Wishbone Runner's Build

Well, someone has to get the groceries.

 

I try not to use the e word too often, but that looked epic. Bucket listing.

 

Which part?

You really can't go wrong with anywhere in the Rockies, every area has something different and unique to offer.

 

Damn, I missed all this back when you posted it!! Pretty awesome summer you had James. Let's get a group together next season for some similar shenanigans! I was so bummed I couldn't join you and travis for the Lander leg at least I got to meet Travis when he got to town, just missed you to say hello by a few hours.

Also, everytime i see your rear flexed out everytime...

 

Thanks Marc! It was a great trip even though the tail end was solo, but I for sure plan to make it back up that way next summer, way too much awesome up there not too.

 

So, with summer over and wheeling season all but over I had the following plans for the winter's build, both maintenance and mods:

1. Replace LCA bushings and cams
2. Redo rear links and mounts
3. Winch and light bar in bumper
4. Rear bumper swingout/tire carrier
5. Gas tank raise and re-do gas tank skid
6. Skid maintenance and repair
7. Rear locker (no re-gear yet)

BUT, I threw the dreaded P0306 - misfire #6 cylinder => HEAD GASKET

FML

So, the HG has been thrown to the top of the list, and everything else doesn't even really matter any more until I gert this squared away. Looks to be $3K+ at the dealer, and I think I should be able to tackle it myself over a few weeks/weekends, still in the research/diagnosis phase, but looks to be doable for less than $1K in parts, guessing 20-30 hours of my time. This would be by far the deepest I have ever gotten into the engine, changing the plugs is the most engine work I have done so far

 

It's all just bolts...

That's what my buddy said when I had to replace the heads on my ranger, and he was right. Turned out there was nothing to be scared of and the thing ran awesome when I got it all back together.

Of course, that was a pushrod motor. Not sure what all is involved in these.

 

That is what I am gathering, just lots of time and keeping track of a hundred bolts, found a few good write ups, going to pickup a Haynes as well. 4R will be out of commission for a while, good thing I work from home . . .

 

I can already tell you what the Haynes manual says.

Remove all parts necessary to access the head gasket. Remove and replace head gasket. Assemble in reverse order.

 

sounds about right. I have one and sometimes they're helpful, but a lot of time they're not. The pictures can be nice though, along with torque specs, etc.

Let me know if you ever need a hand James.

 

LOL, I actually just ordered one, been meaning to get one for a while and figured it can't hurt.

Having all the torques in one place will be helpful for sure.

I will probably take you up on that, I feel pretty good about everything other than making sure the timing is correct, I am sure it is not hard, but has me a little nervous. I will attach some metal to your truck in exchange

 

Is yours an interference motor?

 

Same one you have, 1GR-FE

edit - I believe so.

double edit - not sure, seeing conflicting info.

 

I checked around myself... Wow, what a cluster. I hate it when people are so cock-sure of something that they state it unequivocally and they're wrong (clearly the case with one side here)

I guess it's best to assume it is then and be very careful with the timing...

Oh, and while you have the timing chain off, I'm going to insist that you rotate the engine with the valves wide open and settle this once and for all

 

Deal! There are pretty good instructions of making note of the timing, TDC, match marks etc. to line things up, I just have never done anything like this before and not sure how sensitive/exact they need to be, guess I will find out.

Looking to be about $1000 in parts/labor if I have the heads machined, which it looks like most have done, even if not absolutely necessary, compared to $3K+ for the dealer to do the job. I think even if it takes a month, it will be worth $2k for me to do it (as long as I don't fuck it up and toast the engine ).

 

I would have the heads decked for sure since you have them off, but I'd research the best place to have that done. Not something you want screwed up! Timing accuracy should be incremented by a chain on a tooth, not a micrometer or anything. The only time that gets difficult (in my limited motorcycle engine building experience) is when the timing mark has been placed "in between" two teeth such that you're not sure which tooth is correct. I would expect Toyota to be a bit more precise than that though. ..

 

I figured as much, safe insurance.

Here is what it looks like, looks to be well marked:

 

Well the orange link and the hash mark almost look Brett proof. I don't know anything about the VVT stuff though. Hopefully you can just carefully pull everything off and put it back in place without having to index anything else.

You have me interested enough now that I want to come by, drink a beer and offer worthless advice while you're mid-project.

 

Sounds like a deal! I've done a few timing belts, and having a second set of hands was always very helpful. Also helped by brother replace the head on his Civic. Don't think there is too much to screw up in the way of timing. Never done one with with a chain, but to me it would actually seem easier than a belt

almost Brett proof? Now I'm color blind too?

 

LOL. I think I will be ready to dive into it the weekend after thanksgiving. I have a few diagnostics I want to do to make sure, but 95% sure it is the gasket.

Haha!

Deal, I appreciate the offers to help, and drink my beer.