peacemaker885 Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Hi Guys - This is my first post, and all I can say is that this is a great forum. I learned a lot! I just wanted to seek your advice - I'm going to look at a 1991 model this weekend. The guy is the second owner and he says that it runs great and everything is good. Mileage is 120K. I have so many questions but the main thing that concerns me is the mileage. I mean should the mileage matter more than the overall physical state of the camper (like leaks, appliances, etc). I have almost zero knowledge in engine repair, what should I be looking at when I drive it? Thanks so much in advanced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee & Joan Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 If it has a Toyota 22R 4 cylinder engine then you can expect a better than average lifespan on it. That is if it recieved decent care. I have 4 different 22R engines, 3 in pickup trucks and one in the Sunrader, the pickups are all well into their 200,000 + mile range. The highest mileage one was pulled down at 230,000 and just got a valve job and timing chain & chain guides, water pump, the entire bottom end was fine, original rings and all, in fact the top end was fine, but hey, the head was off so why not do the valves and chain. Of course even the best engine can be ruined by lack of coolant, oil, overreving, sucking dirt, ect. Start the thing up and listen for a steady idle, pull the dip stick and look for clean oil without any water scum, same for the tranny (if an automatic). Look under the hood and under the engine for leaks. Pop the radiator cap (make sure engine is cool) start engine and look for bubbles or oil scum. Drive it and check out the transmission, listen for noises, check the break function, look at the break fluid reservor for clean fluid. Appliences can get expensive also so take the time to make sure each of them works. Fixing body rot is no fun either. If you really don't want to work on it you will be money ahead to buy one that does not need any work for a few thousand more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 (edited) Thanks so much for the quick reply. This has the 6 cylinder engine - so is this better in terms of longevity and service? Edited February 4, 2011 by peacemaker885 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 The general consensus is that the V6 is worse. If you can get hold of the service records showing regular maintenance, especially indicating that the timing belt has been changed every 60k miles and perhaps the valve clearances adjusted, so much the better. There was also a cylinder head gasket recall for the V6. You can check at a Toyota dealer (with the VIN) to see if it was included and done. On the other hand, the automatic transmission used with the V6 is better than the one behind the 22RE. Can't win them all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 If your only concern is the mileage, 120 is nothing for this engine. If it was serviced regularly you should be fine. There was a factory recall on some of the V6 engines, you can contact the dealer with the VIN# and they should be able to tell you if it was needed and if so done or not. I would say look for leaks #1. If your not sure about how it runs, you can get it inspected at your dealer. Hope it helps. Andrew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 4, 2011 Author Share Posted February 4, 2011 You guys are fantastic. I will go tomorrow and will give you guys updates. I'm really hoping this turns out ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Don't forget to ask if the timing belt has been changed. At 120k, it's due! In a whole different $$$ league to a fan belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 @ 120K, I strongly recommend a compression test. This motor is prone to burning valves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vtchris Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 I concur....definitely get a compression test, my 1991 V6 had a burnt valve at 107K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 Thanks again guys, I really appreciate all the input. I checked the Toy over the weekend and it was in pretty bad shape. Interior was pretty dirty, unkept. Outside it was worse. Lots of dents, front grill missing, and a some hits on the camper shell (dunno the exactt term) Whats worse is that its not registered, not for 2 years. So dunno if this will pass smog. Pretty disappointed. Back on the hunt.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Sounds like it was worth walking away from. But at least you've learned some of the things to look for on your next inspection. Where are you located in case anyone knows of something available. Any particular model/layout that catches your eye? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 7, 2011 Author Share Posted February 7, 2011 (edited) Sounds like it was worth walking away from. But at least you've learned some of the things to look for on your next inspection. Where are you located in case anyone knows of something available. Any particular model/layout that catches your eye? Thanks Derek. I'm down here in sunny Los Angeles :-) There was a supper duper nice one last week. It had the dining table at the back so it folds down to make a really nice sized bed. These babies are gone like in minutes. Oh well. I really prefer the newer ones, V6 1990 and above. Edited February 7, 2011 by peacemaker885 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 I concur....definitely get a compression test, my 1991 V6 had a burnt valve at 107K. chris, what did you do about it? i haven't confirmed yet that i do have a burnt valve on the odyssey, but, i suspect i do. i am wondering if i would be able to pull the heads and do it myself. i am a reasonably competent mechanic and actually did a complete rebuild (twice) on my toyota supra about 100 years ago. Learned there hard way that blocking off main bearing oil passages is a pretty bad idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 Finally got our 1989 Dolphin :-) Thanks so much to all of you guys. I have a few questions though: 1. I plan to do a full inspection of the roof. It should be able to support my weight right? I'm 150 lbs. 2. More on roof repair, do I remove the older/earlier seals they did, or just add to it? Is it OK to use sandpaper to smoothen them before applying over? 3. More on seals - is it better to use Etenabond vs traditional liquid sealers? Also, since its kinda old, the color is off white. Is there a seal that can match the color? 3. Is there a place where I can source lens or light covers for the small exterior lights? These are the 5 lights that can be found above the window, outside of the bunk bed (dunno what its called? Thanks again guys. We are very happy and excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee & Joan Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 3. Is there a place where I can source lens or light covers for the small exterior lights? These are the 5 lights that can be found above the window, outside of the bunk bed (dunno what its called?<BR><BR>These outside lights on the top of the rig , in front amber, in rear red, are called clearance lights, read more here http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3447&view=findpost&p=18149&hl=%2Bclearance+%2Blights&fromsearch= you can get replacement lenses from auto parts store, probably the Bargman model if original Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 Ahhh "clearance lights" Thanks so much! Do they have these in Pep Boys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiter Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 PeaceMaker; You should be able to walk around up there, providing there is no major damage. Stay close to the side until your sure. ALSO - Don't use the ladder until your sure its secure. I used a 6ft step ladder to climb up and down while doing aall the work. Check these two links: http://toyotamotorho...?showtopic=3459 http://toyotamotorho...?showtopic=3481 The sealer I used is self leveling, its about the thickness of STP, and flows a little. I used a 1inch brush with the brussles cut down to may 3/4 inch. I then brushed the sealent around all the screws, seams, etc. I used putty (the kind that comes on a roll) under all the new parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vtchris Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 chris, what did you do about it? i haven't confirmed yet that i do have a burnt valve on the odyssey, but, i suspect i do. i am wondering if i would be able to pull the heads and do it myself. i am a reasonably competent mechanic and actually did a complete rebuild (twice) on my toyota supra about 100 years ago. Learned there hard way that blocking off main bearing oil passages is a pretty bad idea! I had a remanufactured Jasper engine put in, 3yr/100K warrantee.....cost $5650!!! But I can't do any mechanical work myself, so have to pay .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 $5650? yikes. guess i better read up on pulling heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 1. I plan to do a full inspection of the roof. It should be able to support my weight right? I'm 150 lbs. Congratulations I'm 175 lbs and can walk all around our 89 Dolphins roof. I have no leaks or rot and it feels solid when i'm up there. To keep it this way, I'm strongly considering the spray-on bedliner coating another member has done. Andrew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 Lee & Joan - Thanks so much for your help. We spoke on the phone dunno if you remember. That conversation really helped a lot. John Mc - Thanks for the advice. Do you have a specific brand of the sealer? Andrew - The spray on bedliner sounds very interesting. I really want to make this baby last. Is this similar to the bedliners they use on trucks? Thanks so much again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Sorry i should of added a link... http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1942 Andrew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84TOYRV Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I have a 84 Dolphin and have always been afraid to walk on the roof. The roof looks fine, but I thought it would be a good idea to remove and reseal vents, seams and windows, some day. I weigh less than 150#, but not sure of my roof's strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I'd be tempted to do it myself and use a white roll-on bedliner like Herculiner. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/White-Herculiner-Roll-Bedliner-Kit-White-/300446942059?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f408836b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee & Joan Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 If you want to walk on the roof and are not sure if you should, you can use a piece of plywood, 2 pieces are better. Stay on one small piece while you move the other piece to your next location. The plywood will spread you pounds per square inch (of your foot) to the bigger area of the plywood thus giving less weight in one small spot. I have walked around on fiberglass greenhouse roofs this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiter Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Do you have a specific brand of the sealer? Dicor White 502-LSW or C10 FlowSeal These come in caulking tubes, Just the roof seams, vents you'll need 5 or 6 tubes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Thanks for all the help guys. Here's George: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Looks nice and clean. Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 (edited) Thanks Derek! Pretty clean. You can see the clouds out back, rainy here in Los Angeles. Thank goodness no leaks :-) Edited February 20, 2011 by peacemaker885 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84TOYRV Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Nice looking Toy! Rear Dinette & 22RE engine? You must be thrilled! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Dolphin 500 V6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacemaker885 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share Posted February 21, 2011 Thanks Bunneys! 84TOYRV - its an 89 Dolphin with, like you said rear dinette. I think Derek got it correctly. The brochure i have shows 550 - but its a slightly different layout. Went to have it smog tested this morning and I was just worried since its a pretty old MH no mater what. We are the 5th owners, but the folder that we have holds all of the receipts of service that were done to it since the first owner. Seems like each one loved this MH. My fears were allayed when the results came out. It passed with flying colors. A testament I guess not only to Toyota, but to each owner that came before us. We don't have any plans of breaking this chain :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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