3RZ refresh

[Izeloz]

I just bought a '97 taco rolling chassis with the intent of at least using the 3RZ out of it for my '85. I am quite bad at leaving things be and abiding by the, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule. I usually follow the more dubious path of, "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is." I was told that the engine has around 100,000 miles on it. It has no apparent leaks and appears to be in good condition (from what I could tell pulling the valve cover and looking at the oil in it). Is there anything I should do for preventative maintenance before I drop it in some project, or should I just leave it alone until something goes bad? Thanks for any input.

[Propane]

If it aint broke, don't fix it:grinpimp: I see those motors with over 200k with no problems at all. Excellent motors!

[Greg_Canada]

oil change and plugs....

[FXR UPR]

I talked to another mechanic who has a customer with over 900000km on his 3rz. These are not shitty domestic motors that are worn out at 160kms, these are awsome Japanese motors that are way overbuilt. Toss it in and run it.

[98taco4x]

Yeah like said before, I would change the oil and the plugs and wires. After that I would just do some cleaning, maybe have the injectors sent off to have them cleaned. Clean the throttle body and plentium up.
Yeah the 2.7 is a great engine and should last a long time, and they are real easy to work on if you ever have to.

[3rides]

Has the head gasket ever been replaced? There was a factory recall for those due to a poor head gasket. If you plan on running it hard (approaching redline, say in a mud hole, you may want to consider replacing it now while it is out of the truck. If you do I would spend the extra dough and get a multi layer metal head gasket for it. I replaced mine after blowing, replaced with a graphite one, just to blow it again. Just a suggestion. You might get away without blowing it though.

[slus]

Has the head gasket ever been replaced? There was a factory recall for those due to a poor head gasket. If you plan on running it hard (approaching redline, say in a mud hole, you may want to consider replacing it now while it is out of the truck. If you do I would spend the extra dough and get a multi layer metal head gasket for it. I replaced mine after blowing, replaced with a graphite one, just to blow it again. Just a suggestion. You might get away without blowing it though.

That would be the first i've heard of that, and I'm on my second truck with a 3rz in it. I bet you are confusing it with the early 3.4s which did have a head gasket recall.

The 3rz is rock solid, 100k is just getting broken in.

[Daveyclimber]

I have 165k on mine, abused regularly and revved to the fuel cut ALOT. Leave it alone. You stand a better chance of screwing it up rather than leaving it be.

[toyin]

I have a 95 with 193k on it and it runs like a champ. If i had the engine out i would do a head gasket, clean injectors, plenum and then run it. I think i would be foolish not to replace the head gasket.

[mtnkid85]

Has the head gasket ever been replaced? There was a factory recall for those due to a poor head gasket. If you plan on running it hard (approaching redline, say in a mud hole, you may want to consider replacing it now while it is out of the truck. If you do I would spend the extra dough and get a multi layer metal head gasket for it. I replaced mine after blowing, replaced with a graphite one, just to blow it again. Just a suggestion. You might get away without blowing it though.

Are you sure your talking about the 3rz and not the 3.0 3vz?

[1stgenxxx]

My 2.7 has 253k and the only thing I have changed is the belts and oil....It still runs like a top and has plenty of power. You will wear the drivers seat out before you have to do any motor work....