Ok, I've got a follow-up issue now. While trying to remove the 3/4" hose from the No. 1 head cover, the hose tore. It was crazy brittle, so I'm glad I'm in there and can replace it now, but what is it? It travels from right next to the oil cap down to the block, but I can't find the thing on the Cygnus site.

I also heard something small and metallic fall down below when the hose tore, and it wasn't the hose clamp....any thoughts?

Thanks again!

I think it's the crank case vent hose

As Sonyps307 said " crank vent hose # 3" Toyota part # 12263-42010, judging by your description is sounds like the hose clamp fell down, although you did say it wasn't the hose clamp.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/cirgriff/2004.jpg

Awesome, thanks guys that definitely looks like the one, and I'm still guessing as to what fell down...

That looks identical, though it says it's for the turbo. There's no reason why it wouldn't work for the 7mge, right?

Also, I haven't had any luck finding a neoprene oil gasket/washer big enough for the No. 3 bolts. What's the general consensus on using some O-rings smeared with RTV? I'm not trying to do things quick and dirty, but the local shops haven't been much help and I'd really like to get this all together before the weekend.

All you have to do is pull out each plug and clean the threads. Then put enough rtv on the threads so it pushes out the top as you screw it back in creating a nice seal. Like the with the oil pan there is no need to really use a gasket. But if want a washer you can search for the type used for an oil drain plug. But the rtv way does work and will be clean if you do it right.

Alright, I was gone for a week but then got back to this project. I got everything back together, new gaskets, rtv on the 14mm bold threads, new vent hose, etc. There was a 17mm nut left over that I could not find a home for, the only 17mm that I remember was attaching the alternator. Any thoughts on where I might have missed something?

I started the truck up (my 7mge is in an 86 4Runner) and burned out some oil that had dropped down into the cylinders when I removed the old plugs. It missed a few times, but after about a block the smoke was gone and she was running smooth. I checked the gaskets and the bolts and saw no oil coming in, and all seemed right with the world.

BUT - Today I was driving out of town up a fairly steep hill going about 60, and the truck suddenly felt like I'd dropped into neutral. The engine was still going, but I was getting no forward motion from any of the gears. I pulled onto the shoulder and it died. It'll start every time now, but only run for a few seconds before dying.

Is there anything that I might have done wrong in the gasket/spark plug replacing that could account for this? I'm nearly positive that I put all of the vacuum hoses back together properly and reattached the throttle correctly, but I suppose I could have made a mistake. I'm pretty bummed after spending a good bit of money and time on this project, so any advice would be truly appreciated. Thanks!

Any diagnostic codes? If not than I'd start with testing the fuel pressure and testing the AFM.

Thanks Cre, sadly no codes. Can you recommend a good source explaining how to check that stuff? If not I can google around.