It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating coolant
in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe condensate
gave it away . Got the right side head off today and what I thought was
likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve - 4
valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4 . The crack is in the same
cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a 1999 ,
got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around 1400-1800 bucks
- I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right now" . Between the
heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000 total), the SUV just isn't
worth the cost of repairs to us . And that's with me doing all the
mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop it would be another 2 to 3 grand
.. While the motor would have a new top end , the rest of the vehicle
will still have 347k miles on it . And who knows what will fail next ?
Nickel and dimin' is one thing , but when the repairs run a couple
thousand at a whack ...
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>   It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating coolant
> in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe condensate
> gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what I thought was
> likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>   Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve - 4
> valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the same
> cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a 1999 ,
> got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around 1400-1800 bucks
> - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right now" . Between the
> heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000 total), the SUV just isn't
> worth the cost of repairs to us . And that's with me doing all the
> mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop it would be another 2 to 3 grand
> . While the motor would have a new top end , the rest of the vehicle
> will still have 347k miles on it . And who knows what will fail next ?
> Nickel and dimin' is one thing , but when the repairs run a couple
> thousand at a whack ...

That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call. IMO.
Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part of the
country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles have
gone crazy for price. The economy is going weak so maybe that will
help, but I think that's a mixed bag. When the economy is weak more
people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by instead of
buying new.

4Runner. At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V. Then I
realized Toyota 4Runner SUV. Any options for a total engine change Like
rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it as a
classic or collector plate? Not old enough? I don't even know if
that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.

--
Bob La Londe
Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
real machinist

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On 7/12/2023 10:40 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
> On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>>    It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating
>> coolant in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
>> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
>> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>    Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve -
>> 4 valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the
>> same cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a
>> 1999 , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around
>> 1400-1800 bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right
>> now" . Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000
>> total), the SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And
>> that's with me doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop
>> it would be another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new
>> top end , the rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it .
>> And who knows what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing ,
>> but when the repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...
>
> That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
> vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call.  IMO.
> Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part of the
> country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles have
> gone crazy for price.  The economy is going weak so maybe that will
> help, but I think that's a mixed bag.  When the economy is weak more
> people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by instead of
> buying new.

I'm hoping to find a private seller ... we're looking for something
older than most want , probably no newer than 2006 or 2007 . Newer than
that is where the prices get crazy .
>
> 4Runner.  At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V.  Then I
> realized Toyota 4Runner SUV.  Any options for a total engine change Like
> rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it as a
> classic or collector plate?  Not old enough?  I don't even know if
> that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.
>
>

Not quite old enough for an antique tag here , gotta be over I think
40 years now . I grandfathered in with the 1990 Ultra and my '86 GMC
pickup . I don't think the engine compartment is big enough for a 350
.... and since it's a 4WD the hydramatic is out too . I'm going to be
real picky about the next car ideally I would love another 4Runner , I
really like this SUV and Toyota has a great rep with their 5VZ motor .
If this unit had 100k less miles I'd be fixing it ...
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On 12/07/2023 03:37, Snag wrote:
> It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating coolant
> in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>   Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve - 4
> valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the same
> cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a 1999
> , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around 1400-1800
> bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right now" .
> Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000 total), the
> SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And that's with me
> doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop it would be
> another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new top end , the
> rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it . And who knows
> what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing , but when the
> repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...

Is it worth trying some of that crack sealant that's sold for cases like
this.

On Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:24:48 -0500
Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

<snip>
> I'm hoping to find a private seller ... we're looking for something
>older than most want , probably no newer than 2006 or 2007 . Newer than
>that is where the prices get crazy .

Must be a lot of flood damaged stuff around of late. Might find a
4Runner that you could swap parts back and forth with. Or just
something you could get going again with your skill set and ambition :)

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI

On 7/12/2023 9:24 AM, Snag wrote:
> On 7/12/2023 10:40 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>> On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>>>    It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating
>>> coolant in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
>>> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
>>> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>>    Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve -
>>> 4 valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the
>>> same cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a
>>> 1999 , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around
>>> 1400-1800 bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right
>>> now" . Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000
>>> total), the SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And
>>> that's with me doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop
>>> it would be another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new
>>> top end , the rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it .
>>> And who knows what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing ,
>>> but when the repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...
>>
>> That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
>> vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call.
>> IMO. Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part
>> of the country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles
>> have gone crazy for price.  The economy is going weak so maybe that
>> will help, but I think that's a mixed bag.  When the economy is weak
>> more people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by
>> instead of buying new.
>
>   I'm hoping to find a private seller ... we're looking for something
> older than most want , probably no newer than 2006 or 2007 . Newer than
> that is where the prices get crazy .
>>
>> 4Runner.  At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V.  Then I
>> realized Toyota 4Runner SUV.  Any options for a total engine change
>> Like rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it
>> as a classic or collector plate?  Not old enough?  I don't even know
>> if that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.
>>
>>
>
>   Not quite old enough for an antique tag here , gotta be over I think
> 40 years now . I grandfathered in with the 1990 Ultra and my '86 GMC
> pickup . I don't think the engine compartment is big enough for a 350
> ... and since it's a 4WD the hydramatic is out too . I'm going to be
> real picky about the next car ideally I would love another 4Runner , I
> really like this SUV and Toyota has a great rep with their 5VZ motor .
> If this unit had 100k less miles I'd be fixing it ...

Yeah, I do seem to recall the old Land Cruiser retros use an adapter
plate or a semi custom bell housing with the stock transmission. Not
really my thing so forgive my ignorance.

Yeah, I know special plates historic/collector/etc plates vary from
state to state. I know my cousin in another state said he ran collector
plates on just about everything to avoid headaches.

--
Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:40:13 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
wrote:

>On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>>   It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating coolant
>> in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe condensate
>> gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what I thought was
>> likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>   Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve - 4
>> valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the same
>> cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a 1999 ,
>> got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around 1400-1800 bucks
>> - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right now" . Between the
>> heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000 total), the SUV just isn't
>> worth the cost of repairs to us . And that's with me doing all the
>> mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop it would be another 2 to 3 grand
>> . While the motor would have a new top end , the rest of the vehicle
>> will still have 347k miles on it . And who knows what will fail next ?
>> Nickel and dimin' is one thing , but when the repairs run a couple
>> thousand at a whack ...
>
>That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
>vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call. IMO.
>Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part of the
>country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles have
>gone crazy for price. The economy is going weak so maybe that will
>help, but I think that's a mixed bag. When the economy is weak more
>people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by instead of
>buying new.
>
>4Runner. At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V. Then I
>realized Toyota 4Runner SUV. Any options for a total engine change Like
>rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it as a
>classic or collector plate? Not old enough? I don't even know if
>that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.
>
>
>--
>Bob La Londe
>Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
>real machinist
If the frame and body are solid I DEFINITELY would repair or replace
the engine. Repowering with non-toyota powerplant is possible but not
common or easy. I'd be looking around for a wreck. -or a low mileage
rustout from the northeast

On Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:24:48 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

>On 7/12/2023 10:40 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>> On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>>>    It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating
>>> coolant in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
>>> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
>>> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>>    Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve -
>>> 4 valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the
>>> same cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a
>>> 1999 , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around
>>> 1400-1800 bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right
>>> now" . Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000
>>> total), the SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And
>>> that's with me doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop
>>> it would be another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new
>>> top end , the rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it .
>>> And who knows what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing ,
>>> but when the repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...
>>
>> That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
>> vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call.  IMO.
>> Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part of the
>> country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles have
>> gone crazy for price.  The economy is going weak so maybe that will
>> help, but I think that's a mixed bag.  When the economy is weak more
>> people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by instead of
>> buying new.
>
> I'm hoping to find a private seller ... we're looking for something
>older than most want , probably no newer than 2006 or 2007 . Newer than
>that is where the prices get crazy .
>>
>> 4Runner.  At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V.  Then I
>> realized Toyota 4Runner SUV.  Any options for a total engine change Like
>> rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it as a
>> classic or collector plate?  Not old enough?  I don't even know if
>> that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.
>>
>>
>
> Not quite old enough for an antique tag here , gotta be over I think
>40 years now . I grandfathered in with the 1990 Ultra and my '86 GMC
>pickup . I don't think the engine compartment is big enough for a 350
>... and since it's a 4WD the hydramatic is out too . I'm going to be
>real picky about the next car ideally I would love another 4Runner , I
>really like this SUV and Toyota has a great rep with their 5VZ motor .
>If this unit had 100k less miles I'd be fixing it ...
Mileage doesn't mean much if it's been maintained, and even early
2000 'Runners are going for crazy prices around here. P'Ups too.

The engine was used from '95 to '04 inTacos and 'Runners

On Wed, 12 Jul 2023 12:44:35 -0700, Bob La Londe <none@none.com99>
wrote:

>On 7/12/2023 9:24 AM, Snag wrote:
>> On 7/12/2023 10:40 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
>>> On 7/11/2023 7:37 PM, Snag wrote:
>>>>    It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating
>>>> coolant in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
>>>> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
>>>> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>>>    Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve -
>>>> 4 valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the
>>>> same cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a
>>>> 1999 , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around
>>>> 1400-1800 bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right
>>>> now" . Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000
>>>> total), the SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And
>>>> that's with me doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop
>>>> it would be another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new
>>>> top end , the rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it .
>>>> And who knows what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing ,
>>>> but when the repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...
>>>
>>> That's a tough one, but when one looks at the cost of a new road legal
>>> vehicle today and the devaluation of currency its a tougher call.
>>> IMO. Maybe you have a ready supply of good used vehicles in your part
>>> of the country to mitigate that a bit, but out here good used vehicles
>>> have gone crazy for price.  The economy is going weak so maybe that
>>> will help, but I think that's a mixed bag.  When the economy is weak
>>> more people who have to have a vehicle buy a used one to get by
>>> instead of buying new.
>>
>>   I'm hoping to find a private seller ... we're looking for something
>> older than most want , probably no newer than 2006 or 2007 . Newer than
>> that is where the prices get crazy .
>>>
>>> 4Runner.  At first I thought you were talking about an ATC/V.  Then I
>>> realized Toyota 4Runner SUV.  Any options for a total engine change
>>> Like rebuild the mounts and drop a 350/turbo350 in it and register it
>>> as a classic or collector plate?  Not old enough?  I don't even know
>>> if that's possible like it was with the old Land Cruisers.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>   Not quite old enough for an antique tag here , gotta be over I think
>> 40 years now . I grandfathered in with the 1990 Ultra and my '86 GMC
>> pickup . I don't think the engine compartment is big enough for a 350
>> ... and since it's a 4WD the hydramatic is out too . I'm going to be
>> real picky about the next car ideally I would love another 4Runner , I
>> really like this SUV and Toyota has a great rep with their 5VZ motor .
>> If this unit had 100k less miles I'd be fixing it ...
>
>Yeah, I do seem to recall the old Land Cruiser retros use an adapter
>plate or a semi custom bell housing with the stock transmission. Not
>really my thing so forgive my ignorance.
>
>Yeah, I know special plates historic/collector/etc plates vary from
>state to state. I know my cousin in another state said he ran collector
>plates on just about everything to avoid headaches.
>
>
>--
>Bob La Londe
>CNC Molds N Stuff
What many don't know is the 'Cruiser 6 cyl "F" engine was made under
licence from GM - as was the tansmission and transfer case. Based on
the Chevy stovebolt. The first "Cruiser clutch I replaced had GM
stamped on it

On 7/12/2023 11:49 AM, David Billington wrote:
> On 12/07/2023 03:37, Snag wrote:
>> It's been puffing a little steam on cold startup , indicating coolant
>> in the combustion chamber(s) - a sweet taste in the tailpipe
>> condensate gave it away  . Got the right side head off today and what
>> I thought was likely to be a head gasket seep wasn't .
>>   Turns out there's a crack between an intake and an exhaust valve - 4
>> valves per cylinder , 24 total V6 DOHC 3.4  . The crack is in the same
>> cylinder that blew a spark plug out 3 0r 4 years ago . This is a 1999
>> , got 347,000 miles on it , and a set of heads runs around 1400-1800
>> bucks - I'm not going to replace "just what's broke right now" .
>> Between the heads and all the other parts needed (~$3,000 total), the
>> SUV just isn't worth the cost of repairs to us . And that's with me
>> doing all the mechanickin' , if we were paying a shop it would be
>> another 2 to 3 grand . While the motor would have a new top end , the
>> rest of the vehicle will still have 347k miles on it . And who knows
>> what will fail next ? Nickel and dimin' is one thing , but when the
>> repairs run a couple thousand at a whack ...
>
> Is it worth trying some of that crack sealant that's sold for cases like
> this.
>

Nope , the crack is thru both valve seats .

--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/1999/

On 7/13/2023 5:29 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
> https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/1999/
>

You just convinced me that getting another motor is a good idea ... I
can have a used motor with 50-65000 here in a week or so for less than
3500 bucks - or a reman from O'Reilly for about the same money . I had
no idea these were worth that kind of money , we paid around $4000 for
this one 9 years ago .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On 7/13/2023 6:50 AM, Snag wrote:
> On 7/13/2023 5:29 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>> https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/1999/
>>
>
>   You just convinced me that getting another motor is a good idea ... I
> can have a used motor with 50-65000 here in a week or so for less than
> 3500 bucks - or a reman from O'Reilly for about the same money . I had
> no idea these were worth that kind of money , we paid around $4000 for
> this one 9 years ago .

Well , the ball is rolling , talked to a local shop about install and
the vendor about payment and delivery . This is a low mileage motor from
Japan with 50-65k miles . Might be almost broke in !
If I wasn't so old and tired I'd do it myself , but what the hall ,
it's only money .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

"Snag" wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...

On 7/13/2023 6:50 AM, Snag wrote:
> On 7/13/2023 5:29 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>> https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/1999/
>>
>
> You just convinced me that getting another motor is a good idea ... I
> can have a used motor with 50-65000 here in a week or so for less than
> 3500 bucks - or a reman from O'Reilly for about the same money . I had no
> idea these were worth that kind of money , we paid around $4000 for this
> one 9 years ago .

Well , the ball is rolling , talked to a local shop about install and
the vendor about payment and delivery . This is a low mileage motor from
Japan with 50-65k miles . Might be almost broke in !
If I wasn't so old and tired I'd do it myself , but what the hall ,
it's only money .
Snag
---------------------------

Good luck!
I hope I didn't mislead you. I have two old vehicles that I've kept fixing
though neither is worth very much. Both have practical and useful features
that newer and more stylish vehicles have dropped.

"Snag" wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
..... fix or replace? ...

I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car each
year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely exceeded a
few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop manuals for them
so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the bank earning 4% interest
for when I do need a new one, and every few years I test drive a possible
replacement.

On 7/13/2023 10:10 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>
> On 7/13/2023 6:50 AM, Snag wrote:
>> On 7/13/2023 5:29 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>>> https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/1999/
>>>
>>
>>    You just convinced me that getting another motor is a good idea ...
>> I can have a used motor with 50-65000 here in a week or so for less
>> than 3500 bucks - or a reman from O'Reilly for about the same money .
>> I had no idea these were worth that kind of money , we paid around
>> $4000 for this one 9 years ago .
>
>   Well , the ball is rolling , talked to a local shop about install and
> the vendor about payment and delivery . This is a low mileage motor from
> Japan with 50-65k miles . Might be almost broke in !
>   If I wasn't so old and tired I'd do it myself , but what the hall ,
> it's only money .
> Snag
> ---------------------------
>
> Good luck!
> I hope I didn't mislead you. I have two old vehicles that I've kept
> fixing though neither is worth very much. Both have practical and useful
> features that newer and more stylish vehicles have dropped.
>

It was a combination of seeing what this car is worth , seeing what
it would cost to replace it with something comparable , and the
reasonable cost of a low mileage replacement motor .
I've set aside 4k for the job which should cover everything -
including someone else installing it . The motor is on the way and
should be here Tuesday , the shop is all set up with a very reasonable
labor bid . I'll need to supply some incidentals , oil and antifreeze ,
new filters and so on . Hmmm , I guess I better go ahead and get the
sway bar mounts ... and reinstate the insurance I canceled when we were
going to get another car .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
> .... fix or replace? ...
>
> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>

I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and stick
you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put around
90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil changes I bet we
haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:05:54 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:

>On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>
>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
>> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
>> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
>> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
>> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
>> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>>
>
> I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and stick
>you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
>from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put around
>90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil changes I bet we
>haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
>expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
Good move - and the "experienced" engine is likely to be a much
better engine than the "rebuild". If the rust worm doesn't get them 4
Runners. like Land Cruisers, will go forever if you don't abuse them.
Sure, you will have parts wear out, but with the price of ANY
replacement truck or SUV you can keep the 'Runner going for less than
half the interest cost on a new one. Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
road for less than half the interest cost
23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!

On 7/13/2023 10:56 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
> On Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:05:54 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>>> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>>
>>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
>>> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
>>> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
>>> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
>>> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
>>> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>>>
>>
>> I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and stick
>> you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
>>from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put around
>> 90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil changes I bet we
>> haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
>> expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
> Good move - and the "experienced" engine is likely to be a much
> better engine than the "rebuild". If the rust worm doesn't get them 4
> Runners. like Land Cruisers, will go forever if you don't abuse them.
> Sure, you will have parts wear out, but with the price of ANY
> replacement truck or SUV you can keep the 'Runner going for less than
> half the interest cost on a new one. Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
> road for less than half the interest cost
> 23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
> and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!
>

The only rust on this one is the rear bumper . The car has spent it's
whole life here in Arkansas where we rarely salt the roads . I do still
need to replace the sway bar bushings , I had the parts in hand (along
with all the stuff to do a head gasket replacement) but returned them
when we thought we were going to buy something else . I should have
replaced them when I did the links to the lower a frames a month ago ...

--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

"Clare Snyder" wrote in message
news:0ih1bi50a8h87l9pe41e09m1ffkps2lcqg@4ax.com...

.... Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
road for less than half the interest cost
23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!

---------------------

Same here, most of the problems on my '91 with 250,000 km were from road
salt rust. After I stopped commuting to work they ceased to get worse

The most puzzling was the 2.3l engine's ignition module. It intermittently
threw Code 18 and the tach stopped working. Corrosion had crept under its
intake manifold heatsink surface. I disassembled and cleaned every engine
electrical connector (pull out the red plug) and replaced the coils, plugs
and wires before buying the engine diagnostic manual on eBay and putting a
scope on the signals it indicated. Then the dwell time showed as the problem
and a new module fixed it. I mentioned it in case it happens to someone
else.

One of the mounting screw froze into the aluminum manifold and broke off. I
made a drill jig to remove it without losing the threads.

Why choose the low powered 2.3l? When I bought it I was commuting into Mass
at stop-and-go to 40-50MPH and didn't need power as much as MPG, which could
reach 28 vs under 20 for the six. Also it had a 7' bed, and had been on the
lot half a year so they were quite willing to deal. Many people commuted in
4WD pickups which were a good defense against the Boston area's rude,
aggressive driving and slippery winter conditions. The day after the
Blizzard of '78 the roads in NH were completely clear, at the Mass border
they changed to tire tracks in the snow.

Recently a shop told me that the old R12 A/C can be refilled with R134
without the fuss that was previously recommended. Does anyone know from
successful experience? When it died I had a much easier NH commute without
traffic jams so I just let it go. Hot weather here is mid 90's with a dew
point around 70, tolerable when moving with the windows open. It's not quite
the Gulf Coast but that's where it came from.

"Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> on Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:46:32
-0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>"Snag" wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>.... fix or replace? ...
>
>I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car each
>year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely exceeded a
>few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop manuals for them
>so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the bank earning 4% interest
>for when I do need a new one, and every few years I test drive a possible
>replacement.

I paid off the car, then reduced the car payment, and am "saving
up" for the eventual replacement.
--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although far too often, Age travels alone."

On 7/14/2023 4:31 AM, Snag wrote:
> On 7/13/2023 10:56 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>> On Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:05:54 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>>>> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>>>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>>>
>>>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
>>>> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
>>>> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
>>>> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
>>>> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
>>>> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>>>>
>>>
>>>    I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and stick
>>> you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
>>> from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put
>>> around 90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil changes
>>> I bet we
>>> haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
>>> expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
>>   Good move - and the "experienced" engine is likely to be a much
>> better engine than the "rebuild". If the rust worm doesn't get them 4
>> Runners. like Land Cruisers, will go forever if you don't abuse them.
>> Sure, you will have parts wear out, but with the price of ANY
>> replacement truck or SUV you can keep the 'Runner going for less than
>> half the interest cost on a new one. Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
>> road  for less than half the interest cost
>> 23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
>> and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!
>>
>
>   The only rust on this one is the rear bumper . The car has spent it's
> whole life here in Arkansas where we rarely salt the roads . I do still
> need to replace the sway bar bushings , I had the parts in hand (along
> with all the stuff to do a head gasket replacement) but returned them
> when we thought we were going to buy something else . I should have
> replaced them when I did the links to the lower a frames a month ago ...
>

Please keep us up to date on how it works out for you. I'm looking
forward to seeing a glory shot with it one wheel posed on a bolder.

--
Bob La Londe
Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
real machinist

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On 7/14/2023 8:58 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
> On 7/14/2023 4:31 AM, Snag wrote:
>> On 7/13/2023 10:56 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>>> On Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:05:54 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>>>>> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>>>>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>>>>
>>>>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
>>>>> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
>>>>> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
>>>>> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
>>>>> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
>>>>> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>    I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and
>>>> stick
>>>> you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
>>>> from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put
>>>> around 90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil
>>>> changes I bet we
>>>> haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
>>>> expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
>>>   Good move - and the "experienced" engine is likely to be a much
>>> better engine than the "rebuild". If the rust worm doesn't get them 4
>>> Runners. like Land Cruisers, will go forever if you don't abuse them.
>>> Sure, you will have parts wear out, but with the price of ANY
>>> replacement truck or SUV you can keep the 'Runner going for less than
>>> half the interest cost on a new one. Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
>>> road  for less than half the interest cost
>>> 23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
>>> and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!
>>>
>>
>>    The only rust on this one is the rear bumper . The car has spent
>> it's whole life here in Arkansas where we rarely salt the roads . I do
>> still need to replace the sway bar bushings , I had the parts in hand
>> (along with all the stuff to do a head gasket replacement) but
>> returned them when we thought we were going to buy something else . I
>> should have replaced them when I did the links to the lower a frames a
>> month ago ...
>>
>
>
> Please keep us up to date on how it works out for you.  I'm looking
> forward to seeing a glory shot with it one wheel posed on a bolder.
>

boldly on a boulder. LOL

--
Bob La Londe
Proffessional Hack, Hobbyist, Wannabe, Shade Tree, Button Pushing, Not a
real machinist

--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com

On 7/14/2023 10:58 AM, Bob La Londe wrote:
> On 7/14/2023 4:31 AM, Snag wrote:
>> On 7/13/2023 10:56 PM, Clare Snyder wrote:
>>> On Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:05:54 -0500, Snag <Snag_one@msn.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 7/13/2023 11:46 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
>>>>> "Snag"  wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>>>>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>>>>
>>>>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car
>>>>> each year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely
>>>>> exceeded a few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop
>>>>> manuals for them so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the
>>>>> bank earning 4% interest for when I do need a new one, and every few
>>>>> years I test drive a possible replacement.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>    I absolutely detest car shopping . they'll lie to your face and
>>>> stick
>>>> you in the back for a few bucks . The 4Runner has been dependable aside
>>>> from one or two issues that I repaired for a few bucks . We put
>>>> around 90,000 on it in 9 years , and aside from tires and oil
>>>> changes I bet we
>>>> haven't spent over 1500 bucks on maintenance . With a "new" motor I
>>>> expect we'll get many more miles out of it .
>>>   Good move - and the "experienced" engine is likely to be a much
>>> better engine than the "rebuild". If the rust worm doesn't get them 4
>>> Runners. like Land Cruisers, will go forever if you don't abuse them.
>>> Sure, you will have parts wear out, but with the price of ANY
>>> replacement truck or SUV you can keep the 'Runner going for less than
>>> half the interest cost on a new one. Heck, you can keep a FORD on the
>>> road  for less than half the interest cost
>>> 23 years old, 383000km Ford Ranger - less than $500 a year on repairs
>>> and maintenance over the last 11 years - INCLUDING replacing the box!
>>>
>>
>>    The only rust on this one is the rear bumper . The car has spent
>> it's whole life here in Arkansas where we rarely salt the roads . I do
>> still need to replace the sway bar bushings , I had the parts in hand
>> (along with all the stuff to do a head gasket replacement) but
>> returned them when we thought we were going to buy something else . I
>> should have replaced them when I did the links to the lower a frames a
>> month ago ...
>>
>
>
> Please keep us up to date on how it works out for you.  I'm looking
> forward to seeing a glory shot with it one wheel posed on a bolder.
>

I might post a shot with one wheel on an armadillo ...
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .

On 7/14/2023 9:42 AM, pyotr filipivich wrote:
> "Jim Wilkins" <muratlanne@gmail.com> on Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:46:32
> -0400 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
>> "Snag" wrote in message news:u8p33d$3m3hb$1@dont-email.me...
>> .... fix or replace? ...
>>
>> I figure that I break even if I spend 1/10th of the price of a new car each
>> year on repairing the old one instead. In practice it's rarely exceeded a
>> few hundred a year plus my labor. I bought the factory shop manuals for them
>> so I'm not just guessing. The money saved is in the bank earning 4% interest
>> for when I do need a new one, and every few years I test drive a possible
>> replacement.
>
> I paid off the car, then reduced the car payment, and am "saving
> up" for the eventual replacement.
>

We could have paid cash for a newer car , I just didn't like the
local offerings . Newer stuff has way too much electronics for my taste
- especially stuff like onstar and other tracking stuff .
--
Snag
Men don't protect women because they're weak .
We protect them because they're important .