Hello fellow toyota owners. I have owned a 3.4 petrol 2002 Prado since new. Always had it serviced and in between services, I have changed the oil and filter since new, using Shell Helix semi synethetic 15w40 and a genuine filter.
I am a retired fitter, aircraft in one life and motor vehicle cylinder head and vehicle engine reconditioning in another life.
The Prado has done 120,000klms and runs fine. I love that car. However, now decided to all my own servicings (once again!) due to financial constraints and...I have more time to do so these days.
So I bought a workshop manual, thinking its high time I had a look a the valve clearances. Once I read the work invoved, and the mention of a "special tool" required to shim the valves, I thought...I'll bet the Toyota dealer never lifted the valve covers even to "inspect", as per the service book (at 80K I think), just due to the work involved to get it just that far. (But I bet I paid for it!!)
So my query, anyone had a bit of experience with servicing several petrol powered Prados over a period and can tell me if it is LIKELY the clearances will need attention at 120,000klms? If these are not prone to closing or opening up (there is no noticeable "tappet" noise), I will leave it until the camshaft belt is changed at 150,000klms.
Finally, is there any other component of a 2002 Prado I should be taking a close look at from now on?
Many thanks, hope I can help someone with my broader experience too.
Have seen 3.4s with over 120k miles with not much change in valve clearance. Since you are not experiencing any valve noise, you probably won't have much trouble in waiting until 150,000klms to check the clearance.
The 3.4s do have problem with their water pumps leaking, may want to keep an eye on that.
If they're not making excessive noise, and you're not having any issues in that area,I would leave them alone. Since you have kept up with maintainance and oil changes, they can can go alot longer.
Welcome to the Forum
Thanks for your replies to my query. Just to clarify, my main concern is if these particular heads tend to hammer the valves into their seats over time thus reducing clearance and eventually causing valve burnout. A bit of "tappet" noise is not a bad thing in that context. Its the quiet ones that we cant know what is actually happening in there, I mean, it can be perfectly as it should be, or a couple of thou off riding and burning. Have you had a few heads off these particular engines (5VZ-FE) to know if seat hammer/stem tip clearance reduction to rocker arm is an issue at this mileage of 120.000klms?
Sorry to sound pedantic, but dont want a valve burnout out bush IF it is an issue with this particular engine.
When I said not much change in clearance, I meant they are still within the spec ranges for both the intake and exhaust. The 3.4s that I had came across, never did had any issue with valves. The 5VZ-FE has four overhead cams with shim over buckets. I had only seen two of these engines with the buckets worn into by the valve stems, and believe me I had seen many of them.
N.E.O.
Last edited by new echo owner; 10-24-2008 at 11:31 PM.
Well, if you have any doubts,or even for just piece of mind, pull the valve covers and measure the clearances. Then you will know exactly where you are at with the engine. If you find them within specs, then all it would have cost you is the price of a pair of valve cover gaskets and your time.
Many thanks for your replies. Seeing that in both of your experiences these engines are not prone to the issue I was concerned about, I am going to wait until I do the timing belt at 150K.
When I do, I will post a thread on what I found wear wise which might help others who have looked after their engines as I have, ie for a reference point. Thanks again.
With this 2002 Prado, its due (120klms) for the diffs to have new oil and for a check of the transfer case. I will replace all oils anyway with the specified types.
Anyone got a comment on the best brand of oils, and specs, for the diffs and the transfer case? I am looking to go aftermarket as Toyota apparently only sell the oils in 1 litre containers.
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PRADO valve clearance adjust.
Linear Mode
