Engine Block Warped! True Story! 3rd Gen 4cyl 4runner 1998

[bpechtim]

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

[MR2Jedi]

Since you just need a short block, I would go to the junkyard and find another 2.7 and rebuild it.
I would remove and install from the top. I've rented a hoist before. I think it was $28.00/day.

It's also easier to remove and install with tranny attached.

[bpechtim]

Thanks. Guess finding a used engine seems to be best option. I will try hitting the SoCal junkyards from Mexico to LA.

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 i love 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!

[MR2Jedi]

Most economical way to go is to just buy a block, have a machine shop vat it, hone it and deck it. Then you can use your internals and ring it. New main and rod bearings, seals. It'll run like new.
If the cluch is old, I'd address that while the engine was out.

[Zembonez]

I see no reason you could not simply deck the current block and rebuild it. If you have the time to do it that is.

The engine will most certainly need to come out the top and I would separate it from the trans.

[bpechtim]

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.

[sam333]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

I see no reason you could not simply deck the current block and rebuild it. If you have the time to do it that is.

The engine will most certainly need to come out the top and I would separate it from the trans.

Yes, its common to have the deck warped/ untrue on these blocks. Most engine rebuilders will resurface the heads and deck the block as a matter of course.

007 can easily and safely be removed( no need to buy a new /used block.

Sounds like you have made up your mind though.

[bpechtim]

Thanks. I'm gonna try the mill block suggestion. People are saying it's the lowest cost and surest way. I'm a noob, but have pulled a few engines before. This summers project in Southern California. I plan to start a thread and post my progress. I bit scary but seems the best way to go. I have nothing to lose.