Removing and installing a 22RE / 22R engine is a big job. It can also be a very satisfying project to accomplish (when you are finished and it is running properly).
To get you started, here are a FEW of the common things we always recommend to inspect/replace when installing your long block. This is in NO way a comprehensive guide for an installation, we are just hitting the ‘high spots’ for things you should look for and things we recommend. when installing an engine.
Did it overheat?
Engines do not overheat on their own. Normally when an engine overheats, it’s due to one of the items that are in place to keep it FROM OVERHEATING. These are some of the common failure points:
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★Thermostat = sticking open or closed, aftermarket thermostat, incorrect heat range.
A properly working thermostat is arguably one of the most important pieces of a cooling system, and
also one of the key components to tell your EFI computer or carb VSV sensors to control the delivery
of fuel and timing control. Toyota designed their thermostats to control the temperature of the
coolant to make their engines perform at their peak depending on the temperature. AFTERMARKET
thermostats are made by FLANGE size (big enough to fit into the t-stat housing) and use a universal
size thermostatic wax plunger not designed for your 22R/RE.
If the thermostat opens too soon, the coolant is too cold (and doesn’t have a chance to get to normal
operating temp) the computer will richen the fuel mixture causing poor fuel economy and poor
performance. The computer thinks the engine is still in “cold, choke mode” (richening the mixture).
When we dyno tested out “baseline” truck, the dyno tech told us we could gain more horsepower by
‘leaning out the mixture’ (YES! too much fuel will cause a DECREASE in performance!). Stick with
an OEM thermostat. We’ll only sell OEM for a reason, and it’s not for profit! Well worth the extra
dollar or two.
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★Radiator
We all know the reasons a radiator can fail. Leaking, plugged, PARTIALLY plugged, low flow due to ‘stop-leak’ additives and plenty of other reasons. You MUST have your radiator inspected, pressure tested and flow tested. Radiators are a very crucial part of your cooling system. Don’t skimp on this part. We can usually beat the price of a locally sourced radiator.
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★Coolant condition
The quality and age of the coolant and DISTILLED water matter more than you think (see the havoc it can cause on your cylinder head below). Coolant is a maintenance item most everyone ignores. It should be flushed and replaced every 30K miles or 3 years.
Improper coolant to water mixture and old coolant can lead to things like accelerated wear on the water pump bearing/bushing, corrosion of the head gasket and electrolysis to the coolant passages in the cylinder head. Electrolysis to the coolant passages on the aluminum cylinder head are the number 2 reason for blown head gaskets (behind overheating).
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★Radiator fan clutch / fan and fan shroud
Our installer has recently found a few bad fan clutches on some of the installs he has been doing. It is an easy part to mis-diagnose. He has reported that some customers have complained of overheating at HIGHWAY speeds only, at idle and only with the A/C on and a few other head-scratchers.
It is not a normal thing to fail, but you’ve got to remember, your fan clutch is between 15 to 25 years old! Even though Toyota makes some of the best trucks on the planet....things DO wear out. There a lot of different problems a bad fan clutch may rear its ugly head. If you think you may have a problem or need some help diagnosing it. CALL US. We don’t want to sell you and engine without the problems sorted out first.
The fan shroud is ALWAYS necessary! If yours is missing or damaged, it must be replaced. Same goes for your fan. If it is damaged or the fins are bent, it’s time. Toyota engineered your cooling system to have it, that should tell you something.
WHY DID YOUR LAST ENGINE FAIL?
Consumes oil, leaks oil
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★Oil leaks
This one is pretty easy. The oil leak issue will pretty much be solved when you install one of our engines. We ONLY install OEM front and rear main oil seals (front crankshaft and rear crankshaft seals, both are an updated Toyota factory seal), valve cover is installed (using only OEM gaskets, 1/2 moon seals and valve cover grommets) and oil pan is installed and sealed properly. We spend the extra on these parts since they are proven not leak.
If you had a front crank seal leak on your previous engine (oil leak at the front pulley) and your front crank pulley snout is not badly grooved, you should have no problem. We install a Toyota OEM updated seal that is installed in a different position in the oil pump so it should seal on a different spot on your front pulley (a different spot than the groove that is worn into yours). If you think your pulley surface is too damaged, let us know. We can supply a pulley that will not create a leak. Let us know.
If you had a oil leak at your rear seal (between the engine and transmission) that will be solved too. We only install factory Toyota OEM double-lip, silicone seals (updated, silicone type).
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★Oil Consumption:
This one is pretty easy. The oil leak issue will pretty much be solved when you install one of our engines. We ONLY install OEM front and rear main oil seals (front crankshaft and rear crankshaft seals, both are an updated Toyota factory seal).
If you had a front crank seal leak on your previous engine (oil leak at the front pulley) and your front crank pulley snout is not mangled, you should have no problem. We install a Toyota OEM updated seal that is installed in a different position in the oil pump so it should seal on a different spot on your front pulley (a different spot than the groove that is worn into yours). If you think your pulley surface is too damaged, let us know. We can supply a pulley that will not create a leak. Let us know.
If you had a oil leak at your rear seal (between the engine and transmission) that will be solved too. We only install factory Toyota OEM double-lip, silicone seals (updated, silicone type).
PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON, WE HAVE MUCH MORE TO RECOMMEND! THIS PAGE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, MORE TO COME.
