V8 4Runner Repair Options/Opinions

[Fireball]

My 2006 V8 4Runner just started leaking coolant from what looks like the water pump area. :wrench:
I am at 173,000 miles so I'm likely looking at the timing belt along with the water pump.

My question for the group - my camshaft seals are not leaking but replacement is recommended. Changing the timing belt is the prerequisite for the camshaft seals. Should I go through the extra steps to do the seals or just leave it alone?
The engine looks spotless, no oil leaks, but I'm at 173k and seals don't last forever. My hunch is to leave it alone but I am here seeking advice and opinions on the seals.

Next question - does the club have a favorite garage that I could have a reputable mechanic work on it? Is there someone willing to work on it on the side? I would attempt the work myself but my neck injury limits me from any of the torque needed on the larger items. I'm open to options to get it fixed. I figured you all would have some ideas for me as well.

Due to the coolant leak I have the 4runner parked while I figure out what to do with it.

Thanks,
Steve

[Chris]

Hey Steve! haven't noticed you around for a while. I'll tell you what I just had done at Ken's Auto in Aurora, my shop of choice. They replaced the t-belt (at 196,000) and water pimp. The camshaft seals were fine so they left them alone. Apparently there's a whole lot involved when you get in there on our trucks. I think my total bill was in the $1200-$1400 range. That might be off a bit but I close my eyes and hand them my credit card. :rolleyes:

Is your neck any better? I've found that my aging joints don't allow me to do much anymore but you're too young to be so limited! :brody:

[Fireball]

I'm still a pain in the neck.... I mean... I still have pain in the neck.

It's been a LONG mess of recovery but I swore to avoid surgery, and I'm glad I did. I am much better than I was but I still have more to go. I'll get there!
Thank you for asking. :)

The camshaft seals ARE a big deal and that's why I was looking for other people to say they let it go also. It's said to be over 7-hours of wrenching just to replace those seals. I may try to tackle the timing belt/water pump repair on the side to save some money. It's a pretty straight forward service as long as you don't do the camshaft seals. You let yours go and that's how I'm leaning also.

I can't complain about the 4runner. She's been through hell and never skipped a beat. Take her out for cheap chinese food... and she leaks coolant everywhere. I get it... she's not a city girl, she likes the mountains....

[Lowfill]

Steve dont know exactly wear you are but my wifes 4 runner has been taken to paris tire at Leatsdale & Oneida. Owners name is Jeff Stone. very honest guy does good work, and stands behind everything he does. Phone # 303-399-1515. Tell him Phil Crandall sent you, and he will only charge you double. HaHa.

[Chris]

I'm still a pain in the neck.... I mean... I still have pain in the neck.

It's been a LONG mess of recovery but I swore to avoid surgery, and I'm glad I did. I am much better than I was but I still have more to go. I'll get there!
Thank you for asking. :)

The camshaft seals ARE a big deal and that's why I was looking for other people to say they let it go also. It's said to be over 7-hours of wrenching just to replace those seals. I may try to tackle the timing belt/water pump repair on the side to save some money. It's a pretty straight forward service as long as you don't do the camshaft seals. You let yours go and that's how I'm leaning also.

I can't complain about the 4runner. She's been through hell and never skipped a beat. Take her out for cheap chinese food... and she leaks coolant everywhere. I get it... she's not a city girl, she likes the mountains....

You'll get there! Avoiding surgery is a good thing. I've been living with ruptured discs in my back and shoulder's need rebuilding for years. No way I'll go under the knife unless things get really, really bad.

Yep on the camshaft seals being a big deal which is why I had them leave them alone. Once you open it up you're going to have to do the full job. Hell, my water pump lasted 196k, I'm sure that seal can last another 100k or so. If you call Ken's talk to Ryan and tell him Chris with the 4Runner sent you.

http://www.kensautoserviceinc.com/index.php

[FINOCJ]

Hi Steve - I have a good service and experiences with Jacobs Auto Repair on Parker Rd between Florida and Mississippi. That is where I go with my Tacoma if I need some work. Not 100% about your 4runner, but there is a lot of time spent removing radiators and other bits and pieces and so on long before you can even get access to the pump and timing cover. I work on my jeep because its old and easy, I like it and principle of built not bought, and it can take however long to complete - but when it comes to my modern daily driver that I rely on, its not worth it if you have a trusted shop. Sheesh, just today it took my over an hour just to put some grease on the u-joint zircs - and of course you have to remove some plastic cover parts that you can barely reach and so on. Just for 5 zircs.

[Java]

http://www.hotchkissauto.com/

These guys are in Park Hill, I used to live near them and had 3 great experiences with them. They are family run and great, read the Yelp reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/hotchkiss-auto-repair-denver

[Fireball]

You guys are great. I appreciate the advice. Having a list of good shops is important.
I'll call around once I get my finances straight. She's parked in the driveway.... drip drip drip... red stuff into a pan.

The timing belt/water pump isn't that tough of a job. Toyota did a great job of putting everything up front. There are videos on youtube and guides online. It's more of a labor thing than a "specialty thing". No computers needed, just some torque, so I'm going to price out the parts kit from Toyota and try to find someone to pay on the side.
I'll compare the DIY price to a shop and be able to decide what to do.

[Chris]

Good luck Steve! I had more than a few DIY's say "no" to me so I went with the shop.

[Fireball]

Update: She'll be out of the shop tomorrow. I hope to be on Bunce School Road with the group this weekend!

It PAYS to do the research and know your vehicle. I wish I could have done the job myself... but next best thing is a local reputable shop.
A friend has been going to Applewood Automotive in Lakewood for many years. It turns out the owner's daughter drives a V8 4runner and they just did the belt on hers. Long story short... they're working on mine.
If all goes well I should be out the door for around $1000. He's going to refill me with Toyota Red coolant so its going to be all back to normal. With new pulleys and tensioner she's going to purrrrrr so sweet.

Thank you for the recommendations. Applewood was up the street from me, and a very good friend of a friend, so that's the route I went. It only took a minute inside their shop to realize I could trust them. You guys know what I mean :steer:

[Chris]

Nice to find someone local Steve! Nice to have that peace of mind.

[Fireball]

My baby should be home in a couple hours. I stopped in to look at her and she was up on the lift.
The mechanic told me that my water pump was missing two bolts. So the past owner/mechanic/whatever is the reason for the "early" fail. I'm only at 173k so the timing belt is being changed early by Toyota standards.

Two bolts were missing and I've been driving like that for 2 years. I consider myself lucky it didn't go out on a trail our in a remote location. I should have been able to go longer but now I have a real piece of mind knowing everything up front was just changed. Water pump, tensioner, all the pulleys and belts. I bet she's going to purr. It's a shame to spend the money but well worth it at the same time.


I can't believe how well this 10-year-old truck is built. No leaks or rust. What an incredible sight :)
Getting a good look at the underside is a treat. I was grateful they allowed me a few minutes to look over my own vehicle.
Everything looks good to me. I'm ready to drive it...