Last week I finally concluded that my head gasket is leaking. I've got it all torn down now, the heads are at the machine shop and I'm waiting on parts. Once I got into it I found the timing chain is also worn/stretched etc. I'll be replacing all chains, guides, tensioners and all gears except the VVTs. My leak was so minor that I really had no symptoms. I just smelled anti freeze a couple times after startup. Temp gauge never got up to halfway, no running problems and no steam from tailpipe. In fact the only way I was able to confirm it was by running a borescope down the #6 cylinder and pressurizing the cooling system to 25PSI. Then I could see a drop of coolant run down the cylinder wall. So now I'm spending my spare time cleaning up parts so I'll be ready to put it back together when my parts come in.
What did you do with your 4runner today?
- Thread starter NorthGa4R
- Start date
y=mx+b
New member
Hi-desertT4R
Member
Got a link to the magnets you used? I made a kydex holster and mounted it inside the center armrest but it’ll only fit my subcompacts and isn’t that efficient to access, especially if using the flip tray to rest a phone or something.
cwilliams563
Member
RCI Skid plate and recovery points
Installed front RCI Aluminum Skid and front filler plate. Broke one of the front bolts (been breaking a lot lately) and then broke an EZ out trying to get it out! Now I’ve got a hardened center I’m having trouble drilling out, great!
Rear recovery point installed on driver side from [MENTION=130999]Inv4drZm[/MENTION] . Once I get my exhaust rerouted to the side behind the wheel, I’ll install the other. These things are super heavy duty....BEEF!
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/for-sale-t4r-items/260892-rear-recovery-point-sale-$90-per-pair-kansas.html
Installed front RCI Aluminum Skid and front filler plate. Broke one of the front bolts (been breaking a lot lately) and then broke an EZ out trying to get it out! Now I’ve got a hardened center I’m having trouble drilling out, great!
Rear recovery point installed on driver side from [MENTION=130999]Inv4drZm[/MENTION] . Once I get my exhaust rerouted to the side behind the wheel, I’ll install the other. These things are super heavy duty....BEEF!
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/for-sale-t4r-items/260892-rear-recovery-point-sale-$90-per-pair-kansas.html
Last edited:
originalg00kster
New member
Installed front RCI Aluminum Skid and front filler plate. Broke one of the front bolts (been breaking a lot lately) and then broke an EZ out trying to get it out! Now I’ve got a hardened center I’m having trouble drilling out, great!
Rear recovery point installed on driver side from [MENTION=130999]Inv4drZm[/MENTION] . Once I get my exhaust rerouted to the side behind the wheel, I’ll install the other. These things are super heavy duty....BEEF!
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/for-sale-t4r-items/260892-rear-recovery-point-sale-$90-per-pair-kansas.html
ahh nice. glad i'm not the only one with 1 bolt for the filler plate :rofl:
installed my steel RCI skid plate and molle panels for the rear windows.
I am almost ready to purchase my air on board check list but had a couple of questions.
Do you guys think the twin ARB is overkill for a weekend warrior? I was thinking of getting the single arb with a 1 gallon tank. Do you think that'll be good enough for what I'm doing?
Factory exhaust finally gave up the ghost last month, so it was time to upgrade. Had a local shop install a Flowmaster 50 and reroute the exhaust to behind the rear passenger tire. Very pleased with the sound and look! Now time to tackle some rust :grimace:
Attachments
Installed this backup camera yesterday in anticipation of replacing the OEM head unit when I replace the evaporator core. No idea on longevity, but install was straight-forward and it looks OEM.
While waiting on Denso/Sony parts, I wanted to get the pain of routing wires around the back window and into the cabin out of the way and it didn't disappoint. I also proactively ran wiring for LED hatch lights once I get around to it, will captured details when I do.
Some install notes:
- Since the replacement head unit hasn't shipped yet (bought this just-released Sony unit), I verified camera operation and placement using a 9V battery and spare TV. Worked like a charm.
- For running the wires from the hatch to the cabin via the rubber grommet, liquid dish soap and water was a game-changer.
- This seems obvious but check rear-window clearance before you button it all back up.
- I noticed evidence of water infiltration into the hatch and will be replacing the hatch window weatherstripping to help prevent a larger issue.
I was gonna document the backup camera install process for a how-to but found that it's been covered fairly thoroughly. That said, if anyone is interested, happy to pull one together for this camera.
I was doing the same exact camera install, then i lowered the rear window and it cut my wire. Could use some help in how to run the wire from the camera to the body lights.
Inside the hatch, there's an existing wiring loom on the cabin side that runs towards the driver's side of the tailgate. I zip-tied my wiring to the inside of that until it was clear of the left side of the glass and tested it while the hatch was open (internals exposed) to confirm there was adequate clearance.
Not my pic but you can see the wiring loom in question just to the left of the lock cylinder (ignore the red arrows). Keep your wiring tight to that and you'll be fine.
I'll have to go back in to install LED pods on the rear hatch panel sometime soon, can grab additional pics if helpful.
All these fun activities and no pics lol
I really meant to take pics but I got on a roll and it's hard to stop and clean my hands to use the phone. I have a couple pics and a video that I took with the borescope but it's some unusual format that won't upload. I might be able to send it via email if I can figure out how.
Today I finished the head gasket job. Should have finished it Thursday but I carelessly broke one of the VVT solenoids. I went ahead and replaced both of them. Ended up getting the heads serviced and shaved 4 thousandths, replaced all three timing chains, all guides, tensioners and gears except the VVT units. Also, replaced all the small coolant hoses except the heater hoses and one short one that I somehow failed to order. Gonna get it next. So, to summarize: In the last month I've replaced: Head gaskets, timing components, water pump, almost all hoses, serpentine belt, all pulleys, tensioner, thermostat, coolant, oil and filter, gear oil in front and rear diffs and transfer case, PCV valve, power steering pump, the rubber splash shields on the sides of the engine compartment and probably some more stuff I forgot. Also replaced the plugs with Denso Iridiums. And one other thing about 6 weeks ago, I replaced the rear hatch latch motor assy. Without looking at receipts I'd guess I've spent about $1500 to $1700 on it in the last 6 weeks. Whew..... hope nothing breaks for a little while now.
y=mx+b
New member
No problem, I'm just giving you a hard time haha
Have link?
Warwicke36
New member
That was me a few weeks ago! Was losing abiut 1 to 2 ounces every 500 miles or so.
I did head gaskets, timing chains, waterpump, ps pump and lines, serp belt, idlers, tensioner, AT pan and tube (rusty) AT filter, and a few other things im surely forgetting. I was around $1900 in parts. Another $350 to have the heads milled.
Good times eh?
Came here to say I drove my truck worry free for the first time in a while. Even towed my boat to the lake.. Then saw ur post. Enjoy!
Yeah I feel a lot better now, especially with hot weather getting here. It sounds better, idles better, and accelerates better. It was a lot of work (and money) but so worth it.
cwilliams563
Member
My Arcanii headlights lasted less than 3 months before starting to yellow and started to delaminate. Their warranty is only 60 days, which I see why now. Just enough time to cover their butts.
Within 5 months the DRL/Turn signal bulbs had the housings melted around both of them and when trying to remove to change bulb, it broke off inside headlight. Luckily the other side turn signal bulb never burned out before I replaced them with new OEM’s.
Hope you have better luck, buyer beware. I learned the hard way and still had to buy OEM after throwing money away the first time lol.
Well.... shit lol
cwilliams563
Member
Powered Sub install under seat
Installed a Kicker HS10 powered 10” Subwoofer Under the passenger seat to add a little bass that was much needed.
Installed a Kicker HS10 powered 10” Subwoofer Under the passenger seat to add a little bass that was much needed.
I am sure Acani is a giant Chinese conglomerate established to take advantage of Americans trying to save a buck. I ordered what was supposed to be a 3D wooden map of the world that you hung on your wall, piece by piece. It was an educational item I purchased for my 12 year old grandson for Christmas. After a month on order I received a flimsy cardboard tube from Acani. Inside was a vinyl map of the world in black and white. I arbitrated thru EBay and received half of the $49 I spent on what was to be a multi piece wooden 3 dimensional map. When I see Acani on a product I run the other way. Total disreputable company…aka junk product clearinghouse.
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