V6 engine change

[briankk]

I've been given a '90 4runner, 3 liter and 5spd, that has been severely overheated and the RH head gasket is blown. I'm told this means that the engine must be changed, which looks like a PITA. Anybody here done that, please educate me..

 

[GonOvr]

Changed... not necessarily. It does need a top end rebuild at the very least. Head gaskets can be replaced as long as the block and heads are true (flat) and clean. If you are going to rebuild you should replace the timing components and seal everything back up with new gaskets.

 

[helo-mech]

Welcome to the forum!!!!

You don't have to necessarily change the engine. You might need to depending on it's over all condition, but you will need to do some investigating. First look into whether or not it falls into the 4Runner Special Service Campaign. A little Google or search on this forum will get you some info on that. It was for a known head gasket issue. Call the dealer and give them the VIN and they can tell you if it qualifies. You may end up just having to clean it up a little and get it to the dealer to get the head gasket replaced. Any other work that needs to be done at the same time will be on your dime.

As far as engine changes goes, it depends on what you want to do. A 3.0 to 3.4 is a common conversion and there is more info on the net than you can shake a stick at. A little searching with Google and on here will give you so many links with everything from wiring theories to actual remove install threads that you will think you already did it.

You could also just swap in another 3.0 if you wanted. Not too hard to do. You will get a lot of grief from the 3.0 haters if you do, but it is an option. Look in the stickies at the top of the classic page for a link to the FSM and start there with some reading on the remove/install procedures.

 

[briankk]

Thanks all for the info. I'd thought that the v6 was an aluminum engine, most always ruined by overheat. I'm wrong, the is an iron block engine?

Also, I see that this basic engine was used from '90 to '95, so any of these would bolt in? If necessary?

I'm a total Toy newby, what's with the 3.4 engine?

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[4runnin83]

The 3.4 is the 5vzfe, introduced in 1996 I believe w/ the 3rd generation T4R. Its a popular swap in 2nd gens.

 

[SwiftRunner]

It's an Iron Block. I recommend swapping it out for the 3.4. It's not as difficult a job as a rebuild, but you have to co-ordinate the delivery and mechanical work.

 

[4runnin83]

It's an Iron Block. I recommend swapping it out for the 3.4. It's not as difficult a job as a rebuild, but you have to co-ordinate the delivery and mechanical work.

Since when does removing an engine and dropping in a new one become easier than a rebuild?

More expensive also

 

[fourwd1]

Since when does removing an engine and dropping in a new one become easier than a rebuild?

More expensive also

Agreed. The 3.4 swap is not simply a direct bolt in.
There is quite a bit of work involved.

 

[4runnerBrett]

Swapping a 3.4 in will be more money. But if you can find a used running v6 for cheap you could swap cheaper then a rebuild. Would also take less time since you wouldnt hsve to tear your motor Down.

 

[mikebontoft]

depends on how far you rebuild it. I got an engine for $100, put new bearings and timing components on it, some tune up stuff and paint. $180 into the engine and that was it. I was aware of the 3.4 as the engine was out. Didn't think it was worth it.

 

[4runnerBrett]

Ya I payed $200 for the engine going in my truck and I still have pull the oil pan and valve covers and make sure it all looks good before I put it in.

 

[SwiftRunner]

Actually, I suspected and verified that all the 3.4 5VZFE is would be a 3VZE bored out. A rebuild can be time consuming and depends a lot on what has to be done. Even the guys down at the Jiffy Lube can remove an engine and replace it in a short time. I'm not dissatisfied with the power in my 3.0 so you don't necessarily have to swap to the 3.4.

 

[fourwd1]

Actually, I suspected and verified that all the 3.4 5VZFE is would be a 3VZE bored out. A rebuild can be time consuming and depends a lot on what has to be done. Even the guys down at the Jiffy Lube can remove an engine and replace it in a short time. I'm not dissatisfied with the power in my 3.0 so you don't necessarily have to swap to the 3.4.

Maybe Jiffy Lube can swap your engine, but I'd have a professional shop do mine (actually I do it my self). And youre talking about replacing the same engine, not swapping in a different one.
The 3.4 is much more than a "bored out 3.0". Toyota did a lot of work to eliminate the 3.0's problems.

 

[4runnin83]

I dont trust Jiffy Lube changing my oil filter... who the hell would let them swap an engine

 

[SwiftRunner]

The 3.4 is much more than a "bored out 3.0". Toyota did a lot of work to eliminate the 3.0's problems.

Oh, Ya? What?

 

[Diverse4runner]

For starters the 3.4 was designed by Yamaha. It uses sequential multi-port fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder DOHC. It also features an oil cooler and coil-on-plug ignition. Not to mention way stronger connecting rods and other internals. Dont forget that head gasket issue. It came out in the late 80's which is old technology through and through.

 

[mikebontoft]

3vze has an oil cooler...

if they were the same block then someone would have tried 3.4 heads on it. well I'm not sure if anyone has tried it.

if I could see 30 more whp out of it then its an OK engine.

 

[Diverse4runner]

You are correct it does have an oil cooler.

Cant the head gaskets wouldn't line up with the bore. That is the main problem with the 3.0 is the head and intake plenum. It would be nice if you could though.

 

[mikebontoft]

there would be too much to change anyway if you wanted to use it. from disty to cop ignition, computer control and the emissions stuff on the old intake.

 

[Diverse4runner]

there would be too much to change anyway if you wanted to use it. from disty to cop ignition, computer control and the emissions stuff on the old intake.

Agreed!