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3rd gen 3.4L Engine needed

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by robtr7, Dec 1, 2018.

  1. Dec 1, 2018 at 7:27 AM
    #1
    robtr7

    robtr7 [OP] New Member

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    I replaced the head gasket about 20k miles ago and since then it has never been quite right. I had a constant issue with the 3rd cylinder misfiring - I could actually avoid it if a rev'ed the engine when I first started the car. The theory was that I would blow out any coolant that leaked into the cylinder. Long story short the head gasket finally gave out going over Loveland pass CO. My mechanic has found 2 engines both had issue - one was seized up and the other had no compression in 2 cylinders.

    I am looking for options on getting a good replacement engine, original Toyota engine or other options. I saw people talking about putting chevy engines in. I am looking for dependability not performance...

    Anyone got any ideas?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Dec 1, 2018 at 10:32 AM
    #2
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

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    Whoever did the work did not do a good job if you still had head gasket issues that soon after replacement. The 3.4L is a dependable engine when things are done properly. Swapping to a different engine will be expensive and open a whole new bag of issues if not done properly.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2018 at 7:21 AM
    #3
    shadow247

    shadow247 New Member

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    This guy in Houston is selling a 3.4 with low miles. I would pick it up, that's a great price. Shipping is only about 250 bucks. You can also try www.car-part.com. I would stick with a low mileage used or Toyota replacement only.

    Most of the aftermarket rebuilds are sketchy at best, and a local rebuild just can't be trusted anymore, unless you can find someone who has actually rebuilt these engines. This ain't no small block Chevy.
     
  4. Dec 3, 2018 at 9:41 AM
    #4
    Roll Tide

    Roll Tide New Member

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    None, yet.
    LC Engineering.

    Do it right, do it once.

    LCE.com
     
  5. Jan 25, 2019 at 3:10 PM
    #5
    plcfcng

    plcfcng New Member

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    Roll Tide thats funny LCE Do it right do it once.
     
  6. Jan 30, 2019 at 12:28 PM
    #6
    jonesfromindia

    jonesfromindia New Member

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    A lot.
    I have a motor from a 97 with a 3.4 if you are interested. It runs. 300k on the odometer. $400 you pay shipping.
     
  7. Feb 14, 2019 at 6:47 PM
    #7
    Vonhetzer

    Vonhetzer New Member

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    Northern Indiana
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    Blood possibility your head is warped or just poor prep work for new gasket. Swapping to a different style engine will take more money and time than you expect. If you are capable of the challenge by all means. The 3.4 is a reliable motor just poor repair work performed on it.
     
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