1996 3.4 Limited Head Gasket Replacement Info.

M

MSDOS401

New member
Hi, I am new here and just like most newbies they come here for help, that goes for me.

On the way home driving in a hot day, my head gasket blew. The symptoms are there: overheating, white smoke from the tailpipe, engine running super rough, and white froth in the oil.

The truck has 254,000 miles on it and this is the second time this has happened. The first time was at 200,000 miles and I had to pay $2000.00 to get it fixed 4 years ago. Well I am going to school and I really don't have that cash now. My friend and I want to do it ourselves, but I need some information from you guys.

I have the haynes manual that describes the procedure and most of what is to be done. But I would like the knowledge that only comes from experience and is not in the manuals, such as tips and tricks and just what to look out for during this major surgery. Also could you guys post the relevant part no. for the gasket kits, head bolts and and timing belts and tensioners and anything else I may need for this job or a link to a post that has this information.

Thanks again
 
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I'm sorry to post this but did you search?

There are some threads that go into it a bit. Also I'm no expert but I do NOT think the Hanyes manual will be sufficient for this job.

260k ... Have you considered an engine swap?
 
Last edited:
Hi, Engine swap is being considered.

I did search, and the posts are a bit scattered and i have not yet found one with the part no. information and any real detail about what I should look out for.
 
Hey bud,

Listen. I hate to say this but if you did a head gasket job not that long ago it was not done right or you had something else go wrong that caused it to happen again. My first question is the gaskets used, machining etc etc....

I would look at the Radiator, Water Pump, T-Stat Etc. If all that is good and nothing is wrong that the block is not fll of crap and it didn't need a flush I would go back to the shop and just tell them they to recheck there work. It is worth a shot. If something they did failed if they value there reputation they will make good on it.

I know it happens but I have not seen to many head gasket jobs come back into our door at work once they are done correctly. That means new head bolts, good gaskets, good machine shop etc.

Now if you were driving a 08 Dodge Avenger that would be different. She is now on her third head gasket. That 3.3 is a crap engine!

Keep me posted and if you have question feel free to fire away.

Blue
 
bad luck!

I'm by no means a mechanic, but if it was me, I totally agree with Brian and Ol'blue. As far as Brian's comments, he's right-- its a big job and a Haynes manual is just a start--- when my engine failed, I did a swap. It's a bit of work but its not complicated--- I did it! As far as Ol'blue, he's right--- the question should be (if this has been done recently) WHY? Before you consider buying any parts you need to be confident that you have discovered why. Did the shop use Chinese parts? Did they machine the heads? Is the engine clogged/or in good enough condition? I found the best engine I could (JDM--that's from Japan) and did my swap and I changed everything ie. TB,WP, seals some hoses, belts etc.... this ran me up to $2500 ($1800 for engine and shipping). I'd take Ol'blue's advice, and if that doesnt pan out I would consider trying to determine the reasons why this failed again OR find a decent engine locally. (be aware, any year 5VZFE will work-- Taco,Tundra,4Runner --- my engine was from a 2001 Hyace van!!) all you need is the long block and everything from your old engine will bolt to it. If you can find a decent engine locally, you can probably save some $$ and you'll learn a ton. If you are considering a swap, check out my thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/167172-my-engine-swap-progress.html
Food for thought! Good luck!!
 
i would recommend doing the swap.
96 had a terrible problem with blowing head gaskets, its the 1st year of the new body style and lots of changes. = some problems not figured out yet.
there are tons of guys in cali, maybe you can get a few together and give you a hand.
 
Update:

My brother and I were able to determine that it was the HG where the 5 th cylinder is.

Considering my finances and the invasiveness of doing the HG job ourselves, decided to have the head gasket replaced, I found a good hole in the wall mechanic that will do it for 600 labor 140 to have the heads done plus parts.

I considered an engine swap, but the engine prices were 1500 and up, not including shipping or install, just cant afford that route right now.

Right now i am just on emergency mode, but any other advise would be helpfull.
 
MSDOS401 said:
Update:

My brother and I were able to determine that it was the HG where the 5 th cylinder is.

Considering my finances and the invasiveness of doing the HG job ourselves, decided to have the head gasket replaced, I found a good hole in the wall mechanic that will do it for 600 labor 140 to have the heads done plus parts.

I considered an engine swap, but the engine prices were 1500 and up, not including shipping or install, just cant afford that route right now.

Right now i am just on emergency mode, but any other advise would be helpfull.
Click to expand...

Just make sure they use good parts man. Also, do an engine flush, check the rad, and get a OE T-stat and water pump while it is all out if you have not done so. Remember, just because it is a new part doesn't make it a good one. I have sent back countless thermostats before getting the correct one and they were new and in the box(the numbers were correct but the wrong stat in them, you really have to know what you should be getting and what goes in your truck) If you need anything let me know man.

Blue
 
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