Kbird Posted May 23, 2019 Share Posted May 23, 2019 Hello everyone! I’m looking for some advice from those with more knowledge and experience. I’m on the hunt for a Sunrader and found one in excellent condition. Only thing is instead of the 22RE (which is part of the allure of the Toyota sunrader) it has the 3.01V6 engine. Seems like there are some out there who HATE this engine and others who think it’s fine. I could see the benefit to having more power for a Motorhome. It’s a 21ft 1992 sunrader with 172,000, has the correct 6 lug full floating axel. Any thoughts? I guess I’m mainly wondering if it’s even worth my time and energy to check it out or if I want to avoid this engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted May 23, 2019 Share Posted May 23, 2019 Properly maintained, the 3VZE will serve you well. After all, it's a Toyota! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsrds123 Posted May 23, 2019 Share Posted May 23, 2019 The 3VZE V-6 has a few points that need to be condidered when buying an RV that has it. This engine was recalled because of a headgasket issue. Toyota fixed it, but if the RV you consider has not had it done, beware. Also, the timing belt/ valve adjustment cost about $800. Way ahead to find one that had the recall done and a recent belt/ valve adjustment. You can give the VIN to a Toyota dealer, and they can tell you if the headgasket recall was done. Some people say Toyota will still honor the recall, where other folks say no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted May 23, 2019 Share Posted May 23, 2019 The Head Gasket was not a 'Recall'. It was a 'Special Service Campaign' which does NOT expire and is still being done. Toyota V6 Head Gasket SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN V06.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kbird Posted May 23, 2019 Author Share Posted May 23, 2019 So I should make sure there’s been a recent head gasket replacement and timing belt/valve adjustment. Toyota would replace the head gasket if needed at no charge but the timing belt and valve adjustment would be up to me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ctgriffi Posted May 23, 2019 Share Posted May 23, 2019 HG replacement doesn't need to be "recent" necessarily... you just need to make sure the work has been done at some point—dealer should be able to look up your vehicle by VIN and confirm yay/nay. Timing belt and valve adjustment are up to you, yes. Both are important (and WAY overdue at 172K, if never done). T-belt is pretty straightforward, but the valve adjustment is a real bear in my opinion (and costly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdsrds123 Posted May 24, 2019 Share Posted May 24, 2019 A valve adjustment is done at the tume of headgasket replacement...so you may escape that cost, depending on the mileage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted May 24, 2019 Share Posted May 24, 2019 I've seen no evidence that checking valve clearance were included in the SSC procedure. It would certainly be good practice for a mechanic to check them, but since they're only reimbursed for what's in the procedure, I fear that often in practice it would have been skipped. Don't count on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kbird Posted May 24, 2019 Author Share Posted May 24, 2019 Thanks everyone for the information! It’s been really helpful. I decided to not go for the one with 172,000 miles but there’s another v6 I found with 74,000 miles and it’s great to know what to be checking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhaul Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 I have a Great Condition v6 Sunrader with the generator and awnings, etc. for sale. if interested, call me at 608 217 6225 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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