Hi all,

I'm Monsterpiece42 and I just bought a white 1991 V6 DX 5-speed for $1,000. 186k mi on the clock. I'm really impressed! I bought it as a beater so I didn't have the fuel the truck and I more or less instantly fell for it. It's just the perfect kind of crappy, if that makes sense. Surprisingly quick, too, for what it is. It rides like a waterbed and I think I need a head gasket but it's honestly becoming a contender for "current project" (from a '91 S-10 that I've had for a few years).

Thought I'd pop in and say hello.
-MP42

P.s. anything I should know about these? Seems pretty straightforward so far but I'm sure you folks are better versed in these than I am.

 

Congrats on your project car.

A few thoughts.

The engine uses a timing belt. Find out when it was last replaced. Suggested change interval is 6 yrs or 60K miles.

If changing the belt, do some DIY research first and get some kind of shop manual. The engine needs to be raised to access a bracket bolt.

Check power steering fluid condition. If dirty, remove and replace the fluid in the reservoir between drives until its clear again.

The upper radiator tank is plastic. Keep an eye out for hairline cracks and seepage which can lead to major cracks.

 

Thanks for the tips. I have plans to pull the engine and replace all gaskets, so I'll do the TB while I'm in there.

The radiator is new already, so I lucked out there.

I'm putting a clutch and new hydraulics in it soon, but I'm having trouble finding a flywheel for any reasonable amount of money. The 4 banger flywheels are super cheap... Like $50, but the v6 is $350+. Used ones are hard to find, too.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

Try to find the original Toyota part number for the flywheel.

Research if this engine uses the same flywheel as the 3VZ-FE. The 3VZ-FE was more widely used.

Search on part number.

 

I think it worked. It seems that a lot if not all Toyota V6s share a flywheel. I ended up with an aluminum one because it was almost the same price and it will help drop revs faster.

For anyone that finds this thread in the future: The OEM part # is 3210132051 for the flywheel. Also, the 3VZ-FE shares the part there, so you can order for the next generation of the Camry when it comes to flywheel and clutch parts. I found them easier to source, and for better prices.

Thanks again for your help, toyomoho.

 

Great job!

Thanks for posting back with the finds.