2000 Toyota 4Runner adjustable valves

SCOTTTS63

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Toyota 4Runner 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 100K miles

I'm shoping for a used 4Runner with about 100K miles on it. I bought the Hanes mechanics manual and read it. I was suprised to see that Toyota has adjustable valves in this engine that should be checked every 30K miles. I've never owned care with adjustable valves. What is the design advantage adjustability provides, an extra 100K miles of operation from the valve train? A few private sellers I've contacted say that they ignore that expense and haven't had a problem. What is typical life of these shims and how critical is this maintenance in a car with otherwise good maintenance history? I ask this because I plan on buying car down south and driving it way back up north, and I don't want to cause any damage. For example, I won't drive it north if I can't identify history/miles on the timing belt because thats asking for expensive trouble.

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Most of the reason Toyota stayed with the adjustable valve is 1- the production cost of redesign to hydraulic lifters and, 2- they really had very little trouble with the adjustables. You will start to hear one or two clicking when adjustment time comes around. As far as the timing belt, a $40.00 belt now, can save you hundreds later. It's good you are aware of this. Hope this helps and good luck.