Previa Problems: Whistling and Burning Smell

[FanousOnTheLoose]

Hey all!!

Ever since I bought my '97 Previa about a year ago and after driving it for a year theres a couple things I've picked up on.

1). That common annoying whistling sound when accelerating.
2). Sometimes there is a faint burning smell after I drive. It's not always present, it comes and goes, but still it happens and need to know what it is as this never happened to me before on my '94 Previa.

After much internet research I was finding what the problem was, but it was usually too complicated for me to follow (not that mechanically inclined lol).

Solutions:
1). something about my SADS and needing to change the bushings?
2). No idea, there were actually various solutions to these and I don't which one to do or what to do.

Can someone explain and "dumb down" for me what needs to be fixed? I plan on keeping my '97 Previa till death do us part and its pretty young sitting at 78k miles so I know it has a lot of life left in it. Can anyone help me out?

[cvtroger]

Hey all!!

Ever since I bought my '97 Previa about a year ago and after driving it for a year theres a couple things I've picked up on.

1). That common annoying whistling sound when accelerating.
2). Sometimes there is a faint burning smell after I drive. It's not always present, it comes and goes, but still it happens and need to know what it is as this never happened to me before on my '94 Previa.

After much internet research I was finding what the problem was, but it was usually too complicated for me to follow (not that mechanically inclined lol).

Solutions:
1). something about my SADS and needing to change the bushings?
2). No idea, there were actually various solutions to these and I don't which one to do or what to do.

Can someone explain and "dumb down" for me what needs to be fixed? I plan on keeping my '97 Previa till death do us part and its pretty young sitting at 78k miles so I know it has a lot of life left in it. Can anyone help me out?

Welcome to the forums. I hope I can give you some ideas.

SADS is a problem that eventually hits any previa. I made a blog on here about it and it was just information I found that Timsrv and others have attributed. There is even a TSB (technical service bulletin) Here is the blog entry:

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/entry.php?151-SADS-info

The actual solution is to just change them out. You will see many threads on these and people talk about short cuts (putting window weld in these bushings) or from what I gathered, getting cheap ebay knock offs.

When I bought my previa, I knew the SADS needed to be changed and asked the same questions. You can get the directly from Toyota for about $230 and expect it to last longer compared to the knock offs as I've seen people talk about replacing them only after 2yrs. From what I also understand, it can be difficult to do.

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As for the faint burning smell, is it more of a fuel burning or oil burning? Look under engine bay and see if there is a leak. Again, from information of what I gathered, sometimes the distributor o ring cracks and oil leaks (also from valve cover gasket). The problem with that is the distributor is above the Exhaust manifold and oil would drip down and burn. This is a safety issue as it could lead to a fire.

http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/entry.php?156-Distributor-O-ring-burning-oil

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As for the whistling, I have read that was attributed to something along the exhaust system such as flex pipe, cat converts to muffler.

Hope that helps. I was dead set on getting a previa and looked into all the issues. I bought mine with a blown head gasket and after reading all this, I decided to do a full rebuild just because my van had 244,000 miles and according to the maint records the previous owner had, a couple issues were not addressed (SADS included).

[FanousOnTheLoose]

Thank you so much for the response!! Very detailed and clean and really cleared up the problem for me. Question: I thought the whistling noise came from the SADS bushings being worn out or was I misinformed on other forums? Either way I will change out my SADS bushings and if that doesn't fix the whistling then I'll invest in an exhaust system. I'll call my mechanic tomorrow and worst case scenario I'll just go to my local dealer and have them take care of it.

Little background on my Previa. '97 with 78k miles on it, evergreen pearl and leather seats. I love it!! Just plastidipped the gray plastic bumpers black!

I plan on buying another Previa, a 5spd manual one. I found one for $750 but it had a blown head gasket just like yours and I didn't want to deal with an engine swap/rebuild project on a car this unique about its engine placement. But you should consider it, less mileage and looks pretty clean.

[timsrv]

I've had 2 Previas now that developed a whistling sound while accelerating. On both it turned out to be the muffler. The 1st one I purchased brand new from Toyota (was expensive). The 2nd time I bought a used muffler from the pick-n-pull yard. It looked well used, but it was cheap (like $20). It was original Toyota (stainless) & I've been running that one for 6 or 7 years and no sign of a whistle yet.

[cvtroger]

Thank you so much for the response!! Very detailed and clean and really cleared up the problem for me. Question: I thought the whistling noise came from the SADS bushings being worn out or was I misinformed on other forums? Either way I will change out my SADS bushings and if that doesn't fix the whistling then I'll invest in an exhaust system. I'll call my mechanic tomorrow and worst case scenario I'll just go to my local dealer and have them take care of it.

Little background on my Previa. '97 with 78k miles on it, evergreen pearl and leather seats. I love it!! Just plastidipped the gray plastic bumpers black!

I plan on buying another Previa, a 5spd manual one. I found one for $750 but it had a blown head gasket just like yours and I didn't want to deal with an engine swap/rebuild project on a car this unique about its engine placement. But you should consider it, less mileage and looks pretty clean.

When I bought the van, I weighed the option of the rebuild vs a jdm swap. If I find another previa for the right price, I'd just do the swap. I love taking apart things, but the previa is unique that it is motor that is midship and I am also with lack of a space or I should say permission to work on my car. The magnitude of this job is something that needs plenty of space. I also weighed the option of my experiences with my other cars with my limited education from community college automotive classes vs having a shop do it and do it properly with the right tools and warranty. This was something I wanted to be reliable as I justified getting an older van for my family as opposed to me being able to have a car sitting in pieces like my rx7 or 240.

[FanousOnTheLoose]

I've had 2 Previas now that developed a whistling sound while accelerating. On both it turned out to be the muffler. The 1st one I purchased brand new from Toyota (was expensive). The 2nd time I bought a used muffler from the pick-n-pull yard. It looked well used, but it was cheap (like $20). It was original Toyota (stainless) & I've been running that one for 6 or 7 years and no sign of a whistle yet.

Really only 2 Previa's developed the whistle? Every Previa I've heard has the whistle, some worse than others lol. But I guess I'll add to my list of things to do.
So far I have:
-Change the SADS bushings
-Replace distributor O-ring
-Change out the muffler (or is a whole exhaust system upgrade better?)

[cvtroger]

Really only 2 Previa's developed the whistle? Every Previa I've heard has the whistle, some worse than others lol. But I guess I'll add to my list of things to do.
So far I have:
-Change the SADS bushings
-Replace distributor O-ring
-Change out the muffler (or is a whole exhaust system upgrade better?)

SADS and oil leak ( distributor o ring or valve cover gasket) for sure.

With your being a supercharged, I believe there are 2 cat converters. I dont know if there is a full upgrade system available, but that would be a nice fix for sure!!

[FanousOnTheLoose]

SADS and oil leak ( distributor o ring or valve cover gasket) for sure.

With your being a supercharged, I believe there are 2 cat converters. I dont know if there is a full upgrade system available, but that would be a nice fix for sure!!

Will do! Is there a parts list that you can give me so I know how much I'll be spending and what to buy?

I actually just replaced my cat converter earlier this year because mine got stolen :pissed:. I remember only having to purchase one converter not 2, so either my car has one or thief didn't know that there was 2 and only stole one. Either way I have a fresh cat converter under my car.

[timsrv]

Really only 2 Previa's developed the whistle? Every Previa I've heard has the whistle, some worse than others lol. But I guess I'll add to my list of things to do.
So far I have:
-Change the SADS bushings
-Replace distributor O-ring
-Change out the muffler (or is a whole exhaust system upgrade better?)

I've owned 4 Previas, so having 2 with this problem seemed like a lot to me. The whistling I'm talking about sounded like somebody put a cop's whistle inside my exhaust pipe (very loud & pronounced). In a way it was almost cool, but could be annoying and it would draw some strange looks from people. Tim

[cvtroger]

Will do! Is there a parts list that you can give me so I know how much I'll be spending and what to buy?

I actually just replaced my cat converter earlier this year because mine got stolen :pissed:. I remember only having to purchase one converter not 2, so either my car has one or thief didn't know that there was 2 and only stole one. Either way I have a fresh cat converter under my car.

The site that I bought much of my stuff from is 1sttoyotaparts.com which was mentioned when I first started to get parts by Timsrv.

SADS couplers - 4374-28011 - $236 + 23.63 to ship
distributor o ring - 90099-14091 - $2.80

If you havent changed out the rotor or distributor cap in a long time, mine as well do it while it is being worked on.

-distributor cap - 19101-76010 - $14
-distributor rotor - 19102-74040 - $7

I have a van blog with all the parts I have purchased, but without the price.
http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/entry.php?163-Current-list-of-parts-for-rebuild-8-13-14-update

I'll do the best I can to help with information.
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someone stole you cat converter... wow. sorry to hear that. I could have sworn that the owner's manual says s/c previas have 2 cats... maybe I am wrong.

[FanousOnTheLoose]

The site that I bought much of my stuff from is 1sttoyotaparts.com which was mentioned when I first started to get parts by Timsrv.

SADS couplers - 4374-28011 - $236 + 23.63 to ship
distributor o ring - 90099-14091 - $2.80

If you havent changed out the rotor or distributor cap in a long time, mine as well do it while it is being worked on.

-distributor cap - 19101-76010 - $14
-distributor rotor - 19102-74040 - $7

I have a van blog with all the parts I have purchased, but without the price.
http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/entry.php?163-Current-list-of-parts-for-rebuild-8-13-14-update

I'll do the best I can to help with information.
-------------------------------------------------

someone stole you cat converter... wow. sorry to hear that. I could have sworn that the owner's manual says s/c previas have 2 cats... maybe I am wrong.

Geez those bushings are a lot more expensive than I imagined. It's a good thing it's not a priority fix right now, I'll save up the money first. Everything else is pretty manageable I'll take care of that all in one day looks like it. Thank you so much!!

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Yeah it was annoying! Car was out for 2 weeks and I was out $800. Thats only problem of living in CA is the stricter emissions which means harder to find a CAT. But maybe you are right and there is 2, but I only remember replacing 1 so maybe the thieves didn't realize there were 2 converters, or maybe 1 of them is just really well hidden next to the engine.

[cvtroger]

Geez those bushings are a lot more expensive than I imagined. It's a good thing it's not a priority fix right now, I'll save up the money first. Everything else is pretty manageable I'll take care of that all in one day looks like it. Thank you so much!!

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Yeah it was annoying! Car was out for 2 weeks and I was out $800. Thats only problem of living in CA is the stricter emissions which means harder to find a CAT. But maybe you are right and there is 2, but I only remember replacing 1 so maybe the thieves didn't realize there were 2 converters, or maybe 1 of them is just really well hidden next to the engine.


It is pricey and if you are on a budget, deal with what is a necessity right now. SADS are something new to me and had I not asked about it, I might have gotten some polyurethane ones off ebay for a fraction of the price. But glad folks put me up on the proper stuff.

My first thread was asking questions as well and Timsrv said there are SADS couplers by FEBEST for really good. FEBEST is an OEM replacement parts manufacturer. Since I was going all out, I went with the Toyota OEMs due to everyone's suggestion. If these SADS go out in a couple of years (I hope not) then I will give these FEBESTS a try. I might buy a set since they are really well prices (I think like $50) and seal em in an air tight bag and add it to my previa parts bin.

After looking for pictures on google, I saw this
http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Exhaust/CatClamp-Catalytic-Converter-Lock

Any theft is horrible and I hope that these type of folks get a swift kick in the nads.

[FanousOnTheLoose]

It is pricey and if you are on a budget, deal with what is a necessity right now. SADS are something new to me and had I not asked about it, I might have gotten some polyurethane ones off ebay for a fraction of the price. But glad folks put me up on the proper stuff.

My first thread was asking questions as well and Timsrv said there are SADS couplers by FEBEST for really good. FEBEST is an OEM replacement parts manufacturer. Since I was going all out, I went with the Toyota OEMs due to everyone's suggestion. If these SADS go out in a couple of years (I hope not) then I will give these FEBESTS a try. I might buy a set since they are really well prices (I think like $50) and seal em in an air tight bag and add it to my previa parts bin.

After looking for pictures on google, I saw this
http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com/Exhaust/CatClamp-Catalytic-Converter-Lock

Any theft is horrible and I hope that these type of folks get a swift kick in the nads.


Thats why theyre expensive! When I was reading forums everyone said like $70 or so. I heard there was an aluminum set which lasts really long but I'll look into those FEBEST ones. As long as they last 2 years I'm solid. I'll go all out later when I graduate and pay for things on my own.


Yeah I considered the anti-theft device, but I live in a pretty safe area. I had just happened to park my car overnight in a sketchy area so maybe that's why.

[cvtroger]

Thats why theyre expensive! When I was reading forums everyone said like $70 or so. I heard there was an aluminum set which lasts really long but I'll look into those FEBEST ones. As long as they last 2 years I'm solid. I'll go all out later when I graduate and pay for things on my own.


Yeah I considered the anti-theft device, but I live in a pretty safe area. I had just happened to park my car overnight in a sketchy area so maybe that's why.

the Febests link is here:

http://www.amazon.com/COUPLING-KIT-EQUIPMENT-DRIVE-SHAFT/dp/B00HAPT27K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405104136&sr=8-1&keywords=febest+previa+bushings

and it is actually $30.

Tim mentioned he hasnt seen a review on these couplers, but the general census is that Febest makes quality parts.

If you do decided to buy these, post up any issues after installing. I mean it will take years before they go bad.

The other cheapo ones have reviews and many of them date the couplers at 2yrs of life.

Yeah, I've seen some crazy stuff in sketchy areas!

[FanousOnTheLoose]

the Febests link is here:

http://www.amazon.com/COUPLING-KIT-EQUIPMENT-DRIVE-SHAFT/dp/B00HAPT27K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405104136&sr=8-1&keywords=febest+previa+bushings

and it is actually $30.

Tim mentioned he hasnt seen a review on these couplers, but the general census is that Febest makes quality parts.

If you do decided to buy these, post up any issues after installing. I mean it will take years before they go bad.

The other cheapo ones have reviews and many of them date the couplers at 2yrs of life.

Yeah, I've seen some crazy stuff in sketchy areas!

these look pretty good, but theyre still rubber! I read on the toyotanation forums about a pair of aluminium ones that are super durable. Either way I'll look into the parts and talk with my mechanic this coming week. Will definitely post an update when its completed.

[cvtroger]

these look pretty good, but theyre still rubber! I read on the toyotanation forums about a pair of aluminium ones that are super durable. Either way I'll look into the parts and talk with my mechanic this coming week. Will definitely post an update when its completed.

The toyota ones are aluminum with rubber for each of the pieces. I've seen a couple BMW ones that were full rubber. As far as I know, Febests are an OEM parts manufacturer and these look exactly like my OEM toyota ones.

Besides that, I only know of Polyurethane ones, which I thought would be better because I've used energy suspension components and I felt they would be the same.

[FanousOnTheLoose]

The toyota ones are aluminum with rubber for each of the pieces. I've seen a couple BMW ones that were full rubber. As far as I know, Febests are an OEM parts manufacturer and these look exactly like my OEM toyota ones.

Besides that, I only know of Polyurethane ones, which I thought would be better because I've used energy suspension components and I felt they would be the same.

quick question. how exactly does the SADS bushings being worn out affect the Previa?

[timsrv]

I haven't personally experienced this, but it stands to reason that if they get bad enough the shaft will no longer be securely held in true center and will vibrate (out of balance). I've heard other members say it will also rattle & make noise, particularly when running the AC at low engine RPM. Tim

[cvtroger]

I have not personally felt or heard a bad SADS, so my knowledge is limited to what has been discussed on forums.

A guy over at estima owners club posted this video.


http://youtu.be/UfLWMZa2Ryc

[timsrv]

That's a helpful video (or should I say audio). I can't imagine letting them get so bad as to make a noise like that. I'd be freaking out way before I let it go that far.