1988 v6 3.0 efi

[TwoTrack]

I have found an '88 4Runner that I am about 5 seconds from buying. It's super clean with 139K on the clock. What can you tell me about these motors? Are they as reliable as say the 22re? What can I expect to get out of the motor as far as life expectancy? Any input would be helpful.

The main downfall I see to it is the 14/17 mpgs.

 

[BIGGUY]

I had a '90 ex-cab pickup with the 3.0 and the 5 speed. I had the head gaskets changed from the recall. I the oil/lube every 3000 and did the normal maintenance as called for or needed. I bought it brand new and got rid of it in February a year ago after owning it for 20 years. It had the original engine with over 475,000 miles. I averaged 19.5 mpg over the life of the truck. I also had a '90 4Runner with the 3.0 and an automatic. I bought it used with around 186,000 miles. It had to have a burnt valve fixed and then I drove it for a few years. I traded it off in August of '06 and had over 325,000 miles.

 

[burnoil]

The 3.0 3VZE V6 in that generation of 4Runner and Pickups has a notorious head gasket issue. It is well documented. It is a lot of motor in a small space so it can be a challenge to work on. They are relatively anemic in stock form, but run ok. Be aware of that in your decision.

 

[NoPower]

1)notorious head gasket issue as stated
2)check for rust on the frame rails inside by the gastank where the rear brake lines run down the frame
3) I got bad mpg's but I was running 34in intercos
4) I sold mine with 279k and it started ran 80 and still seemed strong

 

[TwoTrack]

So looking at somewhere around 300k-ish and expect to replace the head gasket at least once? Do they continuously blow the gasket or is it just the original that is weak?

 

[Toyotero]

To answer your question about reliability, I had a 1988 4Runner
I bought it at 95K miles, drove it for 10 years to 235K when the darn thing blew the headgasket. Terrible compared to the 22R ;-P

When they do blow though, I've heard that the engines are commonly ruined.. the block is commonly eroded beyond repairable between a rear cylinder and coolant passage (this is how mine leaked... exhaust gas in cooling system but no overheating) and it turns into very a big job. 3VZE blocks are much more expensive than 22R, and complex to assemble and install.

I ended up selling the 88 to a friend (with the still leaking head gasket... he still drives it today on occasion) and bought and 86.

Personally I recommend passing on the V6 and looking for a 4cyl. They can be great engines, but should you get one with mechanical issues, the 4cyl will be cheaper and easier to fix.

Best of luck,

 

[iStephen]

1988 3.0 isn't that bad.

The 3vz-e engine may be notorious for blown head gaskets, but not in 1988 and 1989. That is when they had the asbestos head gaskets that the engine was designed to use.

My original head gaskets only have 282,000 miles on them. If the head gaskets are the weak part of the engine and it only lasts 282,000 miles...That's not a bad engine in my book.

I am too old to argue about the 3vze with the 22R(e) guys. I think they are both fine engines.

 

[burnoil]

Stephen is somewhat correct, 88 and 89 aren't as bad, but still have the issue. I had an 88 with the issue and then (stupidly) a 90...with the issue. I would pass on the 3VZE and look for a 22R-E equipped unit. Along with the 2F and 3FE it is possibly the most reliable engine ever made.