spds, get more out of the 3.0L.

good luck if you need anything else drop us old timers( 2nd Gen) a line.

we will be glad to help out.

 

[aj884runner]

Reccomend 5spd

Old 4Runners with automatics are really gutless. I`ve got an `88 with V6 5spd and it is deffinitly not a rocket. Drove a `92 V6 auto and it was a real dog even with the tranny in power mode.