Blown head gasket, San Diego

[cre8tive1]

Hi all,

My 2004 4Runner V6 blew the head gasket at 238,000. I am from San Diego and took it to the Truck Shop and got an estimate from James. They had just done another truck the previous week and the bill was $2800.

I know they have a great reputation, but I just don't have those funds.

My father is a retired auto college instructor with all the tools I would need. I'm curious how much time it has taken others to DIY. I downloaded the Toyota service manuals from their online service.

Lastly, has anyone else in San Diego County found a reputable mechanic to does this for less than $2800?

Thanks,

jr

 

[nissanh]

I'll give my experience in head gasket repair. This is with a Toyota 4 cylinder (you have 2 heads to deal with). Shop quoted $1100 and I did everything for $260.

Took me about 3 days to get everything back on. One day was gone to get the head resurfaced + valve job with new seals (no more oil burning at the start-up!)

I think you can do it. I took pictures along the way. Enjoyed a lot too! Places to be careful are at the removal/installation of the head (must lose/tight bolts somewhat in a zig-zag pattern with 45 degree turns at a time)

Make sure to get a complete head valve job, it is worth. It will increase the pulling power due to better compression.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Nissanh,

if you are going to tell him he can do it himself for $260 you should post some links or pictures.. ..

$260 wouldn't even pay for the gasket kit. opcorn:


OP,

Start by pasting this into google and reading the results.

site:toyota-4Runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/ head gasket

Here is a link about my ordeal (I'm in San Diego)
Link ---> http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/88502-head-gasket-fail-199-840-now-what.html

Also noted in my thread:
Link @ page 2 --> http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...al-build-maintenance-thread-2.html#post771701


:ranger:

I had my heads repaired here: The Truck Shop

http://www.sdtruckshop.com/

 

[BrianSD_42]

Lastly, has anyone else in San Diego County found a reputable mechanic to does this for less than $2800?

I think the question is what do you want done?

238k original miles is a lot. Both heads are probably toast.
There are shops that will do it for you if you bring in your own parts, even James would probably do that but ALL mechanics will offer no warranty in those situations.

James prefers to use Toyota parts and can do either one side or both and either an aftermarket head or a refurbished one. You have options.

Just be sure to verify you are comparing apples for apples when talking to another mechanic.

If I were you ... I would shop for an engine and do an engine swap. You can buy and engine for < $1500, often < $1000. And swap it in with your dad.

:guitar2:

 

[nissanh]

I said what I did for a 4 cylinder car with no previous experience.

Brian,
I don't think 238 K miles is a lot for a toyota engine, 350K may be. For a high mile toyota engine, what you really need is a good head valve job from a reputed machine shop.

 

[T4R2014]

I think this thread needs to be moved to the 4th Gen section.