Advice on 1995 3.0L head gaskets

[allwheeldad]

I am looking at a 95 with blown head gaskets. I am not really familiar with Toyota architecture and need some feedback on these motors. From what I can tell this is a very commom problem for this motor. I don't know if it qualifies for the recall or if the work has already been done. I am coming here from the Subaru camp, and we have our own head gasket demons in the 2.5. This truck just kinda fell in my lap and I'm wondering if it is worth it to fix and flip. I have all the tools and facilities to do the work as I have pulled motors and done HG's on numerous Subies. The owner wants $1200.00 for it with 250,000 kms. It has a bunch of new parts and is dealer maintained. Her price is what the local dealership told her they would give her for it. How tough are these motors? She said it overheated once and she took it right to the dealership. Can I leave the engine in the vehicle or is it faster / easier to pull it? And lastly, if I decide to do it, where can I download an FSM (I prefer factory torque specs)? Thanks in advance.

 

[boscounderfoot]

The 3.0 is a pretty tough little engine, albiet not that powerful for a V6. There are quite a few people who don't like it but I personally have 285k miles (450k km) on mine and no problems at all. Mileage isn't that bad, 16mpg on average. I called Toyota and found out that my truck has NOT had the head gaskets done yet so I get a freebee when/if they do fail. It really depends on how well the 4runner you're looking at was maintained. Not sure what the sequence is north of the border for dealing with the head gasket recall, I simply called the 1-800 number and gave them my VIN, it only took 5minutes. I actually thought the engine had let go this past summer but it turned out to be nothing more than a worn rod bearing. I simply replaced all 6of the rod bearings ($70) and was amazed at how much quieter the engine is running. That was 6 months and ago and no problems since.

$1200 sounds pretty good for a '95 with that mileage. If it doesn't have any serious rust issues or other problems, that price is a steal. If I was you, and the truck is really clean, I'd buy a head gasket replacement kit (the whole top-end gasket kit) a timing belt/tensioner/water pump kit and fix it. Use the search option on this site to your advantage, there are links to FSM's and "how to's" on the head gasket/timing belt replacement. Hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[204runner]

I would not hessitate to buy this, as long as it is not rusted out. I have 412 xxx on mine and it burns a little bit of oil (1 liter every 3500kms). At 380xxx I drove it from Halifax Nova Scotia to Winnipeg Manitoba and from there made a dozen 1600 km round trips to thompson MB (no cell service or mechanics for about 450 kms at a time) and am gonna do it all over again in 2 months.

Yeah it is a little sluggish but it has 4lo and dont be afraid to take it to 4grand (I have no problems)

Is it the 5 speed or auto Mine is auto.

Just realized If its dealer Maintained thats a huge bonous. Let us know what you decide to do and If you don't pick it up WHERE IS IT LOCATED hahaha

 

[allwheeldad]

Thanks for the advice, I think I am going to grab it. If nothing else I have always wanted something that is off-road capable and I have been in some pretty deep bush with friends in their tacomas. Is there anything particular with this motor about what head gaskets to use? The motors I work on are an OEM only gasket, unless you want to do it again in six months. I didn't have the time last night to do any searchs and needed some feedback before telling the woman if I would buy it or not today. I will try to keep the annoying questions to a minimal and figure out the archives, but as I haven't done a yota before, chances are good you'll find me back here. By the way, the truck is in Ontario. Any more information than that will have to wait until I drive it home!