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4Runner needs valve job - advice please

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Mistercarguy, Oct 27, 2014.

  1. Oct 27, 2014 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    Mistercarguy

    Mistercarguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Member:
    #313
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner
    My 170,000 mile 1999 4Runner has 80 psi in the number 1 cylinder. All the rest are at 190 psi. The engine (2.7 liter 4 cyl) has had regular oil changes with synthetic oils. However, the idle is very rough and the check engine light has come on. I had a valve adjustment done 15000 miles ago thinking that might solve the problem but it has not. My car-smart friends say that I should just swap the head and keep driving (it's a great vehicle in otherwise good shape). Any suggestions or a source for a quality replacement head with associated gasket set? Sorry if this has been solved already - asking for newbie dispensation!
     
  2. Oct 27, 2014 at 2:40 PM
    #2
    Utah

    Utah Misanthrope

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2014
    Member:
    #213
    Messages:
    194
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Land of Fake Beer
    Vehicle:
    The Gray Bastard
    3RZ, OME, 5.29s, 4.7, locked/locked
    How do you know it's a bad valve causing the low compression? Could be a head gasket, could be piston rings...
     
  3. Oct 27, 2014 at 2:53 PM
    #3
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2014
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    "Not all who wander are lost"
    Vehicle:
    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    I say your car-smart friends are spot on but that is just my .02 on the matter. BUT if the lower end is shot and you waste the money on a head that is not the problem that will suck. So really either way the engine will need to be tore apart and really looked at. I would almost see if you can find a low mileage engine and just do a swap. Keep the extra block and head and build them when you have the time and funds.

    Blue
     
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2014
    RingSteel likes this.
  4. Oct 28, 2014 at 4:34 AM
    #4
    Mistercarguy

    Mistercarguy [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Member:
    #313
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner
    Thanks. Good feedback. Since the engine uses no oil between changes and is quiet, I think the bottom end and rings are probably ok. Any suggestions for a vendor for a replacement head?
     
  5. Oct 28, 2014 at 2:53 PM
    #5
    downpour11

    downpour11 Slag Factory Off-Road Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2014
    Member:
    #29
    Messages:
    143
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Chico, CA
    Vehicle:
    96 4Runner SAS
    http://www.lceperformance.com
     
  6. Dec 22, 2014 at 9:02 AM
    #6
    nj636

    nj636 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2014
    Member:
    #75
    Messages:
    188
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2006 Radiant Red Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed
    OME lift / 285's / Armor
    Late reply but you should do a leak down to narrow down if it's rings, head gasket, valve(s)
     

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