4Runner 3VZE Head Gasket LEAK Test | WORST Toyota Engine? | Ep.2

[@carlosvelasquez7196]

Over 200k miles and "worst engine?" A bit harsh as there are tons that have well over 300k miles, mine included. Yes, the HG was an issue and it was resolved through a recall, but even then many lasted long with those originals. Is it Toyota's best, not even close. Love the video, the editing and super impressed with your skills and technique!!!

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

True, there are likely worse Toyota engines (some are mentioned in the comments!). But this one has made quite the name for itself! I hope to rectify its issues for good.

[@jvogler_art4708]

@@PracticalEnthusiast MLS head gasket and arp head studs, fixed the 3VZ.

[@injifata]

this dude, made me bite the bullet and get my dream car (bmw e30) . now I'm on FB market place looking at old 4runners/toyo pickups. I come on youtube to find a walk-around video and stumble upon this Playlist of videos. it's a sign that I must once again bite said bullet.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I do apologize lol

[@aceorocha7857]

Yikes, the 3.Slow isn't the most powerful engine, but you have no right to call it the worst engine. Good on you for your mechanical abilities, but these clickbait titles need to stop. My 3.0Slow has over 250k miles, original engine, just normal maintenance, and keeping the cooling system in check. These are reliable cars that will never let you down.

[@TheWeirdSide1]

I've heard repeatedly that number 6 on 3vze is hot spot and exhaust header aftermarkets can fix the issue. I also had number 6 blow, although a mechanic put a spark plug "extender" in after diagnosing a slight valve issue on number 6, head blew 40 miles later.

[@alcolaco2042]

Don't understand why is it the worst toyota engine? Mine's sitting at 370k kms and there are many examples which have done 500k. Nonetheless good video 👍

[@yiction]

it's to trigger people so they click on the video

[@dadgarage7966]

In my humble opinion, the 3VZ-E doesn't have a head gasket problem; it has a No. 6 cylinder problem. The 3VZ-E is built like a vault but its terrible exhaust configuration cooks the No. 6 cylinder. Thankfully, the driver's side head gasket acts as a de-facto fuse. And like most engines from the 1980s, the passive emission equipment makes it harder to work on.

[@Darthvolvo]

Hit up Nolans Cylinder Head Service in downtown KC. Look forward to the project.

[@olympictreehugger]

i had the original cooper radiator get pin leaks out the top fixed it w jb weld lol replaced the radiator but it probably would’ve held up

[@dashmarlowe8210]

can't beat the 22R though. What do you guys think?

[@princenoah21]

....that has even less power than the 3VZE.

[@that1skaterpaully432]

whats the estimate on how long it would take to do the head gasket replacement?

[@o0XFernX0o]

Just bought a mint 89 3.0 pickup in the summer time for $3500 and drove it back home to Washington state from Utah. Went to check my fluids the other day and noticed oil in the coolant reservoir and radiator but the oil on the dipstick looked totally normal. Is it possible for it to be something other than the head gaskets? Hasn't overheated at all either.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Mine never overheated either as far as I could tell. Then again, the temperature gauge isn't too accurate. If you're certain there's oil in the coolant, I can't imagine how else it would get there outside of a head gasket. I'd recommend doing a leak down test to find out for sure.

[@o0XFernX0o]

@@PracticalEnthusiast I guess I will do that then. Thank you for the response

[@gilsonfelix3415]

I am 61 yo, removed heads from my 1995 4runner 2 years ago, got a heart attack, now back to engine but not sure I can reassemble it without help

[@kylehamm7287]

Hey Peter, where did you get those black gloves that I see you use in most of your videos. Looks like they are pretty decent

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

They are awesome gloves, very durable compared to the blue ones I had been using. The downside? They're expensive. But worth it in my opinion. SAS Raven #66519

[@bloodreighn]

surly it would make more sense to swap out the engine for a later model camry v6?? like the 1MZ-FE??

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I don't think I've ever heard of that swap before. Lots of work needed no doubt to make that work.

[@STORMS841128]

as the red manual is called, is it a repair manual? What is your ISBN Peter?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I don't have the manual on me right now, but you should be able to Google "4runner 3VZE factory service manual" and find an equivalent PDF of it for free.

[@SouthOfTheSound]

I'm a big fan! I am enjoying this series despite the surprise that caused it. Why do you say at the end that the heads have to be machined? Could you replace head gasket and not machine the heads?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Thanks for watching! You can sometimes get away with replacing head gasket without machining the head, but your best chance of success is to have it machined. Aluminum cylinder heads can warp if overheated (often the cause of the head gasket failing in the first place) and the only chance of getting them to seal back up is to have them machined flat.

[@SouthOfTheSound]

@@PracticalEnthusiast 👍 Thanks!

[@Mtnmauler]

When I tried doing a leak down test on my 4Runner my motor kept backing up as I applied pressure, usually would move around 40PSI. Anyone else have this problem?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

That can happen if the piston isn't all the way at TDC. You can also try putting it in gear after you have the piston at TDC. You could also try putting the plugs back in the other cylinders to create some extra resistance.

[@openureyes]

Top class

[@tracymcelhenie3988]

whoever designed the cross exhaust pipe around the back of the motor between the heads and the firewall needs to have their nuts turned too tight to they snap off.

[@solikhoy4457]

Did he bring it with him from back home !?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Nope, this one is from the midwest hence all the rust.

[@drivedb7]

Eh... I'd put the 3VZ in the same category as the 7M. Problematic from the factory, yes, but generally reliable with the right head gasket/s. That said, the worst Toyota engine by far would have to be the 2AZ. Not only did they have problems with extreme oil consumption, but they were also prone to having the head bolts completely strip out the threads in the aluminum block over time. Total junk.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Oof I'll be sure to stay clear of that one!

[@doomkid02]

7M for the win!!!

[@Djtherock70]

Take all the emissions off bump up the timing it will perk it up. Emissions choke them down

[@azamizi]

Hi Peter, why the car have an arabic number plate 🤓 ?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

It's Persian! My dad brought it back with him last time he visited.

[@zeroyon4562]

I'd say a surf/4runner with a 2L-T diesel is as bad if not worse for overheating, and blowing HG's and cracking heads than this V6... They're notorious for it and they make no power either to add insult to injury.

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I had no idea they were bad too! I'd think a Toyota diesel would be bulletproof.

[@zeroyon4562]

@@PracticalEnthusiast The 2LT and 1KZTE have overheating and head cracking problems. Part of the problem was a lot of Surf's came here to NZ as Japanese imports where the climate is colder and the cooling system wasn't quite adequate. The later Hilux 1KDFTV have injector problems, and the 1GDFTV has DPF problems, currently subject to class action in Australia- note those engines are in chronological order. Toyota is generally good at rectifying problems in later iterations though. The Japanese historically haven't built a light diesel as good as the Europeans, aside from Isuzu (with the exception of an engine that uses HEUI injection like some CAT engines). The big diesels from Fuso, Hino, Isuzu are well regarded though.

[@a.rostamifard]

Man, I just saw the plate on your 4runner, did you bought it from IRAN, or what??

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

Nope - didn't bring the 4Runner from Iran but did bring the plate back from there!

[@depaola2000]

What we should look for on the oil cap when having a head gasket failure?

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

A light brown / yellow sludge buildup under the cap is usually a sign of head gasket failure.

[@bigmac22ify]

Sounds like it’s time to swap a 5vze in there

[@PracticalEnthusiast]

I'd love to, but too tight a schedule to make it happen.

[@dezertraider]

V6,REPLACE HEAD BOLTS WITH STUDS!POS MOTOR V6,