1999 4Runner with 205,xxx Head Gasket?

[subiedrewbie]

From what I've searched here on the forum, it looks like I have a head gasket going or blown on my wife's 4Runner. It has around 205k and is a 3.4l. It had been idling rough on start up, cold or warm, but never threw a code except running lean. I cleaned the Maf and that went away. Well tonight it started blowing excessive white smoke out the tail pipe.

I know you can do heads/head gasket or go JDM swap. Any good local places to get an engine? I'm in corona. I'm going to drop it off at Yotamasters probably tomorrow and get Eriks insight too. Thanks guys.

 

[suddenlycalm]

I had the same issue. If i had to do it over again id go JDM. I bought a remanufactured motor from the engine depot in Ca. Worst experience ever. Shit heads after it was installed, he sent new heads and still low compression. Supposed to be all new. And when everything was said and done i wrote a bad review and he threatened to sue me! I still cant beleive it.

He owns multiple businesses, wehaveengine.com, theenginedepot.com, motortime, just to name a few. He operates out of the san francisco area as well as ebay. Please save yourself the hassle and do some research on the seller. I wish i had.

 

[Smog-guy707]

I would recommend replacing the head gaskets bud. It's the most cost effective and not really a difficult job. I replaced my gaskets in my 99 Tacoma at200k, and is now at 300k and still runs like new. Fix what breaks

 

[subiedrewbie]

Thanks for your warning on the JDM company and both of your input. Ill see what Yotamasters says today and go from there. Thanks.

 

[Supermoney]

Too bad you aren't on the east coast. JDM Engine Depot is a great place for engines, I personally know many Toyota / Honda people who have bought from them.

Most engines have around 60k miles on them.

Seems like the 5vz is $899 right now.

Low mileage Toyota & Lexus JDM Engines for sale

Or you can get a 2JZ-GTE for $2600 :cheers:

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

Eric is Good People, he just did my major service at 213K timing belt job and headers. Hell him Tony with the Green 4runner said hello.

 

[RunnerPDX]

You sure it's a head gasket? Those rarely go on the 3.4...It might be one of the lower intake manifold gaskets. Those are a hell of lot easier [and cheaper] to change than a head gasket on the 3.4... either way, you have to pull the lower intake to dig in... I'd start there.

 

[subiedrewbie]

I should have a diagnosis today that will verify

 

[subiedrewbie]

Well it is the heads/ head gasket. Cylinder 5/6 are both bad. Should have it back in a week. It's my wife's main transportation so I had to get it in to another local shop that could work on it quick. Yotamasters had a few days wait.

 

[cp99sr5]

Subie, I dont think Suddenlycalm was warning on JDM but rather on engine depot?

 

[subiedrewbie]

Subie, I dont think Suddenlycalm was warning on JDM but rather on engine depot?

Yeah sorry, that's what I meant. I wouldn't mind a good JDM engine. I know there are good shops out there too. But I know overall the engine I have is in good shape and the head job is about $2200 so I think I'll stick with the original.