Tune-UP

[taikowaza]

Hello my 4runner brothers and sisters! YEAH!
I love my 4runner and want to make her run as sweet as possible. It is a 1992 in GREAT shape with a new engine 75,000miles ago. Now she has 250,000 miles on her however I think that she will go a lot longer.

I want to get a tune-up however the dealership here in Seattle wants 500$ and since everything is in great shape I can't seem to justify spending that.

I wanted to get your advice--
-the brakes are brand new. Front Axle Brand new. Timing belt in great shape. Tires excellent, lots of tread.
Oil and Oil filters have been changed regularly. Power steering is excellent. A/C does not work however this doesn't bother me here in Seattle.

I am noticing a distinct lack of power on hills. I am wondering if this may be a spark plug issue.

Would it be a good idea to replace the sparkplugs? The shop wants $80 to do this. Should I go ahead with it, and what kind of plugs should I use?

Any other mods or changes that I can do to improve performance?

Thanks a lot!!!!
(should I spend the 500 or just continue having fluids checked, oil and filters changed and TLC?)

 

[fourwd1]

You can change the plugs yourself, about $3 ea. NGK or (Nippon)Denso brands. Forget all that split-fire, platinum, Iridium crap.

As for your lack of power on hills, if you have 250K mi and the original cat converter, that's most likely the problem, it's clogged.

That's assuming you haven't changed to taller tires and not mentioned it.

 

[taikowaza]

Thanks for your answer- OK...cat converter may be clogged. Possible to fix that? New converter, unclogging etc?
For changing the plugs- yesterday I got the plugs and gap measurer, and tool to do it with, and when I got back here, and opened the hood, those bastards are in there deep! and pretty stuck too! I am really not sure if I want to be doing this myself...
did you all use hoses to grip the plugs and make sure that you did not misthread? How about 'cracking' the plugs out? do you use bicycle pumps to get rid of all the particles so that nothing blows into the holes?
Any sparkplug changing 4runner 2nd gen friends out there I'd love to hear from you!
also catalytic converter?
And any header installing friends? did it make a big difference?

 

[taikowaza]

.jpg photo of the runner-

I hope that you can see this image!

 

[taikowaza]

another shot

 

[viperrgh2]

I dont have a 2nd gen however it is a good idea to take an air compressor or something and blow all the dirt away from the plugs.. The plugs are probably in there real good just well (I dont wanna tell u to mess up ur engine haha) kinda tug hard on em.. I know on my truck I did have to pull pretty hard..

 

[taikowaza]

Changing my sparkplugs/Seattle 4runner

Hello 4runner compadres!
I am still not confident to change my 4runner sparkplugs myself. I am wondering whether any of you live in Seattle and would want to do this for me?
Of course I can pay, (however I would like to pay less than what some of these Seattle car dealers are asking me, $100 even though I have the parts and tools). Even if you could walk me through it it would be cool-

I would love to talk more and have you look at my 4runner and give advice on how to make her even more awesome.
You can email me direct at
[email protected]
if you like.
have a great weekend!
best
TP

 

[mikes4runner]

OH god do it your self.... It is easier to do it with a swival socket (you can get them at Sears) the passenger side rear is the hardest to get too. and you will need extensions for your ratchet.

Just take your time and do one plug at a time.

And if you plan on keeping the truck you won't have to pay someone $100 every 30K. I would help but I am on the east coast.Good luck.


Mike

 

[taikowaza]

Thanks a lot for your support and encouragement!
I'm going to tackle it myself...I'll let you know how it goes.
If you can think of any other mods or improvements that I can do myself, that would be great.
My exhaust pipe has rusted out at the end, I think that extensions are easily available, has anyone done this too? This is the first time that I am really loving a vehicle and I am glad that this forum is here.
I have looked at the newer 4runners and I must say that my 2nd gen is a more beautiful design.
What year was the last year that the second gens were made?-if you could have the newest/best 2nd gen possible, which year and model would it be?
Were the engines always 3L? And did they make manual transmissions throughout?
Thanks again, keep on 4running!
best
t

 

[mikes4runner]

Thanks a lot for your support and encouragement!
I'm going to tackle it myself...I'll let you know how it goes.
If you can think of any other mods or improvements that I can do myself, that would be great.
My exhaust pipe has rusted out at the end, I think that extensions are easily available, has anyone done this too? This is the first time that I am really loving a vehicle and I am glad that this forum is here.
I have looked at the newer 4runners and I must say that my 2nd gen is a more beautiful design.
What year was the last year that the second gens were made?-if you could have the newest/best 2nd gen possible, which year and model would it be?
Were the engines always 3L? And did they make manual transmissions throughout?
Thanks again, keep on 4running!
best
t

I would change the fuel filter too if it has been a while.

The last year for the 2nd gen was 1995.

the engines are the V6 and the 22RE(4cyl) in the lower 48.

manual/auto's throughout.


Mike

BTW when you do the drivers side plugs take the air intake tube off and you will have plenty of room.

 

[taikowaza]

I did it!!

Hey guys I did it!! WOOHOO! A friend helped me out, and it was a bitch, but we got all 6 sparkplugs out!! and changed with some nice new gapped SGK sparkplugs (I think that's what they're called...)
it was a bitch getting the airfilter out to get at the driver's side middle spark plug...and it was a different type than all the rest, leading me to believe that it has NEVER been changed!! Holy cow! Also, one of the was SO hard to get out!!! I mean, I really had to dig deep for some muscle power! I thought that it would break for sure. But no problems. The 4runner seems stronger and the rhythm seems better now...(maybe my imagination but i don't think so!) It felt so satisfying!!
Some questions-
there was some oil around the bottom of 1 of the plugs...problem?

-Now I want to do another project! My tailpipe end is rusted out...what should I do to replace the end? Is there an inexpensive, easy to install pipe extension for the end that you would recommend?

-How about shifter knobs? Can I buy any knob and put it on?

-also any other mods that you know about?

-is the fuel filter easy to replace? Can I do it myself?

Thanks guys! Have fun!