I am a N00B in need...
 

Hi,
I am looking at puchasing a 1986.5 Toyota Supra (MKIII) W/ 3.0L DOHC I-6, It has what sounds like lifter tap. Like if you were to tap a pen on a desk repeatedly, other than that it fires right up, Idles like a champ. Everything under the hood looks immaculate, the body is pretty rough though. its N/A and I think its the 7M-GE? I may be wrong. A set of four lifters is around $20 and since its OHC I should be able to do this without removing the head. The car was meticulously maintained (engine wise) and like I said, runs like a raped ape. I have a LARGE mechanical background and I am fully capable of doing this. I have owned alot of Toyotas and I love them to death.
I dont see very many Supras, and whatever I buy will be a project. This is the best I have seen in awhile, and I'm getting impatient. If any of you are in the Ohio area and have a Supra for under $1500 or are looking for a trade let me know. If you think I should make this purchase let me know. One way or another I am getting a Supra, I just want some feedback on the problem this one is having.

You can adjust the valves with shims. It is a 7mge motor.
Here is a link to the "Bible" of 7m's.
http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/library/TSRM/

So are you saying you dont think its the lifters? Thats what it sounds like to me, but I am not 100% certain. A frozen valve maybe? I have no experience with 7M's I work on 22R's and 4afe's both of which are carburated, and although the 4afe is OHC I never run it low, and I always change the oil. So what I am saying is I dont know, if you have a more specific tip that would help immensly.

Thanks,

Chris

Okay,
Next question and this I need to know soon. Its an auto, and I will need to drive it home. I have round about's ten or twelve miles to go, will the car make it? Should I even chance it? Thanks
Chris

I dont mean to be an ass hole but the soonest possible answer is needed and much appreiciated, I dont want to blow this car up!! Thanks,
Chris

If it is a very mild clicking, it could even be the noise the distributor makes as it turns and fires the injectors. Since these are basically solid lifters, they are going to click. The clearance is fairly close and they don't need adjusting very often. It only takes one to make the noise, but if it is slight and the oil pressure is good, then drive it home. There shouldn't be any problems. If it was deeper and you heard it right at first start up, then I went away, then I would say rod, but I think you can tell the difference. Either way though, the car should be driveable.

Supra's have buckets and shims that activate the valves. No rocker arms nor lifters, just plain old overhead cam directly over the valves.

Let us know.

Russ

Thanks,

Yeah, I like double checking every little detail when it comes to buying a car. Especially if its a powerplant I'm unfamilier with. I dont think its the dizzy, I could take the cap off and see if the sound becomes significantly louder... I Highly doubt its a rod, I didnt even think OHC engines had rods. The only OHC head I've screwed with is a Honda head. And it uses rockers to actuate the valves.. oh well, looks to be a learning experience.

Huh...

Supras dont have lifters?? But I called autozone and they had them !?? WTF?

They don't have push rods, just connecting rods. That is what I was refering to.


Russ

Here...I did it FOR YOU !
http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/librar.../em/EM_09.html

http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/librar.../em/EM_32.html

NOW...I gave you the site to the BIBLE of supras in my prior post...here are a couple of the pages that answer your questions. SO READ IT !!

You said you have experience with 20R (22R) 4 cylinder engines. 7M is different, but primarily in the head. Bottom ends on 95% gasoline engines are the same.

So we here in cyber space can not tell you if its ok to drive the car home.

Check out the 'buying a supra' thread in the FAQs section before buying any car.