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    Mar 10
    92 Toyota rebuilt 3vze- how can I test engine condition?
    Filed under: mercebank.com
  • So I am about to travel over 300 miles to finally buy a truck I've wanted for 5 years now-- a 92 Toyota ext cab 4x4. This one has the 6cyl engine. 3vze haters, please keep your judgment to a minimum. We all want a 22RE. I get it. I acknowledge the 3vze had issues. The seller says this particular truck's engine was rebuilt on a factory recall. My question is-- How can I test the condition of the engine, or should i just trust that it was done right if he has the documentation showing that toyota rebuilt it (he says he has docs).

    Beyond sniffing around in the radiator and checking the dipstick and exhaust, is there some more quantitative test I should have a mechanic do, like leak down or compression test? How long should it take and how much should it cost to do those tests? Is there an easier way to test? Don't tell me how i should do these tests myself. Remember I will be away from home and I'm not about to start pulling out plugs in this guy's driveway while attempting to do something I've never done before using his truck as a guinea pig. But i still want a reasonably reliable examination. JDM_Hero, are you gonna come through for me again? you seem to love answering my Toyota pickup questions thoroughly, and I appreciate it :) Is it wise/worth it to have a compression test done and how much should it cost? If not, what else could be done? THANKS


  • i would say compression test, on all the cylinders.

    "Performing a compression test and an engine vacuum test are simple and quick and the cost of the test equipment is also very low."-auto-facts.org

    " " Compression testing is EASY, atleast it is on a 22re. the 3vze, well, i havent tried that one yet, im not even thinking about that.

    basics of comp. testing.

    remove all spark plugs.
    remove wire going from coil to distributor at the dist. using jumper cables, ground that.
    unplug EFI fuse (so motor will crank but not spit fuel)
    screw in compression tester (can be had at walmart for under 20)
    have friend (i had my mom do it) hold throttle at WOT and crank engine. you should see the pressure gauge rise

    [For a 3vze]
    Compression Ratio .................................. 9.0:1
    Compression Pressure ............... 171 psi (12.0 kg/cm  )
    Minimum Compression Pressure ....... 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm  )
    Maximum Variation Between Cylinders .. 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm  )" "-L33T35T 4Runner on yota-tech.com

    you said: "Remember I will be away from home and I'm not about to start pulling out plugs in this guy's driveway while attempting to do something I've never done before using his truck as a guinea pig. But i still want a reasonably reliable examination."

    being that your away from home go to a auto repair shop and have them test it for compression. just make sure all the cylinders are:
    Minimum Compression Pressure ....... 142 psi (10.0 kg/cm  )
    Maximum Variation Between Cylinders .. 14 psi (1.0 kg/cm  )

    yotatech.com is a good forum to look up tech toyota info. if this doesnt answer it look there.


  • Look in Chiltons to see how to jumper the diagnostic port for trouble codes from the OBD I. You want a quick and simple test that tells everything- there is none. Leak-down and vacuum should tell good news withtout taking things apart- or very bad news. You'll probably pay for an hours labor on these. If those leave questions, leave the truck and find a better one. At least look at the spark plugs, and make sure the radiator is clean and the oil is just oil.







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    jane @ March 10, 2010 edit