Quote:
Originally Posted by Gingerly
I know this thread has been dead since last year but figured I’d try instead of creating a new one.
Looking at a 03 4Runner, 4WD, V6 with 187,000 miles on it for $6,700.
The guy said the previous owner told him he replaced the timing chain but he wasn’t sure if the head gasket was done. Is it safe to assume both were done at that time or should I keep looking?
|
Definitely can't make that assumption. As someone else mentioned, getting to the HGs is significantly more work than the timing chain. It's not something you'd do while you're at it.
I would tread carefully with a purchase like this on an '03. That's fairly typical mileage for leaking HG symptoms to start showing up. Plenty of people have been burned picking up one of these with a HG going out the door.
That's not to say this isn't a good purchase. If I were you I would check the coolant for oil, the oil for coolant, crank the engine when it's cold and make sure there's no rough idle, and get a shop or DIY leak down test on the cylinders. That way you're giving yourself the best chance of getting one of these early 4th gens with a solid HG.
Good luck! I love my '03, just replaced the HGs at 260k miles.
