Hey guys new here and just bought a 1st gen 4 runner

Hey everybody, I'm new to site and just purchased a 1987 4 runner (yesterday actually) it was my first ever vehicle. This 4 runner has some major mechanical issues but I go it for a steal. Body and frame are in good condition. Cylinder two has lost all compression so when I get the engine to fire it idles extremely rough and smokes. (I plan on buying a new engine or find a a good used one) Which brings me to my first question. When trying to start it, I can hear the solenoids engaging but I get nothing. For instance yesterday trying to back it in the garage I couldn't get it started for about 10 mins then all of sudden it started and I was able to back in it. Any suggestions on what this is? Sorry if my questions are vague. I'm not very mechanically inclined but trying to learn. I'm glad to be here and hope to learn from you guys and bring this truck back to life. I'll post some pictures if any of you are interested. Thanks Nick

 

Nick, if you bought it with a dead cylinder, the engine could be rebuilt. It's a good learning experience to DIY. As far as trying to start it, some of the things to check first are.
Is the battery putting out 12 volts? Remove and clean the cables on both ends, especially where they ground to the frame and body. Those clamp type connectors are not the best of things. At the starter, check the wire connection on the starter solenoid. In the cab, on the steering column, remove the upper cover to see the wires to the ignition key. Anything look burnt? It could just need a rebuilt starter assembly.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve, I check those things you mentioned. I appreciate it.

 

Welcome. The firstgens are truly an work of are and one of the best vehicles to learn on. There are so many resources online for them. The 22res are damn near bullet proof

 

Hey Steve, I think I found a engine that I can just replace the original one with, while I teach myself to rebuild it. You seem to be the go to in here so I wanted to ask your opinion. Its a 1994 4 runner as long as its the 2.4L with the fourth digit on the vin being a R it will work correct? (hesitantly)

 

Nick, to be completely honest with you. The things I mentioned in my post are just basic things to check on just about any engine. I got no clue about the VIN number designation or if the '94 block will bolt up to your '87 trans. Let alone the all the electrical connections from the different years. Do you have engine swap or smog laws in your state? Here in Ca. they are pretty strict, but workable with the correct components, which basically means, if you got the dough you got the go. I'll answer what I can, but hopefully someone else can answer your question in better detail.
Sometimes I think that I shoulda kept my '73 long bed HiLux. I would've done a 4.3 Vortec, Sm 465, Dana 18 and 44/60 swap. Oh well.

Steve

 

I'm in Tennessee and no there are no smog laws or engine swap laws. Yea probably should've kept that thing. Haven't seen one of those in years.