Engine Block Warped! True Story! 3rd Gen 4cyl 4runner 1998 (1 Viewer)

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bpechtim

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Nov 26, 2010
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:frown::crybaby:Very sad story. Apparently not all Toyota's are "bullet proof."
My friends are shocked. I really loved this car and want to keep it.
I bought a 98 4Runner 2.7L with 96k.
I replaced oil and coolant regularly.
Ran great for for 25k then blew head gasket.
Mechanic found that engine block (not head), yes the cast iron engine block, was warped at the number 1 cylinder where the gasket blew!!! Specs are 2000th but this was at 7000th. Engine is doomed. Coolant still leaks into engine and exhaust after machining head and new gasket.

I was able to limp home to my garage with it.

Now I need a new engine. So 2 questions:

1. Where/how is the best place to get and rebuild a new engine? Craigslist, junkyard?

2. How hard is it to put in a 2.7L in a 4runner. Can I install from underneath? Or must use a crane. Any documentation on this? I couldnt find anything.

Thanks,

Brad
 
1. I would be looking for a 2.7 L at the wreckers due to the Tacos being parted out from the frame issues. Why rebuild just buy one running
2. I haven't changed a 98 4runner..have to believe the easiest is from above, take the hood off, support the transmission and pull it out with an engine hoist.

Can't a person get the block deck milled down on the one you have? :hmm: if the block was out of spec why machine the head...
Might still be less money just buying a used engine anyhow.
 
The mechanic didn't check the block before machining heads.
He made problem worse. Said only fix is replace engine. I did not want to spend over 5 grand he was asking so I limped 4runnenr home.

I didn't think you could machine the cast iron block. Wonder what that costs. I'll have to check it out. Thanks. Good suggestion.
 
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5 grand... holy wack... I can buy a used running 3.4L, with say 140,000 miles on it for 1 grand up here...likely get an T-case and tranny behind it for that price as well
I would have to think that the 2.7 L is more common down there and shouldn't be more than $1000 either.

A part of me thinks why risk machining and rebuilding in case something else goes wrong.... I would likely just buy a complete engine... likely less money unless you can reassemble it yourself. I don't think I would tackle that job... I even tore down and rebuilt a couple V8's when i took automotives during a 2 year polytechnic course.... one wrong thing and a guy can be back into it again, and maybe a removal of engine from the chassis again as well.
Did you just have the head pulled off it and machine that and new gasket or have you gotten deeper into it? I assume you haven't rebuilt the head, valves etc?
or touched the bottom end yet... I would likely looked for a good used complete engine that runs.. perhaps a warrantied one from the wreckers..do you get 3 months warranty on an engine were you are? Do they provide compression pressures wet and dry?
My 96 runner 2.7L has 195,000 miles on it, not sure what the compression numbers are but it still runs like a top.

I was also thinking about backing up a minute here.... so the original problem was you finding coolant in the engine crankcase by looking on your dipstick or did it overheat and that is how you noticed?
 
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The original problem was intermittent overheating.

Bought car at 96k and ran SUPER no issues til 124k.
I changed the coolant once around 110k. I live in SoCal.

Then i noticed coolant missing. Noticed white smoke at start. Car ran rough at start then white smoke went away after 10-15min.

Engine would get hot but not stay at overheated really. Would cycle back down or bounce around.

Took to dealer who said head gasket and recommended machining heads. When they got heads back, they called me and said warped block at same spot as gasket on #1 cylinder. specs are ok if .002 but this was .007 per shop. Dealer said coolant found in exhaust and engine.

Put engine back together. Dealer charged me $570 and I drove it home since they wanted $5k to put new engine in. Now it's worse. Appears exhaust is venting back into cooling system. Probably due to machining of head.

Really really really sucks since is loved this 4runner. I want to put a new engine in if I can keep the wife off my back. Luckily I have a small motorcycle for transpo and live in SoCal.

Seems the best option from all the advice is just pull the motor and replace with something running from a Junk yard.

Cost looks around $1k for 2.7L out of wrecked 4runner. They made these engines from 96 - 02 in tacoma's and 4runners.

Im not quitting on this 4runner just yet!

Thanks all for the comments.
 
bpechtim said:
The original problem was intermittent overheating.

Bought car at 96k and ran SUPER no issues til 124k.
I changed the coolant once around 110k. I live in SoCal.

Then i noticed coolant missing. Noticed white smoke at start. Car ran rough at start then white smoke went away after 10-15min.

Engine would get hot but not stay at overheated really. Would cycle back down or bounce around.

Took to dealer who said head gasket and recommended machining heads. When they got heads back, they called me and said warped block at same spot as gasket on #1 cylinder. specs are ok if .002 but this was .007 per shop. Dealer said coolant found in exhaust and engine.

Put engine back together. Dealer charged me $570 and I drove it home since they wanted $5k to put new engine in. Now it's worse. Appears exhaust is venting back into cooling system. Probably due to machining of head.

Really really really sucks since is loved this 4runner. I want to put a new engine in if I can keep the wife off my back. Luckily I have a small motorcycle for transpo and live in SoCal.

Seems the best option from all the advice is just pull the motor and replace with something running from a Junk yard.

Cost looks around $1k for 2.7L out of wrecked 4runner. They made these engines from 96 - 02 in tacoma's and 4runners.

Im not quitting on this 4runner just yet!

Thanks all for the comments.
Click to expand...

Did you have any success with the original engine?
 
NO AFFILIATION!!!!!, My 95' w/ 168k overheated and cracked the cylinder head the dealer want $4.5k to replace the engine with the help of some mudders i search and found this website and i bought the engine to this place (came from Japan )MP TRADE INC.

Located at: 15512 S. Figueroa St, Gardena, CA 90248

Contact: (310) 537-8887 Allen or Juan If you're lucky i believe they have one more in stock. Good luck!!!!
 
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my buddy down San Diego way...

twice... has located salvage yard 3.4L's for replacement motors,
for friends who've tossed a rod.

$ 750. and $ 800. 44K and 31K respectively.

wasn't too difficult to remove and install the 3.4L

so I could only think the 2.7L would be easier and cheaper to swap out.

you'll need a hoist.

FSM's are your best friend. Toyota Tacoma/ 4Runner/ Tundra/ FJ Cruiser Factory Service Manual Page
 
Found a Tacoma 2.7L 3RZ 2005 and 2007 (came from manual 5 speed). Was wondering if that would work in my 98 4Runner Auto with a wrapped block 2.7L. Would I be correct to assume that if I strip from newer engine everything, including electronics, leaving just block and heads, then add on the older manifold and parts from 98 4Runner this would fix in no problem? Thanks for any input or comments on this. Still not giving up.:)
 
I would be hesitant to think that new would be a swap without some challenge.... think I would be looking 3rd gen 4runner or similar year/body style taco for the donor.
If a newer 2.7 will work for you I am definitely interested for a possible upgrade for my 96 4runner :)
 
If you are still messing with this, a cast iron block can easily be decked and fixed. Not uncommon for them to be machined crooked from factory and get worse with heat cycles.

Easy fix, you don't need a new block, just fix the old one.
 
Ok. Thank you. I'm gonna try the mill block suggestion. Dangerous for a noob but I have nothing to lose. :)
 
I finally ended buying a used running engine for $1000. Truck salvage border patrol drug seizure (I live in San Diego). These 2.7L 4cyl are sooooo hard to find. Did not take mill block route as I'm too much of a noob. Even swaping this engine should be entertaining enough.

"Noob engine swap! Success or epic fail?" Plan to start a new thread with pics.
 
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