El Burro - 89 4Runner Build

[TheCascadeKid]

Hello, IH8MUD! I've been working on getting an 89 4Runner into fighting shape over the last few years. I'm a self taught shade tree mechanic on a good day, so thanks for all the help forums like this provide!



Catching up to present date.

I did a few things like a ZUK mod, replaced my body mount bushings, and got her muddy as often as I could.



Eventually I hunted for a donor vehicle and did a 3.4 to learn the ins and outs of my 4Runner.











Fixed my leaky windshield that was soaking my ECU





And finally spent some time driving it!



Which brings my build about up to current. A couple weeks ago I was headed to Crystal for a powder day when it started to misfire and threw 2 codes for the MAF and IAT sensor. I'm also losing coolant. I pulled my plugs to find I have low compression in cylinder 2 and what appears to be coolant in the cylinder with the misfire code (4) as shown by my spark plug comparison. Or does this look like it's running lean and I have an injector issue?



So now I'm waiting for a leak down tester arriving tomorrow to get a better idea of what I'm dealing with before I dig deeper. Depending on what I find I'm likely looking for a JDM replacement as that seems to often be the preferred method over a rebuild. Anyone got a source for low mileage 3.4's from Japan in the Seattle area?

Sorry for the marathon first post. Cheers!

 

[Dumpolina]

THAT'S a sweet rig!
If you have not, try @torfab in Everett Torfab » The NW destination for Land Cruisers parts and service, including complete one-off custom built Cruisers, maintenance, suspension, and expedition builds
I know they're mostly Land Cruiser but may be able to connect you with someone.
And they're good guys

 

[TheCascadeKid]

Thanks, Dumpolina! I've always wanted a Gen 1 so it's been a fun project. Big fan of the work Tor and his crew do. I bought all my parts for the dip-stick relocation on my 3.4 swap from them. I'll give them a shout and see if they have a source.

Cheers!

 

[torfab]

What a beautiful truck! And build!

 

[TheCascadeKid]

Thanks, torfab! Do you guys ever work on 3.4's or source JDM engines?

Ran my leak down test and found the cylinder with low compression was leaking out the intake valve. I pulled off my intake and popped off my valve covers to have a look. Unfortunately what I found was not promising. It looks like the PO neglected with engine and went too far between oil changes.

I've gone back and forth between a rebuild, a JDM engine swap, or trying to revive this 3.4 without a compete tear down. With a valve cover gasket kit already on the way I'm going to give this engine a shot at coming back to life. I'm going to follow the steps outlined by the "Sludge Monter". If it bites the dust after that I'll go with the JDM swap. Good news is I found my coolant leak while warming up my engine to run the leak down test. So I got that going for me