Rebuilt my 3rz!!! SHES A RUNNER

I'll be honest, I've never resealed a front timing cover (I've got a V6 with the timing belt, so haven't had to). I could see the argument for both sides, but if the gasket is OEM, then sealant is likely unnecessary.

If it were me, I'd consult the Toyota FSM and see what it recommends. I have the 3 volume FSM for my '03 Tacoma at home. I can check if it addresses reinstalling the front timing cover for the 3rz

 

if you would that would be greatly appreciated. I have the Haynes manual that I’m following but I’d be curious to see what that one says.

 

Here’s a little update for everyone following along

 

Wow! Looking great! I'm very envious. The 3RZ in the little 95 single cab I picked up last month is cooked (I knew that when I bought it but didn't realize JDM 3RZ motors had gone up to the $3-$4k range. Crazy!). Would love to see where you sourced your parts and what the cost breakdown is as it would help me to decide how to move forward on my own build. Thanks!

 

that’s gonna take some time so let me gather some info and I’ll get back to you!

 

Head- eBay from apr auto $840

Timing kit- coyles from rock auto. ~$120

Piston and rings- LCE $250ish

balance shaft delete kit from LCE for $100

Bearings- engine tech from rock auto $50

Water pump- oem aisin from mizumo $100

Clutch- oem clutch I forgot from where $220

Flywheel from LCE $500

I also bought a lot of things that you don’t necessarily need to rebuild the engine but I wanted to replace them such as HPS heater and radiator hose kit. That was $280. New 3 core aluminum radiator $200. Motor mounts were $200 for both. If you think of anything else ask. I’m sure I’m forgetting stuff

 

FSM makes zero mention of seal packing (aka FIPG) in the section about installing the timing cover.


But it mentions two small spots where the cylinder head and timing cover meet, where seal packing should be placed (but does say "NOTICE: Do not apply too much seal packing")

 

yep and I did apply it there. Thank you for confirming.

 

Thank you so much. If I decide to rebuild it, I'll likely follow yours to a T. Already have a new Aisin clutch kit to go in and the rest of the list is super helpful. Did you have machine work done to the block? If so, what did that cost? Thanks again!

 

yes I had some pretty gnarly pitting so I had my cousin tig weld all the pits and then had a guy machine it down to the factory surface. That cost me $210

 

It was bad. It doesn’t look perfect like a new block but it looks a lot better than it did.

 

so I tore the timing chain tensioner gasket. Should I get a new one or can I just put a little bit of ultra black on it where it tore?

 

That tensioner gasket is famous for leaking under even perfect conditions

think carefully about that

 

then I’ll get another one. I don’t want it leaking.

 

It's a dumb paper gasket usually, I coat those with this to help them seal

$22 Gasgacinch 440-B Gasket Sealer and Belt Dressing, 8 oz

Amazon.com: Gasgacinch 440-B Gasket Sealer and Belt Dressing, 8 oz : Automotive

Could also use this though...

$23 Permatex Gasket Sealant / Adhesive, High Tack, 8 oz Aerosol Can, 1 count

https://www.amazon.com/Gasket-Sealant-Adhesive-Aerosol-count/dp/B000CP2EE8

 

would you use a fel pro head gasket from auto zone? Unfortunately I installed the head before the timing cover and I used the fipg at the front of the block where it says to and I can’t get the timing cover on so I have to pull the head and I think the head gasket might not be good anymore with that fipg on it so I gotta get a new one but don’t want to spend $180 on an oem when auto zone has them for $60

 

I have never had an issue with Fel Pro gaskets.

 

It’ll be here tomorrow. $58

 

Exactly, Fel Pro Head Gaskets are good to go. I've used them on every engine rebuild that I did from the 70's to late 1990's. Use new Head bolts and torque to spec.

 

yep I got new head bolts and used the fel pro gasket. Hopefully she holds good. Got the head on and torqued, got the water pump on and torqued. Saturday I’ll get the oil pump on, oil pan on, rear main seal/housing on and maybe next week I’ll be dropping her in!