I'm new to this forum and new to Toyota 4 runner. My daughter's 99 4runner Under Engine Cover has 4 bolts. I've removed all bolts but cannot understand why the cover will not drop. It feels like it has more bolts. Any suggestions. Manual does not give me any answers.

 

Often the front edge of the front skid plate has a couple of hook buillt into it....so push the front slightly up and then slide it back. The rear section has a clip that hooks into the front section.

Or, there are a few more bolts in recessed locations.....there are 5 bolts on the front section, I believe.

 

I'll try it. Thanks!

 

There are 6 bolts for the cover, and the cover is 2 pieces, front and rear. There are 2 bolts underneath the radiator area, and then 2 bolts at the back end of the cover on the second piece, below the transmission bell housing area. Then there are 2 more bolts that hold the front cover piece to the rear cover piece, about 3/5 of the way back from the front cover radiator area. Once you remove these last two, you can separate the front cover from the rear cover by pulling them in opposite directions.

 

Again...this must be something simple but the pan with all bolts removed will NOT move. It feels like it welded to the frame. I'm an old ford guy and I know most repairs to this vehicle have been simple but the pan looks like it has support tabs on the underside that butt against the frame, they do not move with all the preasure I can apply. I can't see a tab or any additional bolts but there must be something somewhere. It won't move forward or backwards. I would assume any tab would require a movement of the pan forward to release since the condenser is forward?

Did not see your post Bob before writing this post. I'll remove the real cover.

 

That I recall, the front pan has 2 upside down J hooks on it that clip onto the front support under the radiator. If you remove the rear pan, then push up on the rear part of the front pan, then pull it towards the back of the vehicle, it should come off.

 

Rick, there are two bolts about 1/3 of the way back on the front pan that are recessed some 3-4" into the pan. Take a flashlight under there and see if they are the trouble.

 

This was just an inspection to see where I had an oil leak. This is not 4X4. Rear cover off, supported by 2 bolts and a clip that connects it to the front cover. I now see two bolts on support bracks on the frame as you said.

Thanks!

 

You guys are fast with responses! I can't tell if the J hooks will allow me to remove with the support brackets remaining but I'm going to put on jacks to get more room and get it off. I've applied all the pressure an old man can and it won't move. I'll just remove the suppport brackets from the frame.

 

Ah, my info was all 4x4 geared, dunno about the 2wd.

 

You guys know what Forest Gump says..."Stupid is as Stupid does". I won't bother to bug you guys cause I can't see the obvious. The bolts are right in front of me and I just did not see 'em through the access holes. Sorry for bothering you! As I said previously, the toyota repairs seem to be fairly straight forward.

 

Now, as far as oil leaks go, you will probably find that the valve covers are leaking. Run your hand along the back side of each head, below the valve cover, and see if there isn't oil there. More than likely this is your culprit. It is one of the most notorious leaks on these motors. Do not use FelPro gaskets, they will just leak again. Beck/Arnley worked great for my truck, just a little more than FelPro, but a little less than OEM.

 

The only stupid question is the one not asked.

You are not bothering us......we love these rigs and are more than willing to help others learn as they enter the Toyota repair world.

 

x2 on the leaky valve covers.

OP, do you have a copy of the FSM (Factory Service Manual)? If not, see my sig line below.