Topic: 90 TOYOTA 4Runner Problems

[Sterling]

Ever seen a cow "drop" a calf? In terms of the glacier, it refers to the glacier "giving birth" to an iceberg. In motoring terms it refers to a dying engine "dropping" out of the car.

[Roadrunner]

Bingo! Give the man a ceegar! That explains the odd term as well as any. I heard an old timer years ago say the word when he was trying to fix a farm tractor.  

Have a Christmas drink on me. On second thought don't, I don't think this old sick bod could take the weight right now. Damn flu!

[ovr50]

Aha, my apologies to Roadr and I'm sorry to hear you're ill. Rather you were hungover than sick. At least then, it's self-inflicted. So to "calve" the engine is to drop the dead sucker out, blamo, like the mother cow does. I'm familiar w the cows method of delivery, just never heard it applied to a vehicle before. Learn something every day !!  

[HeliDriver]

Thanks for the explanation, guys. Quite a colourful term - one I hope I never have to use!

FYI Ovr, I think the "dropping" of the engine is more figurative than literal. By my understanding, to calve an engine isn't to physically remove it from the car, but rather to simply have it die on you.

I've heard the expression used somewhat like this: "I had her wound up to 7,500 rpm, then BAM, the engine just calved on me."

[ovr50]

I'm sure that you're correct, Sir c.  

Wonder what Electro did about his old Toyota anyway??

[barrie1]

When an engine calves it is usually the last few noises it makes like a cough or a bang. This is an old expression we have used in this part of the Country for years. It generally is the end of its life span.

[Brigitte]

Don't have a cow, man...




B

[Electro]

UPDATE:

Well i decided to tow the 4-runner away from Toyota Service Centre last Thurs. They bloody left the motor in pieces in the back of the truck and charged me $214 for their service! Sent it down to a local mech who quoted me half the price for the job Toyota described. It will just take much longer to do as this fella is busy.

Anyway, I felt bad for the next mech cause the top end of the motor in pieces so hard for him to do his own diagnosis - just had to take Toyota word. Ever mech i spoke with has said they did not need to take the motor apart for this diagnosis - just a scam. But, Toyota said they found no leaks and pressure tests fine - therefore as i said motor was overheating they had to look internal for the problem?! I am not a mech so i have no idea if this is the case.  

So the saga continues...i will give you an update as this is turning into a nightmare...cheers!!!!
(at least i can get the motor running ok before i decide to sell to someone else...i'll see how she runs before i decide this i guess)
Still need rear window fixed and new tires too...
blah...

[barrie1]

The difference in the money is better in your pocket then theirs. Once re-assembled I would do a real good flush of the system and change the stat as well as the anti-freeze. That way you know where you are at with it. If there is no milkey substance in the oil then the head gaskets and block should be alright. I have seen the heat sensor act up and give very false readings as well.

[jeeper]

Gosh!!! its really becoming a night mare...sorry to hear about that...