2.7 engine refresh time

02-3rz with 180+k miles is going to get a freshened up come January. After the cab is done. Frame was completed over the long weekend.
Their was no problems with it when I tore the truck apart.
Compression was in spec on all cylinders.
All ready have the oem engine gasket kit. But that's it.
The head will be going to a shop for rebuild, etc. If it's bad, I'll get a new aftermarket one.
A good friend is a mechanic and he said wants to help me take it apart and reassemble as a payback for past favors. He's all ready taken my FSM on the engine to bone up on it. I was impressed that he wanted to start there. He said he's done a couple of heads on Toyotas in the past but he's truly a Chevy first, Ford second (that' why we fight sometimes) mechanic.
I'm sure I'll be asking a lot of question here.
So lets start.
Should I replace the coolant sensor, crank position sensor, and whatever other sensors at this time? Is there 1 or 2 coolant temp sensors?
My plan is to check the timing gears and chain to factory specs and if good, just reuse. Or should I just go new.
Should I get a head stud kit from LCE
Because the motor is on a stand I would think every single gasket in the kit will be installed. Is this the right way to go?
Any suggestion on who I should buy the head sleeve kit from.
I'll leave the injectors for another thread.
I'm going to stop now before this runs away.
Any suggestion, advice, criticism, is welcomed.
Thank you
John

 

IMHO, depending on how the engine was ran up to the current mileage would determine what I would do. Personally if it was babied like mine I wouldn't touch it at all! These are bullet proof engines that can run forever if maintained within reason. I have 293K on mine and runs perfectly. The only suggestion would be check the valve clearances and adjust with proper size shims if needed. I don't know I would mess with a factory built engine with the reliability history these have. How long would it take you to but another 120K miles on it?

Nothing right or wrong here, just my 2cents.

 

Pretty sure he wants a fresh start. Dont think he would of gone thru all that, just to limp/hope/pray...


With it so easy to get to I would get a new crank sensor, and the ect sensor.

I bought the studs from LC engineering, along with those alignment pegs.

I bet the timing chain and gears are just fine....but I would install new guides and tensioner(s)...
and there are two sets of chains with the balance shafts with guides.

I would personally get rid of the balance shafts....balance shaft delete kit from LCe so that would be one less set of bearings to go out.

New oem motor mounts...LCe....If its an auto tranny I'd even get a new flex plate.

and even be tempted for a new rear engine seal.....because of the difficultly of having to pull engine or trany to do it later...

I would do a new Harmonic balancer...

If you reuse the head....I'd get new valve guides/seals.



DID SOMEONE SAY TOYOTA.....

Fuel Injector Cup 2RZ/3RZ Set of 4 With O Rings OEM Toyota P/N: 90301-19006 90561-10018 (lceperformance.com)

OEM Motor Mounts 1981-2004 22R/RE/RET/2RZ/3RZ/3VZ OEM Toyota P/N: 12302-35120 (lceperformance.com)

Balance Shaft Removal Kit - 3RZ/2TR (lceperformance.com)

Header Stud Set - 20R/22R/22RE/2RZ/3RZ (lceperformance.com)

2RZ/3RZ 2TR OE Head Bolt Set (95-2017) (lceperformance.com)

2RZ/3RZ OE Harmonic Balancer (lceperformance.com)

Oil Pump Cover Allen Head Hardware Kit - 2RZ/3RZ (lceperformance.com)

Rear Seal - 2RZ/3RZ Rear Main Seal (lceperformance.com)

Intake Manifold Stud Kit - 2RZ/3RZ (lceperformance.com)

Dowel Pin 2RZ/3RZ Cylinder Head To Block Dowel Pin OEM Toyota P/N: 90253-15016 (lceperformance.com)

2RZ/3RZ/2TR OEM Flexplate Bolt Kit (Each) (lceperformance.com)

Crank Sensor- Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma & T100 2RZ & 3RZ Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor (1994-2004) 90919-05016 (yotashop.com)

TOYOTA 2RZ/3RZ/2TZ OEM Engine Timing Chain Tensioner - 13540-75020 (yotashop.com)

TOYOTA 2.7L/3RZ (96-04) OEM Timing Guide Right Side 13559-75020 (yotashop.com)

Timing Guide- Toyota 2.7L 3RZ 4Runner, T100 & Tacoma OEM Left Side Timing Chain Guide- 13561-75020 (yotashop.com)

Harmonic Balancer- Toyota 4Runner, T100 & Tacoma 2.7L 3RZ & 2.4L 2RZ Front Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer Pulley (1994-2004) 594-141 (yotashop.com)

Valve Seals- Toyota 2.4L 2RZFE & 2.7L 3RZFE 4Runner, Tacoma & T100 Valve Stem Seal Set (1994-2004) Kit-1057B (yotashop.com)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4042194127...1291&msclkid=01419071cbdb17969f87f5144a298f59

why dont someone add all that up......my calculator doesnt have enought digits...

 

@taco57 I get what your saying but it's a matter of I'm here. It's easy with the engine on a stand. 5 years it will be harder for me with age and oem parts availability. So while I can, I will. If it wasn't for the weeping gaskets I'd think about it more. And yes, this truck see about 7500 miles a year at best. When your shop and house are on the same property and you can walk out the back door and go hunting, fishing, etc, well, you can lose touch with the world in a hurry. Thank you for your input.

@O'Silver_Taco Thank you for the early x-mass present. That list is outstanding. I'm very fortunate that my truck is used in my business so parts are part of operating expenses. I'll still piss and moan, just because I can, but it is what it is. No more kids to put through school here.
I never even once thought of the harmonic balancer having to be replaced. Why is that recommended? Just curious.
The trans is the standard 5 speed. Any suggestions on that while its out?
For the transfer case, would you suggest the output shaft seal and the shifter shaft seal as well? I already have the front and rear diff output seals. They did not leak but they are 22 years old and I know my luck.
Again, I'll stop here. For now anyway. I've followed many of your post and know your knowledge level on these trucks so I'm sure I'll be pestering you from time to time. Truly appreciate your help.
John

 

Ooooohhh this will be fun to follow along good looking setup OP

 

I'm an auto tranny guy myself....cant help with any that.....but there's a butt load of experts here...@gearcruncher comes to mind...

Same of 5lug.....I know those.......for 6 lug, only what I've been told here...

I had a bad experience with a bad harmonic balancer.....they are mounted in rubber....
and when they go out, they wobble...alot ...and can do a lot of damage....
Its cost me a new front timing cover.....and it chewed off the woodruff key on my crankshaft...

Usually the sign its too late....is that crank bolt wont snug it down anymore....keeps wobbling ...

And I just bought the $100 dorman one from O'reily's....




I should be the Steven King of the Tacoma world.......'Taco cemetery'

 

Dont touch the engine. Your is still like new. Put the money in the transmission. Plus whatever needs it to make it different than the rest. Wheels tires

 

I'm so excited to watch this progress!

What springs did you couple with the 4600's? I want to re-do my front end, just bought 555's inner/outer tie rods, upper and lower ball joints and sway bar end links.

did you get new upper and lower control arms or just freshen them up?

 

Side note, as you remember when we talked, my truck has been running great since the new head. I used all OEM toyota stuff ~ Head gasket kit.

Do you have access to the Factory service manual? I can send you a link to the guide on how to inspect the chain and guides for the timing.

My truck has 220k and the chain and guides showed minimal signs of wear, I did replace my chain tensioner, the dog/pawl system inside felt like it was getting pretty stiff.

 

Hello again @woad4. Glad to hear your head job was a success. I also remember a lot of good people here helping you through with it. What goes around, comes around.
The 4600's came from SuspensionLifts.com as a set. I bought the stock height springs. They came with a card that said they will be about 1" higher till they settle in. From reading here I saw that if there is problems with the spring heights the company will work with you. Front coils are 81078. My truck sat high in the rear from extra heavy aftermarket springs. And I already have 4600's back there. So we'll see.
The front end is all oem except for the axles. Those came from LCE. This is a daily driver. But my commute is about 1/4 mile. If I even have to go there that is. I'm usually just in my shop doing their work.
This is so way more of a "I always wanted to do this" kind of thing.
The upper and lower control arms are new oem. But I did sandblast, epoxy prime, acrylic enamel them. What a pleasure it was to reassemble with oem. (and expense).
@O'Silver_Taco put together a shopping list for the engine to help me along. I know he was great asset for you during your project. The head gasket was weeping just a little (along with others) so this is not a rebuild.
It was good to hear from you and while were at it, I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
John
(yes, I have the factory manuals)

 

Regarding the shopping list, if you're going all-in on an engine rebuild consider buying the complete gasket set.

3RZ w/4-port intake is part number 04112-75190
3RZ w/8-port intake is part number 04112-75101

Earlier trucks have the 8-port intake and later ones have 4-port. I think the change was somewhere in the 00-01 model year. Enter your VIN into toyodiy.com to verify part numbers.

Shop around, currently I'm seeing these kits go from $250-$350 from different vendors.

LCE also sells an "OE quality" kit for about $140: https://www.lceperformance.com/Complete-Gasket-Set-2RZ-3RZ-95-04-p/1018033.htm

 

Although I've bought quite a few stuff from LC

these guys I really like...them and yota1 pride themselves on being taco masters..they keep stuff in that others would have to order...

Gasket Set - Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma 2.7L 3RZ-FE (2000-2004) Genuine Head Gasket Set 04112-75190 (yotashop.com)


Everybody here says spring for oem gasket sets.

 

I've purchased from yotashop in the past and have nothing against them, but that's about the most expensive place possible to buy that part. $350 from Yotashop, $300 from LCE, $250-ish from an actual Toyota dealer. McGeorge (well, used to be McGeorge, now it's Ourisman Toyota of Richmand) has it for $235. I didn't compare shipping but I can't imagine the dealers are charging $100 shipping for a gasket set...

https://toyotaparts.ourismantoyotao...ine-cylinder-head-gasket-set-411275190?c=az0x

 

Nice pre-work so far oldmetal!

BTW
I would gladly pay you $100 for a lesson on how to use that $40k shearer behind your refurbished frame!!!!
I feel confident in saying…..
You know what you’re doing!!

keep everyone posted on your progress please

 

Well the problem with Mcgeorge and toyota parts.com is that I've had to wait as long as 60 days to get my order...

which they informed me about a week after placing orders...grant you it was a whole page of parts...
but even on the tinyest order,, they charge $20....so you put together a decent order to lessen the sting...

Both those charge way too much for shipping.....as much as $50 on a $400 order....
and they wont split ship the order....they make you wait until everything is in....
I guess thats how they make up some of the difference....

Anything I've ordered from Yotashop....2rz fuel hose comes to mind....they had in the mail the next day...
they actually keep inventory in stock.......and not depend on drop ships to their store...

Not only that....if you somehow get the wrong part from the other guys.....you'd have to get a rma...send back ... verify
and then maybe another couple three weeks...

IF I got a wrong part from yota....I'd bet they'd have the correct part in the mail the next day...

If its just a project car who cares......mine was a daily work truck...

Everything that comes out of the west coast is gonna cost you more....just a fact...

but yes $350 is quite high....I would probably buy somewhere else....but I'd call or email and make sure its in stock...
unless you dont mind waiting possibly 3 or 4 weeks....

Toyota has a ton of parts, It would take a monster warehouse to stock them all...I get that....

The west shops.....really mostly cater to taco, 4runner, and maybe land cruisers...
so they're more likely to have what you need on the fly...

So thats the good, the bad, and the ugly...

 

@6P4 The oem engine gasket set was the first thing I bought. At that point I had never done anything more to my taco than standard maintenance after 20 years of ownership. I bought it from yota 1 mainly because I knew nothing of LCE at the time and didn't really know how to navigate the dealer websites. Well, what an education I got in the last 5 months.

I'd like to thank all of you for helping me along on this project. The ones who respond directly to me are a huge help. But it's not limited to them. There are many (@Kwikvette, @Andy01DblCabTacoma, @mechanicjon just to name a few) who I've never interacted with but have learned very valuable information from just by reading and following them. This place is a treasure trove of gen 1 knowledge. So while FS manuals was a very smart thing, joining this fourm before I started was even smarter. Thank you to everyone who post's here.

This project started out as change as many engine gaskets and hoses as possible without removing the engine. How am I doing so far? Also my very first taco tear down. What a learning curve.
John

 

Add a water pump to that list? The 1st picture is this

$58 AISIN WPT-044 New Engine Water Pump with Gasket - Compatible with Select Toyota 4Runner, T100, Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00829I0IK?ie=UTF8

Aisin water pump that I heard is the OEM one from toyota. The 2nd pictrue is the stock one that came off my truck.. Funny enough someone went in at the factory and has to grind off the toyota logo? Saves some $$ for you

 

I can confirm ^^^^^
This was a RA purchase when T cover gaskets replaced….

 

So is your oil pump cover leaking.......or is that the main seal or the HB seal...

when that leaks....the Harmonic balancer just slings that in a flat plane across the whole of the front engine bay...

that cookie gasket....eventually turns to dust from heat and time...
usually around 80K~100K...

or is that just 'leaky' half moons from above.....like mine...


Oil Pump O-Ring 2RZ/3RZ OEM Toyota P/N: 15188-75021 (lceperformance.com)

Front Seal - 2RZ/3RZ Front Balancer Seal 1996-2004 (lceperformance.com)

Oil Pump Cover Allen Head Hardware Kit - 2RZ/3RZ (lceperformance.com)

or if things are really old/bad....super high milage...
Seal Saver - 2RZ/3RZ Harmonic Balancer Seal (lceperformance.com)


Eventually....that oil will destroy your alternator...

 

Wish my build looked as clean as yours! I'm replacing every bushing and bearing underneath the truck. Hoping to get a like new ride and reliably from the truck. Wayyyy more expensive than I initially anticipated. Even with my doing all the work.

Your rebuild sounds more extensive (expensive) than mine. Looks like you are doing it the right way and Sounds like you can afford it so now is the time. If it's a wear item replace it. Soon you will have a new truck ready to go another 500k.