V-6 valve shim tool

[graeaglecrawler]

THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL STICKIED HERE SHOWS A TOOL FOR REMOVING THE VALVE SHIMS( PAGE EG2-21 MECHANICAL TUNE-UP V-6 MOTOR TOOL SST-A, SST-B) HAS ANYBODY BOUGHT THESE OR MADE THESE TOOLS? i HAVE A KNOCK THAT I HAVE PINPOINTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND CAN REALLY HEAR IT WITH A STETHESCOPE INSIDE THE THE OIL FILLER CAP. tHE VALVE COVER IS ON THE EASY SIDE SO I THINK I WILL TACKLE THE JOB. SOUNDS EASY THOUGH TIME CONSUMING ACCORDING TO THE FSM.:fro:

 

[77'911]

You might consider pulling the valve cover to see if it is a worn cam lobe first. It might be an oil feed issue. The truck might need a valve adjustment, but it might be worth checking beforehand. BMW uses a similar tool for their early "M" cars and you need an air gun to remove the old shims. Generally, I find if there is "knocking" on the 3VZE, it is other issues(timing belt improperly installed, oil feed issues, lack of maintenance, sludge, jumped time, worn bearing, etc...).
regards

 

[graeaglecrawler]

Yes you are right i just need to take the valve cover off, this knock came on slowly and my daughter complained of dogeshness. I happen to own an x5 and two early ix's do you know what tool it is?

 

[Hyde802]

If you take the cam out, you can just use a pick.

Good luck. 3vze valves are fun!

 

[77'911]

cam lobe/valve adjustment tool

Yes you are right i just need to take the valve cover off, this knock came on slowly and my daughter complained of dogeshness. I happen to own an x5 and two early ix's do you know what tool it is?

I know what the tool is, but I'm away from my factory manual set(sorry). You might check one, if you can get access to someone's. Toyota lists all the factory tools (and there are many, especially compared to BMW) in the manual. Unfortunately, my manual set is back in the states right now. What weight oil is being run in the 4runner? Generally, 10w-40 runs those V6's pretty quiet. I find thinner stuff really brings out a lot of noises.
If it needs an adjustment, you might see what a dealer would charge, as with the "M" cars, you need a full shim set as well as the cam lift tool.
On the "dogishness" , you might check
1)timing
2)fuel system(filter, injector o-ring/housing vac leaks, pressures)
*ethanol is doing a number on these trucks
3)drive line mounts and rear suspension mounts/bushings can really make a huge difference in how the truck accelerates(direct, connected feel)
4)tune-up(these trucks need regular plug changes, I do ours annually)
regards