Hi all,

I did a search...so I know there has been a lot of talk about these.

Had a bunch of work done at the dealer today. I know...stupid me...but it is my only vehicle and I don't have time right now to work on it myself.

'00 4Runner Sr5, 182K miles. All stock.

Had the timing belt done. It had about 100K on it.
Had the water pump replaced.
Drive belts
Front brake rotors and pads and rears adjusted.

I got almost 100K outta these brakes. Yes, they were pulsating...but the truck still stopped fine. Am I thinking that is a LONG time to go on brakes??

They said the VCGs have a slight leak. They said nothing major but to keep an eye on them over time. I had these replaced at the same dealer around 70K ago. What is the usual life of these things?

Crossing my fingers they last at least another year or 2 w/o much leakage. Don't have the time right now to tackle myself or the $$ to have the dealer replace them again.

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

from what i have been told they are replaced with a 100k service because they adjust the valves so they get you a new one. don't know what they are supposed to last for say but if it isn't a bad leak just keep your eye on it and fluid level until the time comes around..

 

Takes less than an hour to do.

 

An hour seems like a short amount of time! My experience always seems like I mess something up and have to end up fixing something else in the process!

I checked them out last night and didn't see any leak. Just some very minor sludge build up in the back. I'll keep an eye on them and the oil level.

 

1 Hr?! Not for the v6 5vzfe. Took about 4-5 for me. (nothing goes perfect the first time around)
That was at about 180k on my 96 4runner. I felt it was necessary because I had an oil burning smell at highway speeds. It also wouldn't hurt to torque down the bottom bolts of the valve covers to spec. 53in-pds. I would say the top also but those are unreachable.

 

Ok maybe a little more than an hour lol.

 

Try A LOT more than 1 hour. It is a $550 job at the dealer. Parts are about $80. You do the math. $470 / $90 an hour = around 4 hours. I usually plan on 1+1/2 dealer time is going fast unless you have air tools.

 

Seems it would take an hour just to prep and remove everything that's in the way!

 

It really doesnt take 5 hours. Thats ridiculous. 2-3 tops.

 

X2. If you're deliberate and a little slow paced 2-3 hours is plenty of time. Regardless it's easy, so give yourself 4-5 hours if you want to save the money and do it yourself. I'd put money down that I could do it in 90 minutes or less now, but I've done it before and tearing down the top of the motor goes fast now.

*edit* if you want to put the job off for a while, just check the bolts to see if they're even finger tight. They are super low torque, so they will work themselves out over the years. If they're only finger tight, give them a little snug and that could be enough to stave off doing the full repair for a while. Good luck!

 

The paper gaskets on these things can last up to 100k. The problem is, the way it was done.
If the FIPG was not properly applied and distributed, the mating surfaces will have a weak bond.
Combine that with constant vibration, pressure will eventually win.

Where are you leaking? the half moons are notorius for leaking. You will need a mirror and a flashlight to see those.

Make sure your parts are complete before you start.
intake manifold gaskets (2), made of steel, I re used mine.
Maybe you can just take off the lower manifold, and not bother with the throttle body. Get the black FIPG at the dealer, rubber crush washers for valve cover, and spark plug tube seals.

Take your time if you don't want to leak again.

If you don't want to make the leak worse, be easy on the gas pedal when the engine is still cold.