fourunner v6 engine life expectancely

Submitted: Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 22:08

ThreadID: 56300 Views:1987 Replies:2 FollowUps:5

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madfisher

Oldest son is very excited as he has found a low k runner(132000) in very good condition. I believe these motors give major head problems at about 200000ks. Would any v6 owners let me know how theirs are going, and what repairs have been done to the motor. Also fuel economy. Thank you Pete

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Reply By: Stephen M (NSW) - Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 22:42

Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 22:42

Hi Pete, yes the 4 runner V6's were proned to doing the heads. Not that dearer job to get fixed as long as you dont get it done by Toyota. This was also an issue on the first (96 model) prado's. Normally around the 150k to 170k mark. In saying that my mate had one, flogged it to death and had over 230k on it when he sold it and never touched the heads so obviously luck of the draw. Fuel usage like the prado's thirsty. Around the 15L per 100 round town down around the 12 cruising freeways very similar to the prado, prado a tad heavier on usage. For memory they have a 65 litre tank so long distance touring an issue unless fitted with a after market long range tank. Check around the rear tailgate for rust and make sure the electric rear window goes up and down nice and easy. Also if an SR5 check the the switch under neath that operates the auto hubs as they are proned to getting damaged if abused. Other then that the usual checks lay on your back under it and have a good look. Usual sighns of bad abuse are belted up bash plates, pushed up side steps or signs of where they have been pushed up against the sills. Other than that very comfortable and quit to drive. Regards Steve M

AnswerID: 296723

Follow Up By: Stephen M (NSW) - Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 22:49

Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 22:49

Sorry forgot to say service records, regular oil services a must as I have seen them come into Toyota clagged up at 30 thou from no oil changes back in 93. Also check the coolant. One thing Im fussy with is I always use genuine coolant what ever the make of vehicle. Genuine Toyota coolant is pinky red unless they have changed ?? Regards Steve M

FollowupID: 562797

Follow Up By: madfisher - Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 13:09

Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 13:09

Thanks for that Steve as I thought. He should have grabbed my old 22r runner as it was a gem just a bit slow. I guess it comes down to service records. Do they recess the valves into the heads same as 2.7s?.
You obviously love the prado. They do have good rear suspension travel dont they. My rear end wobble on the Jack appears to be the tyres(tramlining)
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 562857

Reply By: ozwasp - Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 23:26

Friday, Apr 04, 2008 at 23:26

Hi

I've got a 2000 Hilux 2.7 petrol 4 and it cooked the head coming back from Darwin a few years ago.... Cost me $3000 to get fixed... Got hardened valve seats though, so didn't have issues fitting LPG

It was a burnt valve or 2, which Toyota said most likely caused due to the valve clearances not being checked at 80000km... The moral of the story was to get the full services done and properly.

Can't say about the V6, but I'd suspect it'd be similar... The only other thing to watch out for is to use high quality coolant to prevent corrosion and excessive pressure in the head.

Will

AnswerID: 296733

Follow Up By: madfisher - Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 13:11

Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 13:11

Will at what ks did you have the problem. Yes I have heard the 2.7s do this as well
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 562858

Follow Up By: ozwasp - Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 17:11

Saturday, Apr 05, 2008 at 17:11

Hi Pete

It happened at about 110,000km. It's fair to say that if the valve clearances had been checked at 80000km by my mechanic then it probably would not have happened. Driving 12500km in 26 days didn't help either.

I'm pretty sure the valve clearances should be checked every 40000km, so at 127000km it would be slightly overdue, if it hadn't already been done.

While I'm no expert on heads, I'd say that city driving and the occasional short country trip probably wouldn't put as much stress on your motor compared with driving 500km+ distances everyday.

My Hilux has now done 175,000km and it's been 40,000km since the head was rebuilt (I didn't get it done straight away as my old mechanic said it was a sticky valve). The motor's going fine and I had a LPG system fitted 6 months ago (which has had a few teething issues).

If you're considering an LPG system for the Forerunner then be aware that the valve seats probably aren't capable of supporting gas, so there could be issues 10,000-40,000km down the track. You can get top end oilers which lubricate the valves, but may not alleviate problems entirely - Thus it's a risk fitting LPG without the head being modified.

I'm not to sure about problems on the Forerunners, but I'd make a point to check low range (all gears), any bearing noises in the transmission, the front CV joints, the suspension and that general mechanical services has been done.

Good Luck, Will.

FollowupID: 562887