Valve job or full rebuild?

[Dementedfish]

Just picked up a 97 3.4L and its compression is super low, 90 psi on cylinder #2 and 89 in #4. The mechanic I've been going to for years that I trust says it needs a full valve job which means taking the heads off. Looking at about $2200 for everything including the water pump. At this price I'm thinking it may just be better to do a compete engine rebuild but I'm looking for some advice. How much on average would it cost to rebuild this motor?

 

[amalik]

Repost this in the 3rd gen section. You will get more responses from people here who have been in your shoes.

Also, talk to [MENTION=94888]EatonKyleH[/MENTION] if you are in Fort Collins on alternative options/quotes. He works in a shop there and he is very good with 3rd gen 4runners (And a very active member here) if you are willing to use someone other than your mechanic.

Side tangent -- I used to use "one" mechanic and never think outside the box until I started doing stuff myself for one, and utilizing other Toyota-specific mechanics for two -- the latter had strengths related to the 4Runner that my previous mechanic didn't have. Now anytime I do a job, I have two or three options and quotes if I don't end up DIY.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Just picked up a 97 3.4L and its compression is super low, 90 psi on cylinder #2 and 89 in #4. The mechanic I've been going to for years that I trust says it needs a full valve job which means taking the heads off. Looking at about $2200 for everything including the water pump. At this price I'm thinking it may just be better to do a compete engine rebuild but I'm looking for some advice. How much on average would it cost to rebuild this motor?

What are your numbers on the other 4 cylinders? The reason I ask is because #2 and #4 (the only ones mentioned as low) are directly next to each other.



They could be bleeding off into each other due to a bad head gasket, cracked head, etc. All I'm really getting at is that if all the other cylinders are normal you may want to just address that one side. Although depending on the findings its hardly any more labor to remove both at that point.

As far as rebuilding the 3.4 bottom end. I'd usually recommend you leave it be if it looks good with the heads off. Most of the internals available to rebuild these are of lesser quality than OE and. OE and better is expensive and often getting difficult to source.

Also unless you are going to pay for a reman engine from a reputable company with a good warranty behind it many shops won't give much of a warranty for a engine rebuild or are simply subletting it. Talk it over with your mechanic and see what he'd even offer in that regard.

Typically I'd say deal with the head issue and keep on trucking. The bottom end on these things is incredibly solid.

If you need any help feel free to holler anytime. I'm in Fort Collins as well.