AboutTim Expertise Any Toyota, especially Camry, Corolla, or Geo/Chev Prizm problems. Heavy experience with ECM,sensor,diagnostic issues, driveablilty, starting, fuel,charging, electrical, overall mechanical engine/transmission, and suspension problems. If I can't answer a question correctly in a timely manner I will search for the answer.
Experience I have 32 years experience in automotive field as a diagnostic technician. I analyze and correct problems on Toyota cars. I manage a car care organization for my church. The church has approximately 9000 members We provide diagnostic and repair services for low income individuals on a volunteer basis. I personally have owned and driven Toyotas for 27 years. My children, grandchildren, father and mother drive Toyotas. I have converted many friends to Toyotas.
Education/Credentials Unrelated; Computer Science Degree.
My experience has been self taught, always learning. I am not a parts replacer! I've seen way to many parts replaced by shops or individuals that don't have a clue, eventually I get called to resolve the issue. Most of the time its something simple like a bad ground, broken wire, gas cap, or dirty sensor(02 or MAF), etc.
Sensors are there to send a signal back to the computer that something is off slightly, that doesn't mean the sensor is bad!
Expert: Tim Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: toyota 4runner engine noise
Question I'm considering buying a 95 4runner, the engine has a loud tapping noise that seems to be coming from the top of the engine, Is that the lifters making that sound?,and if so how much would it cost to repair the problem?
Answer John,
How many miles? Find a different 4runner to buy, there's plenty of them out there, and you can get one cheap because of the gas prices.
Someone ran the engine low on oil, or overheated it, or the oil pump is weak, or its got 5 million miles on it. That noise is NOT good, worn parts in the valve train, only start of worse things like bearings going bad on the bottom end.
