V6 -vs - V8 Maint. ?'s

[sharp4runr]

Toolmanjohnson (Spelling??) wrote up a how-to with a couple of pics, do a search.

 

[JungleJim]

V6 - Timing chain, non-interference engine. 30k plugs. Oil filter is easy to change. New engine for Toyota in 2003, so not much know about long-term reliability.

V8 - Needs timing belt done at 90k. I think the plugs are 120k? Been available a long time. Some Tundra owners have problems with leaking/cracked exhaust manifolds. But Tundras are built in the USA, so the manifolds may be from a different source than the 4Runner.

Is the V8 a non-interference engine?

 

[Bluto]

Is the V8 a non-interference engine?

Interference, listed in the Gate's Replacement Guide:

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2256&location_id=3487

I think the FSM also states it, but I don't have the page.

 

[claydoctor]

Sorry, but what does "non- interference" mean?

 

[curtis]

Sorry, but what does "non- interference" mean?

It means if the timing belt breaks, the piston will hit the valve....interference=yes, non-interference=no.

Hitting the valve will create expensive damage.

 

[claydoctor]

I should know that because it happened on a BMW 528 I once owned-$1200.
Later happened on a 4 cylinder Mustang-$200. I guess now I know which one had the non-interference engine. So much for German engineering.

 

[HuntRunner]

Re: 4.7 L V8

I have a 1999 LX470 with the 4.7 L V8. I think it is the same engine as is now available on the T4R V8. The big expense comes around 100K miles. The timing belt and plugs have be changed.

The great unknown and unanticipated expense is that the Water Pump will also have to be changed at the same time. Word is that once you change the timing belt, the water pump bearing can't handle the tighter tolerance, so, you usually have to change it out within 10K miles. Its easier (cheaper) to go ahead and change the water pump at the same time as the timing belt. Therefore, avoiding the double technician cost to remove...

Cost is over $1000 for the entire service on the Lexus (not at a dealer).

Don't know about the V6, but, the V8 is a solid engine.

FYI:
The dealership I use post the cost of required mait. and the replacement of the timing belt (v8 4Runner) is $284.95

To do the water pump with it is just the additional cost of the part, with minimal labor since they are already in there.

 

[Northof49]

Ya $1000 is insane.....even for a t-belt (only do water pump if it needs it, we only do the ones that need it), maintenance service (LOF + brake inspection and road test), air filter, cabin air filter.....that's only like $550 Canadian! Water pump wouldn't add more than ~$150ish.

Even if one did the coolant, diffs, t-fluid and t-case fluid at the same time.....that would only be a couple hundred more, and no one does this all at once.

Based on 4 year/100,000kms, the V8 costs 1.3 cents per kilometer to maintaing, the V6 is 1.5.

 

[hossmaster]

I wonder how hard it is to change the plugs on the V6. Looks like they go in through valve cover like old Chrysler hemi. Just wonder how much stuff up above has to be dismantled to get to them. Anyone ever done it? If it's every 30K, looks like I need to learn

It basically is. The spark plug is between the cams. Just unplug and unbolt the coil pack per each spark plug. Then remove the coil pack and using a long extention on your 3/8's ratchet just simply unscrew the spark plug. Just make sure that you use anti-sieze on the threads when you install the new ones. Its easier than you are thinking. There is very few other components that are in the way besides that stupid engine cover.

 

[Bluto]

It basically is. The spark plug is between the cams. Just unplug and unbolt the coil pack per each spark plug. Then remove the coil pack and using a long extention on your 3/8's ratchet just simply unscrew the spark plug. Just make sure that you use anti-sieze on the threads when you install the new ones. Its easier than you are thinking. There is very few other components that are in the way besides that stupid engine cover.

You forget the last step for 1st time changes. Come here and post "I have 3 NGK and 3 Denso plugs?????"

 

[qballjr13]

Toyota quality

Why are we all spending so much time discussing repair costs?? We are driving TOYOTAS not Dodges!! Change the oil and drive it until the body falls off!!!

 

[hossmaster]

You forget the last step for 1st time changes. Come here and post "I have 3 NGK and 3 Denso plugs?????"

O yea, I forgot that. One gives .0000000000000234266 more horesepower than the other.

 

[claydoctor]

I guess there's a joke there somewhere, Bluto, about NGK vs Denso plugs or were you making some other point?

 

[Bluto]

I guess there's a joke there somewhere, Bluto, about NGK vs Denso plugs or were you making some other point?

One side of your engine has NGK, the other Denso. Not a joke.

But every month some V6 owner changes their plugs for the first time, and starts a thread asking why. (I don't know) It is just V6s (30k plugs). A friend with an 01 Tacoma had 3/3.

 

[jlboers]

One other small point - oil change procedure on the V6 is significantly easier than on the V8, due to placement of the oil filter.

(Of course, an oil filter relocation or bypass filter kit will fix that.)

The V6 gets even easier with a fumoto valve

 

[greasefingers]

One side of your engine has NGK, the other Denso. Not a joke.
QUOTE]

This is one of the strangest mysteries to me. Isn't there any certified Toy Tech's on this forum that can answer this?

 

[Baba Booey]

Maybe just a business decision

 

[Bluto]

Maybe just a business decision

A 50/50 supply contract with Denso and NGK? Easy way to comply.

 

[claydoctor]

Denso one side, NGK the other. That's even stranger than having to change plugs at 30K. My owners manual lists both plugs but I assumed it meant either could be used. I wonder if anyone has ever asked a Toyota service tech if there is a reason?