Need suggestions as to where you guys purchased remanufactured head(s). Doing head gaskets and found cyl # 3 to be cracked, which I've heard was pretty common. My friend also pointed out the obvious cracked valve! So ya, let me know where you guys have purchased heads and if you were satisfied with the shop. I live in Hawaii, so shipping will play a factor.

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I did not know that these cracks are common.

Anyway, the is a shop in Portland Oregon who does heads, He rebuilt a cracked BMW head I had, but not cheap, 4 cylinder $600 3 years ago
but used was impossible to find and new out of the question unless your warren buffett

I was thinking it was part of the missing valve on the next cylinder over. There isn't a machine shop on the islands that could make them new again?

A possibility:
2 TOYOTA Tacoma Tundra 4Runner LandCruiser 3.4 DOHC#5VZFE CYLINDER HEADS REBUILT | eBay

There is an aftermarket company that makes new heads. IIRC, it is around $600 for a complete set, ready to install.

I don't remember the name of the company, but check ebay and you should find them

I shouldn't say common, but from what I've read in other posts, the cracks were usually right at cylinder 3, for whatever reason.

But yes, hoping to not spend $600/head. I dropped the heads at a shop today for assessment, and the shop actually mentioned the possibility of repairing, then rebuilding the cracked head, but we shall see.

The head on my 3rz had similar cracks in about 10 places. I had a shop repair and completely rebuild it for 500$. I would imagine a 3 cylinder head with one crack would be cheaper.

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I initially thought that once the head was cracked, it was done, but I guess not. I'm really hoping that they can repair and rebuild the current heads. Their quote for rebuilding both heads was $800, which I'm hoping ends up being the case.

In the olden days heads were not rebuildable esp if a crack in a valve seat,
but technology has improved over the years

$800 a pair ready to bolt on isn't bad, but the shipping and core return to/from HI could be cost-prohibitive

When looking at rebuilt heads, always inquire if ALL exhaust valve seats have been replaced with hardened seats and if all valves have been replaced or if it is a mix and match rebuild. Most head cracks usually involve exhaust valves, and center cylinder failures are common due to higher heat in that area. I would also make sure all fixed cracks are magnifluxed and the heads come with a complete replacement guarantee.

In my experience with other engines, starting with used head cores for head rebuilds usually always creates smaller chamber volumes as the heads need to be surfaced flat, so a thicker gasket is required, otherwise you will increase the final compression ratio. Make sure either the gaskets are supplied by the builder or they tell you exactly which thickness gasket is to be used so you don't end up detonating yourself it death.

Some solid advice there- much appreciated!

The machine shop called and confirmed that the cracked head failed the pressure test (crack went downward towards the valve guide) and into a coolant passage, hence my coolant loss. Makes sense now, especially after removing the old HG and not noticing any obvious weak/damaged areas.

So as of right now, the shop is looking into rebuilding the good head that did pass, then rebuilding a core that they have on the side for the failed head. The core isn’t brand new, but will be fully rebuilt like the other side. And for only $100 extra, i figure it’s a good deal! We’ll see once all is completed and hope to have the heads back by the weekend.

∆∆∆∆ that's the best outcome right there. Good for you.

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