Topic: What to look for when buying a 3.0 V6?

[GM Man]

So I have been looking at buying a 90-95 4Runner with a 3.0 V6 with a manual tranny, and I'm wondering what I should be looking out for in these motors.  I have done some searching here and else where, but are there any tell tale signs that the head gaskets could be shot?  Something like a milkshake mix on the radiator cap, low compression (I think this is a dead give away) are the plugs hard to get to, to do a compression check?  I'm sure I'm missing something, and I know there are people out there that probably hate these motors, but thats all that was offered at the time..  Whats your       Thanks...  

[yjay]

I have a second generation (91) 4runner that is a factory 4 cylinder. They are harder to find than the v6's, but they are around. Example   http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/1224672488.html   (BTW they did come with a/c as well)  I see them on craigslist and such fairly regularly. Took me a few weeks to find one but worth the wait. I've also owned a 93 v6  auto runner and it was less than awe inspiring. The mileage was foul it didn't have much more power than my 22re I don't think. I attribute a lot of this to the fact that it was an auto and geared tall. 5.29's and 35's in my new one are just right.  Also, if you plan to run dual transfer cases, it's less complicated to do on a 4 banger. I love mine. Gets around fine.
It's my understanding that even the 3.0's that have had the head gaskets redone by Toyota are still prone to failure. I don't believe there is any definitive fix for the problem because of the shape of the gasket/ casting shape, but others would know more than I do.
 
All that said, some people have good luck with the 3.0. I've done both and my preference is the venerable 22re.

[yjay]

And 
Off road station wagons rule!!

[BLACKDOG]

You listed what to look for yourself.  Most of the plugs aren't to hard to get to, the rearmost one on either side can be a PITA, particularly the D side. Treat it right, and you'll be fine

If you go duals, it isn't any more complicated, all it does is add an extra part, an adapter plate, so the 4cl.  t-case will bolt to the R150. 

[THK Matt]

I have a 90 4Runner with a 3.0 & auto and hands down it would of spanked my 87 in a race.

that said. both have 33s and stock geared. but this auto is geared too tall and gets probably 10mpg if im lucky.
definately find one with a 5spd.

and the head gaskets are prone to blow out because of the poorly engineered exhaust system which banks right behind the 5th cylinder.... and it gets too hot.
a really good investment to the 3.0 if you get a nice well maintained one... is to swap out the entire exhaust for new headers, etc.


thats my opinion on them.
being as my dad has a 95 4Runner with the 3.0 and 5spd.

[8D3TOY]

The best thing to look for? A 22RE of course!  All kidding aside I had a 3.0 in my 2wd runner and got good service out of it but it did lose the head gasket at 150k.  It has been repaired and sold to a buddy who is still driving it with 200k on it now.  I got cruddy gas mileage out of it but a set of headers and a K&N did wonders for it power and MPG wise.  Good luck man.

[junya92toy]

I have 92 truck with a 3.0 and over 200k miles. I had the gaskets done at 75k and never had a problem with it since. Call toyota give them the vin and see if its been done. The recall is over with but ask if you can get it done anyways. I got mine done for free. I have 35s 529 gears rear locker and last mpg on the freeway was 19.8

[THK Matt]

I have 92 truck with a 3.0 and over 200k miles. I had the gaskets done at 75k and never had a problem with it since. Call toyota give them the vin and see if its been done. The recall is over with but ask if you can get it done anyways. I got mine done for free. I have 35s 529 gears rear locker and last mpg on the freeway was 19.8

thats hella good MPG for the 3.0.

I need to go through mine.
runs a little rich.

[DieselD]

my 88 extracab 3.0 has 201k on it and runs pretty decent. i just picked it up in a trade so no idea on past history of headgaskets. my mpg suck however and its all stock. I need to go through a tune up and other mish items to see how that will help. Its auto too which blows but hey the price was right (traded $500 pos dodge neon  for it)

[Volcom]

Make sure it's almost or is dead and you get a good deal on the Toyota.  That way you can swap to a 5VZ (3.4L) 

[Snowtoy]

The HG is an issue but not one that would make me steer away from the 3.0, and is usualy attributed to the HG not being made from asbestos, could also be from the added heat.  You have hit the main things to look for, and as mentioned #5 and #6 cyls are a PITA to get to, I find #5 to be the worst one.  You may opt to pay the local Toyota dealer to check it out for you, shouldn't be more than $1-150.  You cam also check to make sure all of the recall work such as HG and steering relay rod have been completed.

The other issue w/the 3.0's is burnt exhaust valves, usually #5 or #6.  Banks 1-3-5 collect at #5 and then dump into #6 (where 2-4-6 banks collect), before entering the down pipe.  It hasn't been proven, but consensus theory is that the burnt valves are a result of the excess heat and running headers will fix it.  IME I had two rounds of burnt valves in the 19yrs I have owned my '90, one in '98 and again in '04.  In '04 I installed headers and haven't had any issues since.

One thing to consider before buying the 2nd gen Runner, is what are your power goals/needs.  it is expensive to build up the 3.0 engine, but it can be done over time.  If you are the type that wants to race light to light, you might want to look for a 3rd gen w/the 3.4 5vze engine.  I am very pleased w/my power mods and upgrades, but then again they were more than just bolt-ons.

[yjay]

My 93 was an auto and bone stock. It had 60,000 miles on it and ran well, and got a consistent 13.5 mpg, in mixed driving.

[potter85]

thats easy look for another motor

[Crawler677]

get the 3.4 man, your gonna pay a bit more for it then a 3.0, but the power difference is great and the reliability that comes with the 3.4 is invaluable IMO  

If you really want a 6 in that gen, try looking to pick up a rolling chassis cheap or something and swap a 3.4 in. or you could just look for a 22RE instead. lots of people here have them and loveee them.

[yjay]

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1239282927.html
 

[THK Matt]

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1239282927.html
 

DO NOT BUY AN AUTOMATIC!!!! trust me, you will hate the mileage and power loss.

which is why im doing a 5speed swap.
THE WHOLE SWAP!, Dash Harness&Sensors, Engine Harness, ECU, etc. If it is Auto oriented, its getting ripped out and swapped with the 5speed stuff from my 91 Donor.

I advise you stay away from any auto, whether it be 22RE or 3VZ.

my dad gets 16mpg city consisant with his 95.
has a 5spd and factory 4.56s (came with 31x10.5s factory)


id look for a 2nd gen with a blown motor and pay no more then 1000 for it. and then same with a 3.4L and swap the engine and in it.

[yjay]

Pretty easy to swap in a 5 speed isn't it?

[THK Matt]

if you do it the fast and easy way.... (tricking the AT ECU and jumping some connectors and sensors.) then yeah.


but im doing it the more difficult way.
so all the connection and factory sensors are there.

[GM Man [OP]]

Thanks for the input guys..  It helped...

[seafarinman]

I bought an 88 4Runner for my fiancee (at the time) that has a 3.0 V6. I was wary because mine ended up burning valves like everyone mentioned in my 1994 pickup. The 4Runner has the Downey headers so the valve issue is not a problem. I miss the torque that they have when they are running well. My rig has a (42K miles when I got it!) 1998 2RZ swap (142HP/160TQ) but I got the complete engine, ECM, harness, and 2WD trans. for only $600. It was better than trying to track down a used 3VZE in good condition. I was not going to pay $3000+ to have mine rebuilt.