I had a 99 4runner, 4banger. 287k miles on it, manual 4wd. It was great. Even when it broke down on the road, it always drove itself away. I welded up the frame for three years straight, stopped registering it, used it to pull people out of the snow banks up here. Then one year I was lying underneath the truck, cutting away rusty frame getting ready to weld some more, and I just stopped, laying on my back, staring up into the void of the framerail. I laid there for an hour before I finally moved, fishing my phone out of my pocket. From the cold concrete I called the scrapyard to come pick it up that afternoon, and then I texted my wife. I laid still under the truck until the rollback came, my last intimate moments with that truck that took such good care of me. It was time. The rollback came, and the little 4runner started right up and drove herself up the ramp. I still miss her.

When I worked for Toyota the oil leak on that 4 runner is exactly what they needed so the frame didn’t rot out lol

Im convinced his videos are just a mechanic master class in disguise

I only found your channel the other day and even as a non mechanical person I admire your skills and patience. No way I would remain as calm trying to fit my hands into those small places and awkward angles of the dangles. Thank you

There's so much oil under that engine, Chevron started drilling the hood.

I wish instead of crushing cars like this that they would send them to the rust belt states to be rebuilt. People up here in Ontario would pay a price premium for that body shell.

Here's an idea that was given to me years ago. When you are taking out screws, bolts, and nuts in places where you can't get your fingers, put a magnet on the screwdriver or the socket. If the magnet is strong enough, it should hold the screw, nut, or bolt until you get it out.

I love watching smarter mechanics than me! Outstanding diagnostic skills, brutha!

4RUNNER transformed into a NORUNNER.

One thing that a lot of techs miss: On older cars with distributors, you never saw coil failures. That is because with a worn or fouled plug, the coil discharges on the next plug in the firing order. With distributorless ignition, if the plugs are excessively worn or fouled, the coil steps up the voltage until it overheats and fails. Whenever I replace coils, I also replace the plugs. It prevents a comeback.

"Rut Roh, I think it's broken" that made me smile.

Lol the owner probably tries their hardest to avoid the shudder as much as possible...and Ray just can't get enough of it

"It shouldn't be too much trouble". Famous last words.....

Just a few tips from an older, still working mechanic: 1) If plausible, check oil level before starting to prevent motor lockup during starting. Yeah, it happens, especially when customer has been adding oil like crazy. 2) Pull codes 1st, if present. Saves time most of the time. 3) Check all fluid levels before test drive, and note them to cover yourself. Fatal test drives are no fun. 4) If the plugs are sooted, you definitely are getting fuel. Plugs never lie. 5) Use a test light or oscilloscope or powerprobe to check for signal to ignition coil (depending on model/make) before replacing them.....just in case the computer was completely spot on its assumptions. It happens. 6) Something killed that coil. Was it heat/time or high secondary resistance? To identify such will net you more profit, and customers that don't come back next week angry. The shotgun approach with both coils may work for now, but those wires and plugs may kill the same coil again. Don't take any of this personally. You seem pretty good at your job, with a decent amount of experience. You setting the clock time, for example, is actually a nice useful trick. If the customer comes back with a new problem (like a hard start), you can look at the clock and see if it got reset by a weak battery or connection. Especially helpful in the winter.

Most mechanics would pushed the customer to soak much money to repair this, thank you for not ripping off this customer. BLESS YOU MY BROTHER…..

Ray, you’re too hard on yourself. You’re a great mechanic, you draw a lot of people due to your personality. You don’t to to justify that you just installed o-rings on fittings because people didn’t see it. People can be jerks. It makes them feel better about themselves. Just be yourself, you’re very confident, don’t fall into the traps. That’s what jerks want. They mess with peoples minds. They’re more jealous about you and your Integriety. Keep up the good work. Let your personality shine. God bless you. Nelson

Second of your videos i've watched so far and have to say that you're doing a great job. The camera is one of the trickiest things to deal with, especially on this concept being editing takes lead Great job. Keep it going

Dude, you got me binge watching! I really appreciate your abilities. Your narration and choice of words are very entertaining. Great camera angles. Like that you do not perform too much off camera like a produced tv show.. Right on.. Keep em coming

Ray, as usual, awesome video, thank you. I like the explanations of what you think is wrong, how you are taking it apart, why you are checking whatever it is, and even the explanations of the smoke machine. Very informative. I wish I had someone like you in Tokyo who was just a knowledgable about Mexican built VW bugs. Thanks again and Happy New Year to you (I'm watching this during New Year's holidays.

Enjoy all your videos so far. Really like how you always stay positive even when faced with tough situations. 👍

I normally wouldn't watch a video this long but the troubleshooting process was interesting. Shame there won't be a part 2 for the trans and oil leak.

I enjoy all your videos! I can't believe you stay positive and don't get to upset! If that was me I would be cussing like a drunken sailor! You my friend deserve every penny you make! You are a great Technician!

First impression: "Uh oh, I bet it's broken" - awesome statement !

It is impressive that you are able to get your camera into a good view of every part of the jobs.

A bad ignition coil can generate enough electronic noise that it "swamps out" the signal from the cam sensor. Since the engine ignores the cam sensor below 400 RPM it will start, but after it starts you'll lose the injectors when it switches over to using the cam sensor. (Below 400 RPM the injectors fire in pairs off the crank sensor, but above 400 they fire individually off the cam sensor). Since the engine is a "wasted spark" engine the ignition never uses the cam sensor, thats why it would run on brake cleaner. Unfortunately on most vehicles the only way to diagnose this issue is through the process of elimination. The only "hint" I've noticed is that BEFORE the engine starts dying , the cruise control starts acting weird since the electronic noise from the faulty coil starts interfering with its ability to measure engine RPM....So always ask the customer if the cruise control works.

"Its got turd wheels" thanks, that made my day!

Loved this one , multiple faults and the difficulties that makes for troubleshooting but to a successful conclusion . Was indeed a very good video.

Transmission grinds... Ckkkkkkkkkk! Ray: It shuddered bad... Wow! Let's do it again!😂

bolt by bolt videos are great because you get to see how pros go about the little things. That people think do not matter....but they do.

That was really interesting! I enjoyed watching you troubleshoot that!

"Self Lubricating Chassis mod" Love it!!

I like how you have gotten more vocal in your commentary as your channel has aged. I love seeing your old stuff and the things that have stayed the same, but you have definitely improved your videos with your vocal thoughts and chatter as you are working on it. I love hearing your thought process as you work on things.

Plugged exhaust gives you the same symptoms. To many mechanics forget there is four strokes not just three.

That’s some good rustproofing under there! Multiple issues happening.

“This thing has been worked on by everyone in town” Sounds like a girl I used to know.

Digit the dancing queen. :) I worked for Mercedes 30 years ago as a line tech. Sometimes I miss it, most times I dont. I think what I miss most is the camaraderie, but I suspect it has changed a lot with modern sensitivities. After 10 years I went back to school and changed careers.

Those starter motors are the same as the ones used of the Land Rover TD5s. It's usually the solenoid that plays up and the motor remains fine. I've used the £7.00 rebuild kit on lots of them and saved to owners literally hundreds of UK pounds.

You sir are very talented, as well as having super powers being able to smell hydrogen as it is odourless I am extremely impressed

your troubleshooting was on point. thanks for the lesson

I have been watching your videos since the start of 2022. As a shade-tree mechanic in the late 80's then moving on to a 2 stroke technician in the 90's I am fascinated by watching you work. This video had me missing all the doo-dee-doos and clicks which are more often found in your later videos. I noted that you did not use power tools on this repair, and suspect that either you didn't have them yet or chose not to use. them. As there was that one loose bolt you went to town on with just a humble hand ratchet. That being said while I will not be working on cars in my future watching a professional who knows how to do a job is soothing to watch and listen. I note that you seem to have taken on the role of mentor for your viewers, that is cool. Teaching by example is the best method. While I won't be diagnosing no or hard start issues in any new vehicles I can say that thru your vids you have given me a great flow chart of where to start. Further by listening to your diagnostics you will inevitably be helping my local shop's technician with my ability to give them as much information as I am able to based upon how you would liked to have the "customer states" portion of the work order be less terse and more descriptive. So Doo-de-doo to you and keep up your intriguing videos.

Let's see. Brake dash light comes on when the trans is trying to shift from 1st to second. What might be common between the trans and brakes? Vacuum to the trans modulator and brake booster. The brakes were mushy so that lends credence. I'm not familiar with that trans but if there is a vacuum modulator governing shift points that was your issue. Cheap fix and no scrapping the car.

I think that in that type of case analysis, the first thing is to connect the diagnostic tester. So you have a way or first idea where to begin. If not done at first, I think we can check everything and every directions. Otherwise, it is a channel that deserve more sub's, informative, real (no preparation). Thanks for all your work!

Great work.. that shift from 1st to 2nd was painful to hear 😣

I shudder to think what was wrong with the ignition. Great video thanks for sharing.

Looking at this I'm just amazed how some people don't even have the ability to do even the most basic auto repairs/maintenance.

I gotta hand it to this gentleman, when he takes on a vehicle, he tackles any challenge a vehicle throws at him head on. I also like how he tries his damnedest to figure out what's wrong with the vehicle. He also tries to avoid selling the "parts cannon" to customers, unlike basically every shop in the country.

Thank you Sir. I watch as much as I can.

Solenoid worked. There was probably just corrosion and gunk on the part of the motor where the brushes make contact. A few passes with super fine grit sand paper will make it good as new. May not be the problem every time, but still a good little trick for a tight budget.

Damn, I would pay top dollar for that 4runner. Put it on long travel stilts, thick 35s and a roof camper, maybe even cummins swap it. Dream car right there.

A little trick I know when dealing with a going out starter if you are trying to get it to start you want to turn the key all the way off before you try turning it again because when it goes from the lowest electrical draw to full current hitting the starter it has a better chance of starting, retry without turning it all the way off and u have less power jumping into the starter when u turn from ACC because the current is flowing to all your accessories, turning from off gives u a better rush of power literally, obviously fixing it works too 😀

You change out a starter using one hand. You do better work with one hand than most using both hands. Kudos

He got over 261,000 miles on that baby. Probably did'nt do enough maintenance on it but who knows? But look at the bright side; it goes down with excellent ingnition coils! Another nice video. Thanks Ray and hope your new shop is going good! Best to you!!!

This was a great video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching. I keep coming back for more especially for Honda's and Toyota's. lol Have a great day!

Great video…. Now take the plates off, park it next to the dumpster and call for a recycling pickup 👍🏻

Always entertaining and informative.👍🏻😎

Ray, Fantastic Channel. I worked as a mechanic P.T. while going to college mid '70's then F.T. in late '70's. Nothing worse than having to work on a HOT car, in the summer. I;m in upstate N.Y.

These camera shots are amazing he should do all the repair videos!

It feels funny watching this video while changing the starter on my 2001 Tacoma 3.4 . That was a pain . It did last for 215k miles before it went out .

I am so jealous! The first Gen tacomas the starter is under the intake! Such fun! Nicely done. Those coolers are cake to replace as well. No sweat there. Seen fjs roll through total leaking geysers and there still trucking down the road!

It seems to be good for my brain to watch the step by step diagnostics. I feel more organized. I'm going to head down to my garage and see what my check motor light (it turned off and there were no symptoms or entry into limp mode) was all about and get an estimate for a 4 corner cosmetic touch up of parking dings and scrapes.

I do see a plug wire incorrectly installed on the second coil

That's my engine! Mine also leaks, but not this bad. Mine is mainly from the timing chain cover gasket. I looked into replacing it. Hahahahaha! I paid less for the truck than the labor for replacing the timing chain.

I retired in January but I still find myself watching these videos. I think I have a problem

Considering trying to get out of parts and into the garage as a tech. I havnt done it so far because I wasnt confident in my skills but these videos are making me realize im more skilled than the average joe

RIP 4Runner, I almost cried at that ending. Still a better story than twilight.

as we say in scotland, its fekin fecked mate, like fekin totally feked. turn it into something useful like beer cans.... great vid

Some of the vehicles you get into reminds me of my son's room when he was a teenager.

What amazes me is the number of people that drive cars with so many problems. Personally hate any tiny bit wrong. Here in UK anyway.

The legend says that he never put the brake booster hose clamp back on place.

Don't forget that hose clamp for the power booster hose brother;)

You always do excellent work Ray.....That truck must be well worn.

Japanese cars and trucks use to be the best. Back in the mid 80s I went from Glendale CA to NYC on a 1969 1.6 cc Datsun station wagon, customized like a sleeper. It took me 3 days with a friend stopping on every state lane to take s picture. My engine never overhead or had any issues. Those days and engines were just some of the best. Kind regards from BC.

Ray, I totally enjoy your videos. I am so amazed at how people treat a very expensive piece of machinery like trash. I grew up in the auto business. My dad was a Firestone tire distributor. There was a small parts store and a small shop where tires were mounted etc. However I was taught how to take care of an automobile. I currently own a 2013 Mustang Convertible (purchased pre-owned) a 2015 Subaru Outback. and a 2021 Subaru Ascent. I do maintenance on my vehicles that probably very few do. I change the engine oil every 3 months, regardless of mileage (usually 200 miles or less. I have had the transmission fluid changed on both the Outback and Mustang (both very low mileage), the transfer case fluid and the differential fluid changed in the Outback, and recently the differential fluid in the Mustang. Cooling system services have been done, brake systems are flushed every 2 years. Currently I am in the process of having all the cooling system hose changed. My idea is to avoid break downs.

Oh we can all feel that transmission 😥

Omg that shifting was giving me shivers lol.

Wish I could, but have never been able to work with gloves on. Good work again.

There still is a fuel problem. The fuel pressure quickly bleeds down when it stalls or key off. Either a bad fuel pressure regulator, check valve on the fuel pump side or leaking fuel injector(s).

Based on all that sludge on the front it looks like crank seal was never changed when they had the timing belt(s) replaced. Haven't finished video yet but just a guess from what it looked like

Ray, engine cooled off waiting for the coils, transmission very well could be wore out, but shift points are related to tps settings, I believe the vehicle will come back soon after a longer run & hotter day, you figure , both coils have to be “ gone” for it doesn’t even attempt to run on 2 cylinders, & when it does not stay running , take out upstreamO2, leave plugged in, see if it runs, or on your road test, O2 sensor read along with mass air, watch the #s go off the scale. Good work man!

"Its got turd wheels" lmao, i almost spit my drink out when he said that!

Love the non-fused power wire coming off the battery! 🔥🔥🔥

My avalon had the clicky starter. I just replaced it, and it ran fine. Never had any more issues with it, other than the 500,000 miles...

Thanks for mentioning not to forget to disconnect the battery. Knuckleheads will try every single time

Reeeee you missed the tiny clamp on the intake hose. Great diag Ray, and I'm always entertained watching your videos. 👍👍

But Scotty said Toyota’s run forever!!!

But did he ever put the clamp back on the hose from the booster to the intake lol (hood closed with it pulled back)

Oil saturated engines are a living he'll for mechanics. You handle it well. Not too many mechanics work with out their air tools. Good video.

Yay you worked your magic well done 👍 aww that’s such a shame that they didn’t want anymore repairs done sad

If you notice the brake light blinks every time it's just about the shift into 2nd I wonder why it would do that

You’re talented at 1 handed work. It’s impressive

Those starters are mostly bulletproof Have seen very few that actually were windings or armature or busing problems, what you had wad bad contacts in the solenoid. We replaced the contacts and the contact plate. We used to buy them in bulk like 50 of each contact and 50 plates at a time. Being a commissioned tech i always liked to get paid for rebuilding the solenoid then just replacing the starter. Saved the customer money because they didn't have to buy a starter and made more labor $$ as that's what I was paid from. I bet out of a couple hundred repairs of these types of starters I only saw 2-3 that were actually bad in the starter motor and not the solenoid.

Good choice on owners decision. My 92 Chevy pickup has the ubiquitous 700R4 and I had mine rebuilt. (I bought it for secondary use on the ranch). It's a 350, which runs excellent, and now drives very nice. I bought it knowing it needed the trans worked on. Where I live in Kentucky, the cost was $900. The labor was $300. I'm happy 😁 I think vehicles are kinda like a house, in respect to keeping things in decent repair. There's always something to do, and don't abuse the thing. I've got 250, 000 + miles on it 👍

28:05 I have no clue if it's a problem but the second ignition coil you replaced had a 2 & 3 on it and you replaced it with one that had 1 & 4 written on it. I can only assume the other ignition pack had a 1 & 4 and you replaced it with one with a 2 & 3.

Oil leaks that large I don’t use brake cleaner. Just a waste. I use purple power 50/50 mix and soak the entire chassis. Let it sit 5 mins and pressure wash off. Brake cleaner is a hell of a lot more expensive than purple power

you forgot the clamp on the hose you squirted the fluid into on the intake manifold. you can see it when you close the hood. easy miss. just thought I would mention that. you do awesome work and your videos get me into my overalls to go to work!lol

I dont know why but that view of the suspension while you lowered it back down was so satisfying lmao

Most Toyota starter motors have replaceable contacts, You can get the kits a lot cheaper than buying a whole starter motor. I replaced the contacts in my wife's 97 Camry and my brother's 93 Toyota pickup. The symptoms were about the same- sometimes the starter catches and sometimes it just clicks. Great video.

In case you ever wondered what "shop supplies" are when you see it on the bill: blowing through multiple cans of brake clean certainly qualifies... It seems oddly satisfying just blazing away with the brake clean...

GREAT REPAIR Ray!