Toyota 4Runner 5VZ 3.4L V6 Teardown. How Do You Kill One Of Toyota's Best Ever Engines?

If you're just finding this channel, I'll give you a brief summary.
I tear blown up engines apart to figure out what happened, what survived, and hope to have some sellable parts at the end. At this point I've done nearly 80 teardowns of various engines ranging from viper engines, diesel engines, to a rotary and many things in between.
Here are a some of my favorites:
Mercedes OM642 Diesel, The MOST disgusting teardown to date: • Mercedes OM642 3.0L Tu...
Honda J30 V6. One of the worst bottom ends we've ever seen on the channel, that's NOT what I meant.
• Honda J Series V6 Tear...
Ford 6.8L 3-Valve V10. Full send with NO survivors.
• FORD 6.8L 3V V10 TEARD...
Dodge Viper 8.3L V10. Just a little worse than described
• VIPER V10 TEARDOWN! Fr...
Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series 4.5L 1FZFE. Tightest Crank Bolt, Ever.
• LOCKED UP Toyota Land ...
I read ALL of the comments. I can't count high enough to tell you how many times I've been asked to teardown a 5VZ-FE Toyota 3.4L V6. I didn't think it would happen BUT HERE. WE. ARE. The 5VZ-FE ran from 1995-2004 in the 4runner(96-02), T100 Truck(95-98), Tacoma (95-04), and the Tundra(00-04).
There are others in the list of "Yeah, those don't blow up so I won't find them", but I do look. 4.0L Jeep, Ford 300 Straight 6, etc. I have a fondness for the 5VZ and it might be my favorite toyota engine ever. I don't judge how good engines are based on horsepower, or how well they respond to modifications, or even fuel economy. I consider engines "good" when they are reliable, easy and cheap to service, and most importantly, their tolerance for abuse and neglect. The 5VZ really shines in that manner.
This bad engine was a core that was returned from an engine that I sold, the customers old engine. This is the first blown up 5VZ I've had hands on.
As always, I like all of the comments, feedback and even the criticism.
Catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@General3rdLeg]

As a 3rd gen 4runner owner, this video excites the hell out of me

[@trplpwr1038]

Stay calm Sam

[@chrisgreer1911]

Same here

[@Jaybird7474]

Me too

[@cguzmn]

Yes ! Lol

[@foskco87]

I miss the crap out of my 2000 5 spd 4runner. She was starting to get a little rust in a couple spots and I felt pressured to sell it while it was still worth a lot of money.

[@AOW162435]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video - great job. Bought my '01 4Runner brand new with 2 miles on the clock. Currently at 518,500 miles - original engine & transmission. Getting ready to do the third timing belt job soon. Transmission flushed every 100k. Engine has never been apart - original injectors, starter, everything. Castrol 5w/30 GTX every 3,000 miles. Love the truck and am simply amazed by the engine.

[@rushthezeppelin]

Makes me hopeful for my 98. Got just over half of what you have and I hope I can make it to the half million club. Already done one oil change on her and fixing to do some chassis work on various parts wearing out (mostly bushings). Might do a compression test at some point but I think that should come out pretty good considering she doesn't feel anymore sluggish than any of the other 3rd gens I test drove before I found the one. No signs of any head gasket issues and pretty minor valve cover gasket leak that I think was already fixed and there's just residual stains. And mine is a 5 speed so I don't have to ever worry about the pink milkshake of death from the radiator mixing coolant and trans fluid (btw if you haven't replaced the radiator I bet that would be some pretty cheap insurance for it going a while longer).

[@tonydiesel3444]

100k trans flush?

[@Joe-ge2es]

This is absolutely amazing to watch. I’ve owned my 4Runner for 9.5 years and I thought I knew my 5VZ like the back of my hand. Well let me tell you, I learned some stuff. Very well put together and I’m saving this video. This is awesome!!!

[@blurmgru6632]

Hey Joe ….. it sounds like you know your way around this engine I have from what I understand is a notorious problem with mis-fire on cylinder 2 / do you know a solution to this ?

[@madebydade305ify]

What year this engine run through for the 4runner?

[@Joe-ge2es]

@@madebydade305ify 1996-2002. There was the 2.7L 3RZ (4 cylinder) and the 3.4L 5VZ (6 cylinder, as seen in the video)

[@Joe-ge2es]

@@blurmgru6632 I'd take it to a local auto parts store and have them plug in an OBD-ii reader to see what codes you're throwing and go from there.

[@madebydade305ify]

@@Joe-ge2es Got it, are the 3.4 better than the 4.0 Toyota makes in the 07 4 runner?

[@feron450]

My buddy has a 96 T100 with 1.2 million miles original engine never had anything more than valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket done. Engine still has compression within spec aswell. Those engines are amazing.

[@glennmuir5617]

The engines are very good along with the rest of the drivetrain. It's too bad that the chassis and body disintegrate into piles of rust flakes long before the engine wears out.

[@TheTapMusic]

@@glennmuir5617 Depends on where the vehicle lives/drives regularly. Anywhere without snow/salt/regular freezing temps, the frame does pretty well for itself

[@qotyit1655]

Yeah seriously, my buddy has a 97 t100 with about 800,000 or so on it, and he's still mashing the pedal to the floor. 🤙🏽

[@glennmuir5617]

@@TheTapMusic I suppose if one lives in an arid climate the Toy chassis might be fine but so would anything else. Not trying to pick a fight with you just my personal experience with my trucks and others is that the Toys were far more rust prone than other vehicles subjected to the same conditions; 70s square body Chevys being the exception. Cheers.

[@Worldview7495]

I'd reuse those bearings

[@jonathanvazquez1454]

"time to cam the crack caps loose" dude you have me in stitches everytime one way or another not sure if it's intentional keep up the good work

[@drewsneddon8219]

I was wondering if anyone else caught that...I still can't tell if he meant it or not...

[@seanwatford2964]

I caught it as well. 🤣

[@Kthemighty1]

I think it was a call back to another video where he said that a while back, still funny either way haha

[@IncertusetNescio]

That took my half-attentive rear a moment to go "wait a second..."

[@rushthezeppelin]

"Malice in the combustion palace" really got me early on.

[@maxcactus7]

"This was a hydrolock event." This channel is better than anything ever shown on Forensic Files! Great episode, Eric.

[@jayyoung5627]

Wow man. Forensic files is pretty too ha

[@Backroad_Junkie]

He might see a lot of these, considering the recent events in St. Louis...

[@earlscheib7754]

This guy is entertaining and hilarious looking.

[@jethrox827]

So what hydro locked it, if it wasn't fuel or water

[@gwinbeer]

Eric is no Peter Thomas, sorry

[@anthonybruni5013]

I love your videos. I'm not even a mechanic; I'm a computer guy. I've always liked taking things apart and seeing how they work, though, and I've learned a ton from watching you. But your running commentary ("Piston McNuggets"), your laid-back, self-effacing manner, these are what make your videos special. You be you, man!

[@andrewmamarella905]

Same here. I’m a car guy and I work in the parts business but I’m not a mechanic and certainly don’t pretend like I am. These videos help me understand engines in a casual way when I’ve never worked on them

[@mikewong5888]

I’m in computers as well but love to take things apart. Fun to watch!

[@sircharlezz]

Computer guys are just car guys that haven't had enough fun with cars... yet

[@OhSoddit]

I "used to" be a computer guy. Ops Analyst (MVS Mainframe). Can you believe, they SACKED me for not partaking in the jibby jab?? Scary thing is I ONLY worked from home with zero contact in the first place, so whatever the rationale for requiring it certainly had nothing to do with "health".

[@Mikewicker-gs7qj]

Some part of all of us that enjoy building and working on things are mechanics just don't know as much as others but we learn as we go and to me that's what counts

[@averyalexander2303]

My neighbor has a 1997 4Runner with the 3.4 and even though it has been severely abused and neglected, it still refuses to die after 320K miles and 25 years. Completely original internals, even the timing belt is original. No problems other than some minor oil leaks. Really impressive if you ask me!

[@WildWhiteFang]

Your neighbor has had to replace the timing belt, or it would have snapped a long time ago

[@randallstewart8487]

@@WildWhiteFang Agree,at least once!

[@GioGuitarDude]

I turbocharged my 3.4 Tacoma 8 years ago (now with over 300k miles) and she still purs like a kitten. I change my oil every 4000 miles with Amsoil signature series. Doesn’t drink a drop of oil for that whole 4000 miles still to this day and sees 10 PSI of boost every time I drive it. The only Toyota engine that impresses me more than the 5vz is the 2jz.

[@danjones3402]

​@@GioGuitarDude wow 😱

[@moloono1]

My dad has a 1996 Toyota Tacoma with the same engine. It’s his daily driver and he’s the original owner. Just turned over 355,000 miles and still running like a top. Basic maintenance and no abuse.

[@optophobe]

It must take you so much time to edit these vids. You kept all the beautiful crunch sounds as you remove the bolts and that's really appreciated.

[@austincjett]

Thanks for the tear down, I'm looking forward to the next one. You're the only person on KZbin that's doing it on a regular basis, and we appreciate it. Since there's no sign of the piston kissing the head, you're probably right about hydraulic locking being the initial cause. Once the rod was bent, the piston hit the crank flyweight at BDC and the connecting rod cap got torn off.

[@vincepalaa]

Toyota really hit a homerun with the 5VZ and 1UZ in the late 90s early 2000s. Phenomenal engines.

[@needmoreboost8208]

1uz late 90s?

[@vincepalaa]

@@needmoreboost8208 The 5VZ and 1UZ production overlapped between 1995 and 2002. Therefore, late 90s early 2000s they were both produced. Hence "late 90s"

[@Bleachanna]

No, this engine is shit. Phantom misfires that everyone ignores. Poor power and fuel economy. Head gaskets and random rod slinging.

[@javanbybee4822]

nah thats 3vze@@Bleachanna

[@paulcoenen7918]

​@@Bleachanna I get 24 mpg highway using non-ethenal. 15% less using the blend. No complaints from me😊

[@gregoryweber7408]

hey thanks again for another interesting tear down, i enjoy your opinion and knowledge on engines and what causes them to fail, i am using hints you have given us through your videos to build an LS engine for my truck please keep the tear downs coming!

[@ElectronikHeart]

I'm thinking something on the lines of: - One of the rod bolts unscrewed itself of. - the cap is now retained only by one bolt and the crankshaft started to hammer it more and more, bending the remaining bolt. - when the cap began to be loose enough the bearing detached from the crackshaft and began folding on itself as the crackshaft moved slightly in and out of the rod cap. Eventually catching the edge of the bearing on its way. The folded but brand new looking bearing, but chewed up crank seems to fit pretty well with what I think happened. Don't think water as anything to do with that. The engine needs to be rotating quite a long time to fold theses bearings. If the engine hydrolock first, the rod would most certainly bend or break first, and the engine will stop very fast. The other half of the rod, most of the time, will still be attached to the crankshaft.

[@cholesterol6703]

I agree, the hydrolock theory does not fit the folded bearing evidence.

[@sigmarkr]

I think you are absolutely right

[@ttank1994]

Except you completely dismissed the evidence of the counterweight contacting the piston which strongly suggests the problem started with a hydrolock bending the rod making it shorter

[@ElectronikHeart]

@@ttank1994 I think the crankshaft finally escaped the rod and then the rod was pushed way past it by the combustion. Then the rotating crankshaft cut the rod in half. If the rod isn't connected the the crankshaft, the piston will always be stopped by the crankshaft and make theses marks.

[@tubester4567]

@@ElectronikHeart I agree, loose rod cap bolts.

[@richcosta1163]

Been enjoying my 00 4runner for quite some time and admiring how durable these 3.4L engines really are. Appreciate the positive feedback from an experienced mechanic on how good they really are. Thank you.

[@waverider5751]

I stumbled onto your channel while looking for the right vacuum port on the lower intake for my boost gauge. Mine dynoed at 407 @5450, still running the stock fuel pump and 440 cc injectors with 13.5 psi. I really like your forensic approach to an engine tear down, your logic and explanations are top notch. I’m a new sub now, thanks!

[@dalehymes6004]

Fantastic teardown and analysis. A young dude that knows what he's doing!

[@mikeytappe]

Such a great engine. I was waiting on you to tear one down. Thanks for the video 🙏

[@waynegrodt5634]

I wait for each new vid you put up. i have watched all your content, all the vids and even the comments, when I can. Keep them coming if you can. You are darn good at what you are doing. Thank you for the great entertainment and information.

[@Elementaliti]

75% of my subscriptions on here are car related, and this has become my new favorite channel. I'm always so happy to get a notification for a new video from I Do Cars.

[@Lawdog652]

Love the content! I show up for the engines and end up laughing my a off at your antics. That "So hot" line had me crying. Keep up the great work.

[@mahcooharper9577]

He's died (and retired) several times since this video came out. Enjoyed this one as always, only found your channel recently and working my way through them all. :)

[@picax8398]

i love your videos eric! look forward to these videos every saturday night

[@psanchez0528]

Love how this dude is using Pittsburg tools to tear down an engine. Goes to prove you don't need all the fancy stuff to turn a wrench and have fun. I miss working on cars from time to time. Kudos to you sir!

[@tedmatthews4277]

The best tool a mechanic has is his brain

[@da_poopoo_dealer3152]

Alot of people are just tik tok mechanics nowadays that flex their tools more than their work. Personally, id rather pay $30 for a craftsman or Pittsburgh ratchet and be able to break and buy a new one 4-5 times before i even approach it being the price of ONE snap-on wrench.

[@shelvins1841]

I worked as a Toyota tech from 2002-2011 and worked on literally hundreds of these. In that time I only saw 2 blow up. One was right after a 90k mile service while it was idling and bleeding the coolant system. Just randomly let go. It's a pig of an engine but stupid reliable.

[@kormysh8]

I went through 2 in a year. Threw an exhaust valve and head gasket issue. Both under 160,000 kilometers

[@shelvins1841]

@@kormysh8 that sucks. These 2 I'm talking about had a rod let go for absolutely no reason. Just happens sometimes I guess

[@dustyc324]

I've seen one with a supercharger blow a head gasket at like 270k. worked at a dealer for a few years. owners son had one with accessory supercharger. still was a dog.

[@shelvins1841]

@@dustyc324 even the SCd ones were pigs. Only way to make power was with URD upgrades. I installed a few, including the owners Tacoma with the 7th injector kit. Waste of money lol

[@shelvins1841]

@@ENTERESTEDTREE ya they have all sorts of tech now but back in the early 2000s for a dealer installed system, they sucked lol

[@mikeypotts4732]

Thank you so much for all your videos! Looks like fun work. Just got a 98 4runner, first car to do some real work on and this helped me get a better look at my engine. Wishing you and your loved ones well,

[@clark2491]

Hey brother u just bought a 98 limited model with this motor. I'm in Pittsburgh. 260,000 miles. Sat in the woods behind someone's house for 2 years. Hasn't been inspected since19. Started right up. I'm in the process of getting it legal. What's the stats on yours if u don't mind me asking. Hope this comment finds you well. May God continue to bless you. Clark

[@mikeypotts4732]

@@clark2491Hey, wishing you well! That’s awesome yours started up for you! Mine supposedly has 150k. It came from a Toyota Hiace in Japan. It was neglected, so a little clatter, but it’s been running smooth!

[@danielgraham4717]

what a great video. really hit home for me because my 5vz from a 2000 runner blew apart exactly the same way when over revving in park. Also got a window in the block on the same cylinder even. Could have even been my motor!

[@hangman396]

Again another beautiful tear down... Definitely some weird carnage there... I'd be willing to bet that made some serious noise just before, or right as the rod exited the block... Please continue, I look forward to these weekly video's...

[@jerrylewis9431]

Great video!!! This happened to my 2001 Tacoma at around 11 years old & 45,000 miles. Same con rod. Same location for the "inspection window." Never did find out what happened. Always changed oil/filter @ 5K miles. Never hot rodded it. Never towed anything other than a 14' john boat. No sludge in the pan or galleries. They gave me some of the parts as souvenirs. One of the cap bolts was missing, the other bent like a pretzel. Had a long block installed. That lasted another 8 years & 35K miles. Blew a head gasket (pass side, rear cylinder). Machine shop said that section of the head was .009" out. That, tap water, & the electrolysis between the iron block & aluminum head corroded the gasket. The head has been correctly machined & new gasket installed (& premix coolant). I love the truck. It's a 2001 and I currently have 86K miles. I've just been unlucky but I hope that turns around & get the reliability everyone brags about. Thank you again for the video.

[@chrishampton3648]

Enjoy watching your videos! Look forward to seeing them every Saturday. I would like to see you do the GM LGX high feature 3.6l V6!

[@ChiefLink]

Great engines! I've had a few become headaches for simple reasons that can either be attributed to technician mistakes (yes, sometimes my own) or lack of maintenance. Besides that, they're generally easy to fix, can take a beating, and truly some of the best of Toyota. On that note, the 2.0L and 2.4L from the 90's and 00's are also famous for running ridiculous miles, my own father's '05 Rav4 and my sister's '96 Rav4 are in the 300k range. Sadly, the '96 has a clutch issue and we haven't tackled it yet since she got a 2016 Mazda 3 as a daily. The '05 Rav4 is still rock solid, despite a few weird issues in the past. Anyway, I'm rambling. Love the video! Don't forget to cold a crack one while you relax!

[@foskco87]

Toyota has produced so many reliable engines since the 80's. Even the 3.0L which is one of the least desired Toyota engines is surprisingly reliable with the recalled headgasket. My family had a 4 cyl 88 Camry when I was a kid which we sold with 450k on it and it ran just fine. The 4.7 V8 can easily blow past 500k as can the 4.0L V6. All to do with treatment and maintenance really. People get mad about the poor fuel mileage of Toyota engines but that's just the trade off you make to have the most reliable engines.

[@richsweeney1115]

Hondas can run 300k easy , too. the issue is people are lazy, and ignorant and don't maintain them... especially the ones with a timing belt, half of the people who have a Honda with a timing belt don't know they have a timing belt .. it breaks and motor blows... that's and some years of the V6 had weak tranny's... a 4 cyl Honda with a standard tranny and a timing chain will go 300k with no problem.. if maintained..I've seen the automatic Hondas go well over 200k when maintained though

[@micktaylorwolfcreekmechanical]

@@foskco87 the old 3vze head gasket is a easy to to job used to pick the 2nd gen 4 runners up for cheap as chips and rebuild em just for fun flog em n then sell em off, prices on em gone crazy here $10-15k used to pick em up for under $700

[@Litestorm17]

Loved my old 99 T4R. Wouldn't mind having another one, honestly. Mine was only a 2WD, but it still did some crazy offroady things that I absolutely did not think it would do. It's a V6 with the gas mileage of a V8 and the power of an I4.

[@txrunroutdoors]

Lol 💯 V8 fuel economy, zero power But gets you anywhere you wanna go AND back home safely. I can deal with the lack of power, I drive slow anyway and don't tow anything significant. But I wish I could get better fuel economy on long trips. 3rd gen=best gen

[@tacomas9602]

@@txrunroutdoors at least my 3RZ makes decent power at 20mpg lol, almost got a v6 but said nope

[@Marzimus]

😂 That's the best summary I've seen! Still the best pup of the litter, though.

[@williamhahn265]

Think of the 6cyl truck/sub options at the time though and the power of this engine wasn't that bad. I had a friend with a 4.0 jeep and my taco could take it off the line every time.

[@williamhahn265]

And the 4.3 vortec was absolutely terrible too.

[@craigoller9283]

Great video! In the middle of my 2nd 5VZ rebuild. I learned so much. Thank you!

[@samuelchartier3684]

I currently own a 96 4runner with this engine. It's a 5 speed manual and 4wd. It's awesome. One of my favorites 👌 thanks for the video

[@SixtwoSC]

You should do a tear down of its successor, the 4.0 V6 1GR-FE. I’ve got one in a 2013 Tacoma with 250k miles and it’s been overheated, submerged in a hurricane, run on a single quart of diesel oil after the crank seal started leaking, and just had the crap beat out of it for 9 long years and it still runs like an absolute top!

[@elonsus9747]

+1 My 13 only has 60k 😅 I’m the second owner.

[@TheDesertRat31]

I second this request. I have an 08 4runner with a 1 GR. I'm at 275k and she's running like a top. I'd love to see a teardown to get a look at the guts. I don't anticipate any issues, but who does....

[@petemitchell6449]

@@elonsus9747 I have a 15 with about 65k. Love it! My 4th Toyota. 95& 96 4runners and a 2014 and 2015 Tacoma. I also have a Isuzu Trooper thats a total nightmare Lol

[@kwakas4ever]

Another excellent choice for a teardown - it's amazing how relatively simple some engines are by comparison with anything made in Germany....

[@user-wl1vs9pi6n]

German engineering, germans will be germans

[@OldFatBubba]

Thank you for the video! I enjoy your funny commentary when tearing-down engines. You clearly enjoy your job! Congratulations.

[@qotyit1655]

As an owner of a 95 4runner, and a 94 pickup Sr5 with 3vz, and a 2001 Tacoma with the 3.4, I appreciate this video as a whole. Thanks 🤙🏽

[@briannorwick]

This might be one of the most beautifully designed engines I’ve seen on the channel!

[@TheRealMrRoyal]

I love all the info on the water pump "area" you gave. I've been in auto parts since 1999 and the first dealership to dealership or parts store phone call prank I learned was asking them to describe what the water pump gasket on the Toyota's looked like cause I think I got the wrong one. Oop it looks a giant......wang

[@foskco87]

Such a great engine. I had a 2000 4runner with the 5 speed manual and it was an absolute joy to drive. World of difference coming from the 3.0L. You can just feel when driving it that it is a solid, reliable engine. Just so smooth and responsive with lots of torque. Mine never gave me any problems. I have an 07 4runner now with the 4.0L and it is a great engine as well but I actually miss listening to the purr of the 3.4L idling.

[@carltauber2939]

Love your videos and your sense of humor. Keep up the good work, please.

[@IacobucciB]

I absolutely love the 5VZ. Just underpowered enough to not hurt itself, but not be unbearably gutless, and I swear they can ingest dirt and water by the pound and not care. Bought a really clean (albeit hydrolocked due to BAD overheating and sat for 2yrs) 97 4Runner Limited for a song, got it turning over after shooting the disgusting tar/coolant/carbon/fuel placenta out of the holes, chucked some plugs at it, and it ran on all six. Puking white smoke, but running. Decked the heads, cookie’d the deck, emery cloth the cams free of rust, gave it a quick hone (which did NOT fix the massive pits in at least 3 cylinders) and slapped it together with reused head bolts and a new belt/pump kit. It’s run perfect since March, and only burns through about a quart every few thousand miles, which I find unbelievable by the state of the bores. 90s Toyotas are the definition of “built different”, I swear.

[@robertjebediahfreeman]

Driving flat is no problem but going up hill they are gutless. You really have to floor it 😂. And they drink fuel like a V8 -1999 tacoma owner

[@larrypelrine1799]

Don't know if you get any of these in or have a demand for them, but I would love to see the AMC derived 4.0L inline 6 found in most real Jeep products before 2008 as a tear down. Although, these things are known to kick a head gasket and still run...yeah, that happened to my '04 Grand Cherokee.

[@wiliamaldana]

I will donate one I have laying around!

[@nick00work]

Mine blew a rod out of the side of a block and still runs and idles even after sitting 3 years without an oil pan

[@NB-yn7dv]

I’ve got two jeeps with these engines. An lj at 192k and a tj at 152k. I recently pulled the head on the lj to replace the camshaft since it had a wiped lobe. The cylinder walls looked brand new with all the cross hatching fully visible and uniform.

[@taylorc2542]

I wouldn't consider the 3.4 one of Toyotas best engines. The 3RZ runs longer.

[@Wesleystewart78]

Yup I have a 2002 wrangler in the shop blown head gasket aside from the fluids mixing you could never tell

[@SuperAKS74u]

Finally a 5VZ-FE torn down, I have a 5VZ-FE I’m going to tear apart in the near future. I love the channel, I’ve learned so much from it. Great work!

[@joshuasmith311]

Time to cam the crack caps loose. I'm dying over here. Thanks for the thorough job on teardown. I used this video to rebuild my 3.4 after having it apart for a year. Thanks for helping keep everyone supplied with the greatest yota motor, keep up the great work.

[@cfmill74]

Great video and now I feel great about my 3.4 5vz. My 03 Tacoma has 436,000 and still going great. Recently I'm hearing some more ticking and tapping that I'm not used to hearing. But still kicking. I plan on replacing it when it does go.

[@demetrius8594]

when's the last time the valves were adjusted or at least checked?

[@cfmill74]

@@demetrius8594 I've had it since it had 87,000 on it and I don't believe they ever have. The head gasket leaks some but no other leaks. I'm not sure it would be worth doing that now. I'm kinda waiting to see how long this thing will last and then I'll put a new engine in it. Your thoughts? Thanks!

[@reeksreeks3017]

Do the valves get adjusted?

[@cfmill74]

@@reeksreeks3017 Probably wouldn't hurt. But with this high mileage I can't justify that expense.

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

Good to hear,my 1996 Tacoma 379K. Good luck to you.

[@ivertranes2516]

Two engines I'd like to see torn down: Late 2000's VW 2.5 5 Cyl MOPAR slant 6 Love your channel!

[@rayshutsa6690]

I fell like I am a forensic detective trying to figure out what killed the engine. Thank you very much for the engine teardown. love your comentary you would make a good teacher. Always waiting for the next video. You always have great content.

[@kd5byb]

Very nice! I *love* watching your tear-down videos!

[@255Vicks]

Those were the wrong spark plugs for a 5VZE engine. Toyota recommends a double-grounded spark plug for these engines, either NGK or Denso. Not likely the cause of the failure, as Toyota states that you get better combustion during a cold-start with the double-grounded electrode vs single ground.

[@ToyotaKTM]

My 2004 Tacoma 5VZ had NGK on one bank and Denso on the other, STOCK. Yep they use double grounded. These engines have only three coils. They send a wasted spark to the cylinders at the end of the exhaust stroke.

[@loganamurray64]

Tbh I feel like 99% of Toyota engines won’t give much of a shit which plugs you put in the damn thing, as long as they’re the same heat range or one off

[@randyboyle8379]

You’re correct!

[@peted5217]

@@loganamurray64 probably true but our shop liked to put exact same plug back in anything, just to eliminate possible issues.

[@chriskeiser5809]

My 2000 4runner ran like crap on the wrong plugs. The twin electrode NGK or Denso plugs are the only plugs that should ever go in a 5VZ. Not what went wrong here, but just good practice with this engine.

[@czarekaj1098]

Steve Morris builds high power racing engines. On his channel under the title Worst Blow Up Ever, he shows his own engine with all connecting rods separated from the crankshaft. Now that's a blow up!

[@Troy_Built]

I saw that. It was the strangest blow up I think I've ever seen.

[@czarekaj1098]

@@Troy_Built Even Steve was baffled.

[@randallstewart8487]

Yes,I saw that too,that was for sure a WOW moment!

[@kens2328]

It’s awesome to watch someone who knows their area of expertise so thoroughly.

[@fitfogey]

Another great teardown video. We look forward to Saturday nights because of them. 👍✌️

[@tylerchristiansen1511]

My 2001 4runner currently has 326k miles on it and broken down for the very first time last week. Replaced the fuel pump and it's back on the road driving slowly but beautifully. It might just last forever.

[@komarama]

My 03 Tacoma is about to turn 300k, im having a hard starting issue after i get fuel. Purge valve checks good, what were your symptoms leading to you replacing fuel pump? Check engine light is p40 something, small evap leak. Im going to look at charcoal canister next. Have not done fuel pressure test, replaced timing belt , water pump, thermostat 2 years ago. Truck runs great other then right after i fuel.

[@tylerchristiansen1511]

@@komarama I didn't notice any symptoms until my 4runner refused to start after getting fuel at the pump. I think pump overheated with the lack of fuel. My wife likes to run down the fuel until long after the fuel light comes on.

[@komarama]

@@tylerchristiansen1511 ok thanks, i think all females are pre-wired to do that🤣😂 i don’t get it😂

[@84gssteve]

My buddy killed his 5VZ when he pulled the intake to do injectors and gaskets. We tore it down after and the engine had ingested something, totaling a head and bore/piston. He swears to this day he never dropped anything down the intake or had any missing parts, but I know the imprint of an 8mm nut when I see one!

[@baboonbidnut2798]

😂

[@95Z28A4]

Good video. Very informative. I'm a 4.0L Jeep fan. I know of two 4.0L engines that shattered #6 piston. I owned one of them. Mine failed at 296k miles. Both engines were from a Cherokee and both of them were the 1996-1998 version. I have a 1995 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L with 328k miles that is still going strong. Absolutely zero internal engine repairs on this 1995 engine. It still has the original valve cover gasket.

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

First time watching your channel,enjoyed the video,looking forward to the next one.

[@MexicoPescadoro]

It's absolutely amazing how popular these engines are to have little to no aftermarket performance parts. LCE is the only one that I know of and even then it's limited.

[@SkSKSK283]

have the same engine in my 2001 4runner and it's not too bad. 185hp but 220 torque which is an important number too. It keeps up, it's not fast but it's much better than the 4 banger they sold with 140 HP

[@travo5050]

Supercharger from TRD or Magnuson

[@MexicoPescadoro]

@@travo5050 TRD doesn't offer them any longer and the Mag only nets 50hp for $4k. I'm talking internals. Cranks, cams, pistons, rods...

[@MexicoPescadoro]

@@travo5050 Cool profile picture though

[@remingtonwingmaster6929]

the way you layed out the remaining pieces of rod on the table reminded me of some scientist reconstructing fragments of fossilized bone from some 50 million year old dinosaur.... another great video

[@josepeixoto3384]

Really love to watch videos like this; and with no musak, and no time wasted, you make it even more enjoyable that hole at 31:20 i have fixed a few blocks, in race cars,back in the day,with a .75mm or so, piece of copper sheet and around 10 to 12 small M4 bolts around the perimeter,all tapped M4 into the cast iron block of course... a good silicone base sealant is used after a perfect degrease! a paper template is made first when the hole area is not flat,then transfered to the copper sheet,which is then hammered into shape over the hole area when the hole goes through an oil rail,the block is scrap properly done it lasts for ever

[@MountainManFred]

What a great video! I would love to get a job doing this..I'm a retired avionics guy..but have always been curious about tearing down an engine and rebuilding.. Thanks for posting!

[@brianbumgardner8704]

Had a 98 4RUNNER with the 3.4, traded it for a 11 4RUNNER. The 98 had 368,000 on it and ran like new. Just regular maintenance, no major repairs ever.

[@StephenJohnson-jb7xe]

I always enjoy your videos but this was especially interesting because I have the 5VZ-FE in my Prado it currently has 370,000 km (~230,000 miles) on it and still running well with compression at 11 bar out of an acceptable range of 10 to 12 bar

[@billythekid2281]

I have 430,000km on my Prado. Great engine

[@RotoRCol]

@@billythekid2281 5vz?

[@billythekid2281]

@@RotoRCol Yeah 5vz

[@tywheeler7131]

Mines about to hit 400,000 miles and has been on every forest Service road in Canada and the US. They’re amazing!

[@Mister006]

Simply the teardown process helped me. Thanks!

[@stevenlatham4397]

I sold my 1995 T-100 4x4, 5 speed, with 459k. I hauled cars, towed a Bobcat 653 skid steer, and generally worked the life out of it. I miss that truck everyday. All I ever did to it was 3 timing belt/water pumps, coil packs, and a clutch at 340k.

[@captaintoyota3171]

Got a 96 2wd 3.4l 5spd right now. 200k just did another timing belt etc new control arms ball joints etc. Love the truck will drive it 4ever. Frame is solid too a rarity in the rust belt

[@stevenlatham4397]

@@captaintoyota3171 T-100’s are one of the most under-rated trucks of all time. People didn’t buy them because they “didn’t have a V-8” even though the 3.4 had around 30 more horsepower than the Chevy 350’s of the era...

[@maclogan6872]

Suggestion .. would enjoy hearing your observations as you disassemble about the difference in design approaches to these engines, and the quality if the OEM parts.

[@ladydi4runner]

Hey Eric, am so happy to have found ya! Have many questions about my ‘01 5VZ and this video really helped. Will be shooting you an email. Really would appreciate your insights on my situation since you seemed to be the Toyota expert I’ve been lookin for. Drove her brandy new off the dealers lot, 21 years ago and with only 177K on her, I refuse to give her up! 👍🙏🏻😁 Talk soon I hope.

[@davidgruzin5798]

i have a 2004 tacoma ----exact same thing engine wise happened to me---lost # 3 piston and the bearings looked the same as yours.---the oil pan tray looks v v similar to mine --which i have hanging up in my garage----- replaced the engine with a 2007 tacoma engine whole ordeal was not fun -------keep up the great work ---great videos sir

[@4runners496]

I also own a 3rd gen 4runner and found this fascinating. Bought mine new and still driving it. (at least till the frame finishes rusting out) These cars are known to have the strawberry milkshake, so I wonder if this is what happened to this engine. Motivated me to go ahead and swap out my radiator this year.

[@gregsly1247]

267k on my 97 Tacoma and still going strong. Did head gaskets on my 90 3.0 and sold it to my daughter who gave it to her in-laws. Over 300k when they sold it.

[@jklbubbublkj7939]

267? thats nothin, got 322k on my 98.

[@gregsly1247]

@@jklbubbublkj7939 they're great dependable rigs when properly maintained.

[@bryanleverett2830]

Bro. Great channel. Love the content. Use two 3-4ft pry bars at the same time, opposing each other behind the pulley. You bind the pulley when you pry from one side at a time.

[@otisdriftwood8469]

Absolutely one of the best engines ever made. I wish toyota still had the quality they did with the 1st gen tacomas. Why I keep my 04. 220k miles dosen't use a drop of oil, original motor and trans.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Why are you USAmericans so proud of that ridiculous low milage? Lots of Scandinavian cars daily (ab)used by craftsmen, run more than half a million km without issues ..

[@nycad2484]

Would love to see a 2GRFE on a video. Although finding a bad engine may be hard to find.

[@philrab]

I second that. Lots of high mileage engines out there, especially in the later years when they correcting the early head gasket problems. I’ve heard of a couple near a half million miles and still going.

[@gonzogriff]

@@philrab how long do those 4.7 V8's last?

[@jscoulter61]

I have a 2006 Toyota Harrier with this engine and its a Hybrid as well. Its got 279Kms on it and it still runs so sweet! Its good on gas as well. I can't offer you MY engine, but would like to see one pulled down 🙂

[@Wtrxprs007able]

Another channel on KZbin recently uploaded a 2gr teardown video. Speedkar99 I believe he's called.

[@waterloo123100]

@@gonzogriff My buddy has a 4.7 year with 700k No joke and it wasn’t a easy life always towing or something hard with it.

[@kenhoward3512]

As the current - and original - owner of an '02 4Runner, I found this very interesting. Thanks.

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Awesome video as always dude. If you ever happen to be taking requests, I would love to see a pentastar 3.6 V6 torn down, just because I now drive one every day. Thanks!

[@LillaVya]

It's funny to me that the 3VZ are considered unreliable and full of problems, considering my family has a 1991 Winnebago Warrior (based on the cab of a 1991 Pick-Up) with the 3VZ, and that despite spending every winter outside (Canadian winter with lots of snow) it still starts as if it had run the day prior when we put the battery in in early Spring

[@MrWhatsHisFace87]

"Could it be; application use, exceptional maintenance on your part, or plain luck? 🤔 No, I will try to convince this limited youtube audience that the 3VZ is reliable based on my 1 example"

[@LillaVya]

@@MrWhatsHisFace87 Nah, in that case it's most likely luck, but honestly I had never heard before that the 3VZs were considered not really reliable, which is what I find funny

[@JohnnyAFG81]

They used them in the Uhaul Toyotas. If they can last in that they certainly do not deserve to be called unreliable.

[@ToyotaKTM]

My 1989 Truck had a 3VZ. It blew a head gasket at about 70k miles. It was well maintained and never overheated. I sold it and four months later I got a letter from Toyota. Toyota said it would pay for replacing the head gasket, out of warranty. Even if it hadn't been repaired by Toyota. The throttle position sensor failed under warranty too.

[@1crustyoldmsgtretired870]

I had a Toyota Surf in Okinawa with the 3VZ. The head gasket failed (spectacularly) at 160,000 KM. Right on schedule!

[@KennethMeas]

My 2001 T4R has 504,000 miles. Still going strong. ♥️

[@danjones3402]

WOW 😱. What major parts have you replaced?

[@KennethMeas]

@@danjones3402 nothing major, beside timing belt & water pump every 100k.

[@cjp2292]

Love the video. I have a 99 with 305 thousand miles still runs strong Houston tx

[@AVI80R907]

Great to see a teardown of the 5VZ-FE 👍

[@c5back9]

The Toyota v6 5VZ might be the modern equivalent of the amazing Mopar 225 slant six (aka the leaning tower of power)

[@nickma71]

I put a TRD supercharger on one, probably in 99. It was new, and he financed it. On my test drive, I realized it was still slower than the not fast 4.7 V8. He was back in for knocking a few months later. This was in Denver. He was still using 85 (it’s Denver) and not the needed 91 octane. So yes, owners can ruin it....Continued the next morning, the thermostat was installed wrong. In general, Toyota fuel injector drivers didn't fail. Toyota used fused power, and switched ground in the PCM because it is much more reliable. It's why they are not a common item sold, like say a POS from FCA.

[@Andrew-fj9no]

What a clown lol

[@andrewsmart2949]

yeah the trd supercharged hiluxes were unguided dangerous missiles LOL that killed many people in australia due to their extremely poor on the limit handling due to primitive leaf spring rear end,i have seen aftermarket supercharger installs and the compression ratio and N/A ecu settings do not suit,the tech who ran it on the dyno had to set timing to 0 deg under acceleration LOL to stop severe detonation,the first run had everyone running to the dyno cell cos it sounded like it was going to throw rods LOL,we had numerous incedents with the buick supercharged V6 in the holden commodores cos the drivers manual said you could use 91 octane(australia rating) in them in an emergency which many fools took to meand you could run low octane fuel 24/7,and further fools who took therostats out etc thinking it was going to cure the overheating the detonation caused LOL,the chrysler 300c australian version had a warning light that came on when you fuelled it with low octane fuel warning the driver of the reduced performnce,we have a 98 octane fuel available in australia,i personally use BP ultimate 98 in all my cars,and i use it as a base for my race fuel as BP guarantees it contains no toulene(methyl benzene),so i can reliably mix in up to 30% toulene to make a 110 octane race fuel,as well as a high octane E85 fuel,people just dont understand you cant just slap a turbo or supercharger on a modern N/A engine without major internal and ECU mods

[@nickma71]

@@andrewsmart2949 It was a Tundra, but your point remains.

[@andrewsmart2949]

@@nickma71 tundra in america,hilux in australia,same car different badge

[@hdrenginedevelopment7507]

@@andrewsmart2949 given the low specific power output of the 3.4, it wouldn't surprise me if it was knock prone. 9.6:1 CR is not very high compression and is probably knock limited by outdated chamber design. The Ford 3.5L ecoboosts are 10.5:1, but also run down to a staggering 10⁰ ATDC of ignition retard in some areas I've seen to get it to run on low octane fuel.

[@likits1999]

The best video I've ever seen in my life! Subscribed!!! I'm gonna be watching all your videos now! Has any one ever told you you look like Adam Sandler?

[@4wdiesels]

Loving the failure analysis. Good job as always. Maybe one day you can get your hands on a Powerstroke diesel...7.3, 6.0, 6.4, 6 7....it doesn't matter which one!

[@MichaelCantwell-iu7bn]

4WDiesels; these the double neg's Toyo swears we need to use?

[@09corvettezr1]

I'll speculate that after the rod was bent, the crank tried to pull it back straight again going across BDC with the piston crashing into the counterweight. Since this engine uses cap screws and nuts as opposed to bolts to hold the rods together, I bet this broke the caps off the cap screws leading to the rod coming apart further.

[@dkjg5009]

Ghoul

[@cablenowadays6586]

I really want to see you tear down a 4.0 from jeep. It’s a notoriously reliable engine. I myself have 513k miles on my 98 and the only thing i’ve done to it is gaskets and water pump and thermostat twice in it’s entire life.

[@life_of_riley88]

That's impressive. Good ol' 258 AMC.

[@mikekokomomike]

He can't do a teardown, they never blow up. O

[@cablenowadays6586]

@@mikekokomomike that’s the truth. I’ve seen spun bearings and bent rods in plenty of them. Never once seen one actually stop running from locking up.

[@cablenowadays6586]

@@mikekokomomike that’s the truth. I’ve seen spun bearings and bent rods in plenty of them. Never once seen one actually stop running from locking up.

[@Alltakenbla]

You know an engine is designed well when you do not see oil in places that should be oil free. Toyota design and create the best pickups this world has seen. Here in South Africa you will not find another vehicle brand with very high resale value incomparrison to Toyota. Most people here do not have allot of disposable income to even think of buying a new vehicle. The go to is Toyota. And our vehicles take a beating. And this channel deserves to get an award from KZbin for the very real valuable content! Good work Eric.

[@rotax636nut5]

Of course the rod bolt nuts were loose, what else would you have expected! good episode, thanks for posting

[@zacharyreichert5035]

Good on the customer for leaving that carnage in there to see. Really cool.

[@raymondjr.1080]

Great video, I don't think it was water or liquid in the cylinder, I have seen this before on older 22 RE where the piston and bushings just fail for no reason. It's possible that on cold starts the bushings and cylinders just take a bit longer to warm up and people like to floor it.

[@w.u.7168]

Tanks for your interesting and cool narrated Videos. I'm really hooked watching. A hint, start with the oil Pan.

[@irvnegrin2211]

The 3vze in my 91 4runner had it's headgaskets replaced twice. First time it blew at just over 60k, out of warranty, but before the recall was issued. Job was done by an indy, sent the blown gasket along with the repair bill to Toyota. Toyota sent me a "good will" check for $1300. Six months later they issued the recall so I had it done again at the dealer with the redesigned gasket. Great vehicle, great company.

[@matthewb8229]

IT'S TIME! It's an oragami bearing. Very rare, very valuable.

[@Cynsham]

Hell yeah never seen one of these torn down

[@Kingfisher1060]

Young man I am 63 years old I have a Toyota V6 engine just like the one you tore down it's started missing all of a sudden on my way home tonight but your video showed me exactly the interior of my engine for which I cannot thank you enough but I will put in a special request for a whole heap of karma heading your way in store for The pearly gates when you pass on lol hahaha I cannot thank you enough your video was one of the best most intricate well spoken instructions And I cannot thank you enough marvelous job your job as a mechanic will go on and on and I'm you really know what you're doing and you explained it better than I've ever seen before keep it up good job

[@Dilomski]

Such a beautifully shot and edited video. I watched it end to end and I have the 4runner with the 3.slow. Maybe sometime I will swap to the mighty 3.4, when I find one that is good and realtive cheap, which is hard to get in Europe.

[@mrt2this607]

Really liked that engine. Had an '01 4Runner, trd supercharged and a smaller(more psi/boost) pulley on it, along with larger fuel injectors and a inline ecu to control them, trd headers and exhaust....that truck absolutely kicked ass. Especially up in the CO mountains, would even put many sports cars to shame when it came to acceleration. But some jackass decided to rear-end me doing 80mph+, bent the damn frame. Yes, it will be missed

[@jnc07res]

I had an '02 in the 'imperial jade mica' (green) that I found in 2013 with 62K miles. Paid $8250 cash from a Honda dealer(!) of all places. It was MINT and I treated it as such all the way to 82K..... when some tool in a '79 Cadillac w/ no insurance rear-ended me so hard that it flipped me over. He and his friends 'saved' me by kicking in they windshield so I could exit in the most unceremonious way imaginable. I was injured, livid and absolutely heartbroken all at the same time. Always have uninsured coverage, thankfully I did.

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

I'm a pretty die hard Toyota guy. The 3.0 was an underpowered gas hog. The 3.4 however will probably outlive Keith Richards, a 22Re and a few cockroaches at once.

[@guardrail2897]

I had a 1985 22R. I think it was the best motor ever. It had over 400,000 on it and still running when it went to the junkyard. The frame finally broke in half.

[@andrewsmart2949]

personaaly i found the 3vz-fe to be a very reliable engine,forged rods and steel crank have alot to do with that

[@nickt9467]

@@andrewsmart2949 I have a 3vz with 270k miles. No issues, 17-18 mpg running 33" BFG AT. No valve cover leak, never done a water pump. Just don't get them hot and they will run forever. Although sure, an extra 30 hp would be great, but not motor-swap great. Wish the Thorley headers were still around / actually CARB-compliant.

[@joshuaa1921]

I own a smog shop and regularly see 20r, 22r, 22re and all of them except for a few mint ones I’ve seen below 100k miles but most of them are around 250k-400k miles. Super reliable 4 banger 🤙

[@andrewsmart2949]

@@joshuaa1921 what is a "smog shop"

[@juanbrown2895]

I want to said sir, thank you!!! You are very special professional, thanks for this excellent class.

[@gazzafloss]

Bought a '92 3.0 litre V6 Toyota Fourunner a few years back from a guy who had drowned it in a creek crossing. Same issue, snapped rod in #6 cylinder, hole through block behind starter motor. I patched the hole with two hand made aluminum washers, an 8mm bolt & nut, and plenty of gasket silicone. Crank pin journal was fine. Got a piston and rod from another scrap engine, put it back in #6 hole. That engine ran another couple of years until I sold the vehicle, ran perfect in fact, could still be going, Toyota tuff!

[@jamesplotkin4674]

I've never seen such a robust timing belt.

[@nickma71]

The interval was 60k, but later revised to 90k, because they just lasted a long time.

[@zubirhusein]

Ye I wish the inline engines had belts that thicc

[@rickhunter6479]

I seen those rip at 70,000 I blame people treating them like Chevys making them work they can't handle that shit

[@liver.flush.maestro]

Yeah, super wide!

[@Racer_kmk]

Only problem with this engine is the potential of said timing belt failing… it’s unlikely