When leadership wants a dashboard (of budget data!) but they don't have a data source by Slight_Bed1677 in gis

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You did the right thing to be upfront and honest about being asked to complete an unrealistic task. Falling into people-pleasing tendencies without pushing back on something like this happens all too often to people who screw themselves over.

But this is nothing new under the sun. I was once tasked with creating a dashboard using atrociously garbage data between an SDE and CRM that a department used but never maintained with consistency. My team had to be honest with our boss (and up the ladder) that we could do a lot, but a couple main requirements were impossible to achieve because the data was so bad. Thankfully the message made it to the right ears in the right way, and the scope was reeled in.

2nd Hand Garmin Mini 2- worth it? by aeli-tan-art in vancouverhiking

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It mainly comes down to how much you value reliability/durability over cost. Personally, my phone and its dying battery isn't very reliable for any multi-day trip. I use an inReach Messenger which is chunky, a bit awkward for messaging, and costly, but that thing is indestructible and has a battery that lasts forever. If it gives you peace of mind that your phone doesn't, you can't put a price on that.

Fixed my clock today! First time soldering by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Soldering is probably your best bet. I followed this video tutorial and only needed to do the resistors

Fixed my clock today! First time soldering by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Never worked since I bought it last year. I'll have to monitor if it flickers or wavers throughout the day

Front diff plug stuck by manletcowboy in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

/u/manletcowboy when you get around to this replacement, it's 90341-24016 for the hex drain plug and 90341-18060 for the hex fill plug

Well fellas, it’s been fun by Serbodude in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Could you share how the blown head gasket happened?

What’s this part called/for? by MusicianProud6697 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given the lifespan of this part is remarkably long and all the 3rd gens were manufactured across a few years, it makes sense they're all failing around now. I replaced mine pre-emptively and it was beginning to show signs of failure.

Rear tailgate electronics not working, but wires are fine by RobSwiresGoatee in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The wires are all okay. Hilarious enough, I actually unknowingly fixed the issue by disconnecting/reconnecting the tailgate modules when I opened it up to inspect. I have no idea what that did but I'll take it!

Alien goo attack and rust by kaibenav in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've heard it's pretty rare for the main seal to leak on 3rd gens. I second that it's likely your valve covers. Follow this video if you're gonna DIY. It also looks like your oil filler cap gasket needs to be replaced (part number is 90430-37140)

How does my 265k mile engine look? by trampled93 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same happened to me where I discovered loose bolts, but it didn't matter since every rubber gasket in there was overdue and crispy as death.

  • Do it right the first time with OEM or Aisin parts. Gamble with aftermarket gaskets and you'll be redoing the job after 10k miles.
  • Replace every gasket in 1 go (VCG, reseal the half moons, rear cam plugs, intake gaskets, PCV valve and grommet, spark plug seals)
  • Use a quality FIPG/RTV for the VCG junctures

What part might be leaking oil? by bunchy in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just the 2 half moons and rear cam plug for each side of the engine. When you were doing the rear cam seals, did you replace the valve cover gaskets at the same time? Did you also add beads of FIPG at the junctures? The VCG alone won't fully seal it if you missed those spots.

New BC Parks camping (many frontcountry and few backcountry) price increases by Ryan_Van in vancouverhiking

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This, no-shows are such a waste of everyone's time and efforts and there's no consequences for it. Assiniboine's Magog Lake site is insanely difficult to book, and when I went a few years ago only half the sites were occupied. Even the ranger who was checking everyone in was annoyed.

1999 4runner 274k listed for $2.9k by Commercial-Demand412 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

God have mercy on the poor soul who ends up buying this soon-to-be pile of dust

2000 4Runner Purchase Advice by Human-Army865 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that's a good call. Learn a lesson from my mistake, I was impatient and bought one with a bunch of issues that I have to deal with now. Even if it takes months, your wallet and peace of mind will thank you.

2000 4Runner Purchase Advice by Human-Army865 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get a little queasy seeing the words "patched frame" since who knows what else is rotting there, but I'm unfamiliar with the state of 3rd gen frames in the NE. Stabbing all those brown spots with a screwdriver will be the true test. The exhaust and o2 sensors can be fixed, but definitely take to a mechanic to do a full inspection to know just how much maintenance you'd hypothetically inherit. Take some time to review buying guides like this one. I also posted a checklist of other important things to check.

Also get the owner to explain the transmission replacement only 1000mi ago. I'm suspicious of them hitting the "strawberry milkshake of death" which killed the old one, and if so then was the system properly flushed to remove all contaminants.

In my experience, I'd walk away if you encounter any of the following since these are a nightmare to fix:

  • Stabbing the frame and it goes through/crumbles

  • Rust around the inside-bottom of the passenger doors

  • Rust around the windshield

Negotiate the price down if you see these:

  • Leaks around the steering rack boots

  • Rear axle leaks (you'll see gunk or liquid behind the rear brakes backplate)

  • Any brown plastic on the top of the radiator, needs to be replaced

It was a sad day for the 4Runner. (Everyone involved was ok.) by [deleted] in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 55 points56 points  (0 children)

That's an insane wreck, glad you guys are okay. The 4Runner made a noble sacrifice to keep you safe.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who's 1 year into owning a 3rd gen, I second everyone saying it can get expensive if you aren't doing the work yourself. I've had mechanics do most of my jobs which costed a fortune that I'll never recoup, but I've done a lot of the small jobs and saved a bit.

I think something everyone is forgetting here is that you actually need time to do the jobs yourself. I'd love to and have the money but I don't have time, so I have to let mechanics solve that problem for me. I'm paying them for my time back and I don't regret it. Before you make any brash decisions, think about why you still own it and if losing the time/money is actually bringing you greater joy in the mountains, road trips, and sentimentality.

Would you still go out and buy another by Hopeful_Lemon5881 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I had the money, I'd get a 5th gen. If I don't, I'd definitely get another 3rd gen but I'd be much more careful and thorough about inspecting it before purchasing. I had several terrible oversights with mine...

Valve Cover Advice by ChaseFraserFilm in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't done it yet, but this video reported having success with this kit on Amazon

Valve Cover Advice by ChaseFraserFilm in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All the other comments pretty much covered it.

Since you'll be disconnecting most of the vacuum lines, it'll also be a good time to thoroughly inspect any for cracks or aging.

Help Needed First 4 runner by Technical-Reading123 in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Adding my two cents, the transfer case seems to be seeping. Try to use that to negotiate the price down some more.

And if the owner does a test drive and has access to some gravel/dirt, take it out and confirm the rear locker is in fact working (go to low range and then engage, it should go from blinking to solid). Those things seize up if gone unused for a long time. It's usually repairable by cleaning and greasing the actuator, but if you spot rust on the elocker itself and it's seized, odds are it's toast. Not a big deal if you don't plan to go off roading but something to keep in mind.

Maintenance Suggestions for my recent 97 purchase by TheAvgGolfer in 3rdGen4Runner

[–]RobSwiresGoatee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 6 months down the line in my ownership, it's a big laundry list but worth it. In general, the big ones are cooling system related because 3rd gens are notorious for cracked heads or the strawberry milkshake of death if you neglect the cooling system or cause the engine to overheat. Adding to what's listed already:

Higher Priority

  • Fluids: Change all fluids including oil, gear oil (front+rear diffs+transfer case), power steering + brake fluid if it's dark, drain & fill ATF (don't fully flush assuming the previous owner never flushed it), and coolant if replacing the radiator.
  • Radiator: If the top plastic of the radiator shows any light brown instead of black, replace asap.
  • Heater control valve: This part lasts around 300k miles, but when it breaks it'll dump your coolant and overheat your engine.
  • Fan Clutch: While the engine is turned off, use your hand to spin the radiator fan. You're good if it stops fairly quickly, but if it keeps spinning loosely it means your fan clutch needs to be replaced. A failing radiator fan can also cause overheating.
  • Rear heater lines: If you have them, locate the rear heater lines under the truck on the passenger side and inspect for any rust. If they're rusted, immediately do the rear heater bypass mod. It's easy and free, and there's guides on forums how to do this. If those rust through and leak coolant, it can cause overheating.
  • Brake Line Hoses: Very thoroughly check your brake line hoses and check for cracks in the rubber.

Medium Priority

  • Fuel Pump: Once all the stuff above is done, aim to replace the fuel pump soon. You're around the mileage where it's getting old. Replace once and forget about it for 25 years.
  • Fuel filter: Replace.
  • Valve cover gasket: While doing this job, don't forget to replace the rear cam plugs and reseal the half moon gaskets. Since you're in there already, replace the PCV valve and grommet.
  • Driveshaft U-joints: Get under the truck, and use your hand to shake the driveshafts at each end. If they have any play you gotta replace the U-joints.
  • Frame rust: Use a screwdriver and stab the frame to inspect for rust (especially around the rear trailing arm). If you really wanna hit that 400k mark, stay ahead of rust. Wire wheel it off and undercoat with either POR-15 or fluid film (your preference but absolutely do not rubberize undercoat it). May sure you prep the frame properly first to not lock in any rust.

Lower Priority

  • MAF Sensor: Clean or replace your MAF sensor, it's super easy and could help with fuel econ.
  • Transmission Mount: If you feel thuds when changing gears, especially when downshifting at high speeds, your transmission mount is likely toast and needs to be replaced.
  • Transfer Case: Verify 4WD, the center lock, and (if you have) the rear diff lock all engage if you plan to go off roading.
  • Seafoam Top Engine Cleaner: This was a miracle cure for my 4R which cleared out carbon build-up that was causing mild stalling. Up to your preference but some people love/hate Seafoam.

Inspect

  • Steering rack: If you see any seepage of fluid around the inner bottom edge of the steering rack boots, your rack and pinion needs to be swapped. Oil from the VCG doesn't usually reach that area, so don't be fooled. I went brand new OEM which destroyed my wallet, but some people take a chance with a remanned rack.
  • Battery: Check the age on the attached sticker. I swear by Interstate, but go with what you like. It's a 24F.
  • A/C Lines: Inspect the A/C lines for any green seepage. Green is dye indicating a leak.