Looking to buy a '91 Toyota pickup. Great shape, but being a Subaru guy, I know nothing about these 2.4L 4-cyl engines. Can anyone tell me what to look for, ask about, etc., specific to these motors?
What are the known issues, reputation, reliability, quirks of these engines?
The truck looks sweet. Thanks for any advice.
Chris

 

Usual stuff, check the oil, look for any milkshake, knocks, rattles, oil leak, exhaust leak.

22R/22RE are pretty solid engines

 

Ask if the timing chain guides have been replaced. Other than that the 22RE is super reliable.

 

If youre in cali make sure they smog it before you take ownership. If they dont wana smog it then haggle harder on the price.

 

Thanks all.
Truck's in Michigan so smog tests are not an issue.
Sounds like these motors are super tough after doing some more research.
Again, thanks for helping out a newbie.

 

Pretty much the typical leak and odd rattle check will get it sorted out well enough. If it sounds like a sewing machine tapping along at idle the valves probably need adjusted. If it sounds like a bike chain that needs lube odds are the timing guide is snapped off and the chain is slowly eating through the timing cover and is about to cause the aforementioned milk shake. It's an easy fix but it can be a sweet haggling point if you need it.

 

Check the core support mounts for damage and the inner fender for any wrinkle in the metal.

 

Lift the passenger side carpet if it's wet, forget it. There's a spot behind the dash on the passenger side that rusts out in rainy places, also if it's been parked under trees most its life, tends to clog the drains.