2004 Limited Edition 4Runner 4X4 - Head Gasket

[vicrc]

I had an independent shop quoting $3000, this includes machining. I need a transportation so they replaced the spark plugs and reset the indicators. They noted I need to get this done pretty soon. I am NOT loving it.

Edit:

I just got a call from a local Toyota dealer $3700.

I might have to refinance my house just to fix my car, tears...

 

[vicrc]

It's great that Toyota seems to be willing to pay out for an imaginary "sudden, unintended acceleration" claim but won't step up to the plate to fix what seems to be an endemic problem with the IGR-FE. Very disappointing.

Maybe you just need to drive your 4runner into a bridge abutment once it's diagnosed with the HG issue and blame it on the floor mats (snark).

The problem is I have already replace to the plastic formed mat, but it is one of many option.

 

[jimithing]

I don't think its as much a design flaw in the engine as a gasket issue. Toyota has a superceeded part number for the new V6 Headgaskets which are a new design.

Just curious if you have any way of telling when the new part number came into being or effect? And curious if it's the same part number for all years of the 1GRFE.

 

[jimithing]

I had an independent shop quoting $3000, this includes machining. I need a transportation so they replaced the spark plugs and reset the indicators. They noted I need to get this done pretty soon. I am NOT loving it.

Edit:

I just got a call from a local Toyota dealer $3700.

I might have to refinance my house just to fix my car, tears...

Those seem pretty high to me. I'd get quotes elsewhere. You could probably get a used engine installed for less than that.

 

[vicrc]

Those seem pretty high to me. I'd get quotes elsewhere. You could probably get a used engine installed for less than that.

Is there a place in LA area where I can get a rebuilt engine replacement? That might give some kind of warranty and longevity than just a head gasket work.

 

[vicrc]

Well I brought my 4Runner 135K miles to a local dealer for an estimate of $2750, that would include machining the head flat for the new gasket. Today I got a call telling me that the machine shop recommends rebuilding the cylinder because of a leaking valve seats? and it will cost another $1400 to rebuild the heads. The dealer already estimated $500 for the initial machining cost. It seems that I am paying more for a pair of cylinder heads. I don't understand as the motor runs extremely well, never overheated and no signs of smoke on the exhaust with the so called leak. Now its looking like $3750 to get my truck fix. Am I being lied to because the machine shop or dealer trying to get more out of this service?

Tomorrow I am going to call again to Toyo Motors and give them 2 cents more.

Also, since the motor was running perfectly and only had the leaking gasket a few days, should I defer not to do the cylinder rebuild and opt for them to just machine the surface for the gasket?

You know I should have done this work myself, I am not a mechanic but I did work on my own cars when I was in HS and college. I had a Datsun Roadster in HS when I replaced the head gasket and got a machine shop to rebuild the head, ran great after but it was pretty challenging effort and without the internet. The last thing I did was replace the timing belt/water pump on my 1988 Mitsubishi truck. I thought those days were gone. If I had another car to go to work maybe I would have done this work myself.

Very very sad

 

[Chalk Outline]

For what it's worth, I just went thru this too with my 05 v6 w/130,000 mi. Rough idle on start for 30 to 60 secs and the P0306 code. No white smoke, no noticeable coolant loss, although a couple of times I thought I could smell coolant in the cabin. Went round and round for a couple of weeks trying to diagnose till one dealer decided bad hg. Now, after 3 large :sobbing:, I have 2 new head gaskets and a shiny new #6 injector. All seems good, but its only been a couple days. We'll see.

 

[kao]

Have to replace HG on my 2004 4runner with 119k miles. I am dissapointed.

 

[vicrc]

For what it's worth, I just went thru this too with my 05 v6 w/130,000 mi. Rough idle on start for 30 to 60 secs and the P0306 code. No white smoke, no noticeable coolant loss, although a couple of times I thought I could smell coolant in the cabin. Went round and round for a couple of weeks trying to diagnose till one dealer decided bad hg. Now, after 3 large :sobbing:, I have 2 new head gaskets and a shiny new #6 injector. All seems good, but its only been a couple days. We'll see.

Just wondering if you needed to rebuild the heads on your v6? Don't forget to call Toyo Corp and let them know you had the HG issue.

I am wondering if anyone has gone to 200k miles without needing new HG?

 

[Chalk Outline]

The heads were pressue and vacuum tested. I was told they were good and didn't need any add'l work.

 

[08T4R]

I used to rebuild cylinder heads here in Atlanta. If they pull vacuum on the ports and they leak, it will be suggested to have them fixed. The machine shop can clean the carbon build up and use a paste to try and get a clean seal between valve and seat. If that doesnt work then a rebuild is suggested. In no way should it cost 1500 to rebuild a pair of heads though. That's crazy. Call around and see what you can get a remanned set for yourself. Bet it's less than 500.

 

[08T4R]

And if they're charging $500 to resurface the heads, the owner of that machine shop is making some awesome bank. They're ran through a machine that does it for you, real simple 10 minutes each. I think we charged $35 per head to resurface and high temp wash them and pressure check. $500..I'm in the wrong business.

 

[vicrc]

Have to replace HG on my 2004 4runner with 119k miles. I am dissapointed.

I wouldn't be so disappointed myself if Toyo Corp paid for half of my cost or payed for the parts involved. Basically, Toyo forced you to buy a new version of the head gasket.

 

[vicrc]

And if they're charging $500 to resurface the heads, the owner of that machine shop is making some awesome bank. They're ran through a machine that does it for you, real simple 10 minutes each. I think we charged $35 per head to resurface and high temp wash them and pressure check. $500..I'm in the wrong business.

I have a cnc vertical milling machine, so I know the process. I would think $500-1000 to rebuild the heads and lapping the valves. I know what it entails and I can probably replace the seals which cost $40 per set. However said, I am at the moment a mercy of no ride and a mercy of a TOYO stealer. If I take the heads from my stealer, they will probably not want to because it will void my repair warranty.

I called a machine shop and they quote me a full cylinder head rebuild at $165.... I wonder if my dealer is sending the heads to NASA?

 

[08T4R]

I have a cnc vertical milling machine, so I know the process. I would think $500-1000 to rebuild the heads and lapping the valves. I know what it entails and I can probably replace the seals which cost $40 per set. However said, I am at the moment a mercy of no ride and a mercy of a TOYO stealer. If I take the heads from my stealer, they will probably not want to because it will void my repair warranty.

I called a machine shop and they quote me a full cylinder head rebuild at $165.... I wonder if my dealer is sending the heads to NASA?

$165 sounds much more reasonable. That should include the resurface, 3 angle job on the seats, grinding the valves and everything. I would question the dealer and where the $1500 figure is coming from. I'm not paying that much without a breakdown of fees. Unless they have torn it down you can still drive it and shop elsewhere. A leaking head gasket will cause no harm unless you run it hot. It'll actually make that cylinder nice and clean from the steam.


Edit- forgive me. If theyve pulled vacuum on the ports to check the valve seats then the heads are already off most likely. I'm trying tow work and follow the thread.

 

[fable]

Hi All, I just read through this whole thread, I have a '04 Sport 4x4 with 105K on it. No issues so far, although, that doesn't make me feel much better since most of you had no idea as well.

Can you give us non-technical folks some pointers on how to be proactive about this HG issue? Seems like the technical people had trouble getting the dealer to diagnose the problem.

When I take my 4R to my Toyota certified mechanic, what should I tell him in order to be proactive about this?

Thanks.

 

[08T4R]

Hi All, I just read through this whole thread, I have a '04 Sport 4x4 with 105K on it. No issues so far, although, that doesn't make me feel much better since most of you had no idea as well.

Can you give us non-technical folks some pointers on how to be proactive about this HG issue? Seems like the technical people had trouble getting the dealer to diagnose the problem.

When I take my 4R to my Toyota certified mechanic, what should I tell him in order to be proactive about this?

Thanks.

Most have reported rough idle on startup for a few seconds and a check engine light indicating misfires. I would suspect a small loss of coolant over a period of time as well. Routine maintenance of oil changes and spark plug changes at the recommended 30k interval can help tell you if anything internal isn't right. But your first indicator will probably be the rough idle and CEL. No real way to be proactive about it or stop it from happening if the gasket is poorly designed. Well, other than changing the gaskets before it messes up.

 

[fable]

Most have reported rough idle on startup for a few seconds and a check engine light indicating misfires. I would suspect a small loss of coolant over a period of time as well. Routine maintenance of oil changes and spark plug changes at the recommended 30k interval can help tell you if anything internal isn't right. But your first indicator will probably be the rough idle and CEL. No real way to be proactive about it or stop it from happening if the gasket is poorly designed. Well, other than changing the gaskets before it messes up.

Thanks 08T4R, much appreciated!

 

[vicrc]

It really is very unexpected. Just be sure you have $2-3k in the bank. I had my 2004 from new and applied every maintenance required. I mostly drive freeways with rare stop and go. In the first 130k miles I noticed an average of 20.7 miles per gallon, it has dropped quite a bit to 20.4 in the last 7000 miles, it might be an indicator as my driving has not changed. It was only two weeks ago when I noticed the rough idle. You can really save a few bucks from having the dealer/ind service do the compression test right away before they charge you for all kinds of other things that may not actually fix your problem like coils, spark plugs etc. That is my thoughts anyways. Good luck and hope you dont have a HG problem.

BTW I took my repair to a dealer, I am hoping Toyo Corp will provide some incentives to owners with a HG issue, using an Ind Service they might not.

I am actually wondering when the new version of the head gasket was used in production?

 

[vicrc]

And if they're charging $500 to resurface the heads, the owner of that machine shop is making some awesome bank. They're ran through a machine that does it for you, real simple 10 minutes each. I think we charged $35 per head to resurface and high temp wash them and pressure check. $500..I'm in the wrong business.

08T4R, It was a very interesting situation today with my stealership. I anonymously called the Toyo service department today and asked them how much does it cost to rebuild the cylinder heads on a 2004 4runner. The person told me its around $200 per head and it includes everything for a rebuild, machining flat, re-seating the valves and replacing the valve seats. And then I asked for the manager and he confirms the cost... Then I told the manager that I have my truck in his dealership for a head gasket repair! And I asked why is your services adviser as asking for $1300 on top of the $500 machine cost for the head, then the manager was very apologetic but insist they do mark up on the machining cost by 40 percent, so I told him how they still come up to $1800 for rebuilding the head with a 40 percent mark up. The manager says he does not know why and he will talk to the service adviser. I told him that my adviser already talked to you about it and you were willing to knock off $200 from it. Again more apologies, and said maybe I got the wrong information..... Finally, I told the manager, put my truck back together and it better be running the same way as I brought it in and it better not have leaky gasket.

The dishonesty of these dealers and Toyo to back these dealership is beyond me.

I am actually thinking of trading it in and it wont be for a Toyota. My truck is worth $10k by KBB but with $3k less for the repair. Taking advantage of people in these hard times is really not helping. I had a Honda, Mitsubishi, Jeep and BMW and they never pulled anything like this.