These are the words you never want to imagine on a diagnostic report:
*Recommend new engine*

Details:
1994 3VZ-E 4Runner; purchased Nov, 2004 for $3,900.
150,000 miles; "idled rough" when I bought it.
Changed drive belts, cap, rotor, wires, plugs immediately.
Compression check results: 140, 140, 140, 140, 140... *10*psi.
Poured oil into #6 hole and rechecked; no change. 10 psi.
Yanked the injector for #6, and changed the oil for my new V5 engine.
Took it to BrakeMax in Tucson to check valves.
They took my $70 and told me air was coming out of both valves...
AND air was leaking from #4 into #6...
AND there was oil in the radiator.

Any suggestions? Anyone know any trustworthy mechanics in Tucson? Discuss amongst yourselves. I'm feeling more than a little verklempt right now.

Maybe I should also ask:
Are there any members of this group here in Tucson?

possibly a cracked block if there's oil in the radiator.

fix up the leaky valves and retest for pressure
if the pressure is normal again, flush the radiator and check regularly for oil in the coolant.

Hello there eep, and thanks for replying.

I thought that the head would have to come off to fix the valves, in which case, I might as well do the head gasket too... right? Then if the block is messed up, wouldn't all that work be for nothing? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I looked in the radiator myself, but all I saw was some brown sludge... is that oil?

Sorry if my questions are dumb. I just did my first oil change only a month ago. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

The only way to check the block for cracks is to disassemble it, hence the reccomendation for a new engine.

I am more than willing to bet that a new set of rebuilt heads (or have yours rebuilt and checked for cracks, new HGs come with the job of course) and your problems will be cured. The valve job is difficult enough to not completely rebuild the heads while they are off. These HGs are known for failure, as well as the #6 exhaust valve. Sounds like double trouble to me. Just do as I reccommend above, and all will be well again. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Have you called Toyota with your VIN to see if your engine has/is covered under the V06 campaign?

DRTDVL and Milan, thanks.



Encouraging words. I appreciate it. What do you think could cause cracking in either the heads or block besides cold weather? All I need now is either a mechanic or a garage space to work. (The apartments where I live did not appreciate it when I did my drive belts, cap, rotor, wires and plugs in the parking lot :))

I'm not the original owner, so I have never called Toyota. What is the V06 campaign?

Try to find yourself a used engine. Many places carry them, and it may be your cheapest option-why go through the trouble of taking the old one apart, to find out the block is cracked. Some places will even do the install, and offer you a 30 or 60 day warranty.

All you ever wanted to know on the subject... And more!

Figure on spending at least $1k if it's just a blown head gasket. Money I wish I hadn't spent.