Well I blew a head gasket today while starting up the 4Runner just so the battery wouldn't go dead. Just bought an 08 Tacoma 3 days ago. I have my Runner listed in the for sale forum section now I don't know what to do. I had planned on selling anyway so is it worth repairing or just selling as is. And also what do you think the value is or what I could get with a blown head gasket? Any info is appreciated thanks. It has 215,000 miles no other problems than the gasket that I know of.
Blown head gasket. Thoughts?
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Frontier719
New member
definitely a complete loss. I'd be happy to take it off your hands.
Honestly though - have you gotten any estimates? I've heard its often cheaper to pick up a JDM and drop it in.
When mine goes, thats my plan. Or if I come in to some cash, do a diesel swap and have some fun.
Honestly though - have you gotten any estimates? I've heard its often cheaper to pick up a JDM and drop it in.
When mine goes, thats my plan. Or if I come in to some cash, do a diesel swap and have some fun.
A.Wilson013
New member
If you're starting it up to save the battery after 3 days then there is something else wrong with it.
As for the head gasket... Just starting it up blew it...? Was it overheating before this?
Seems weird.
As for the head gasket... Just starting it up blew it...? Was it overheating before this?
Seems weird.
Overheated once approximately 3 months ago while off road driving around. Nothing crazy just light driving. Checked the radiator and was low fluid so filled it up and continued driving with no further problems or overheating. Had enough idle upon start up recently but thought it was due to cold start up.
BrianSD_42
New member
New used engine $1,000
Find friends to help with the engine swap: priceless.
No mechanic friends ... Like $750 to do the swap.
Find friends to help with the engine swap: priceless.
No mechanic friends ... Like $750 to do the swap.
Brilliant
New member
Good thing you found the issue before selling a vehicle that was overheated. It would have sure sucked for the buyer, especially since this wasnt disclosed in the for sale ad.
Sounds like something to do yourself, find a shade tree mechanic, or sell for parts.
Sounds like something to do yourself, find a shade tree mechanic, or sell for parts.
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DustyRoads
New member
I was looking on car-parts.com around me and 1000 bucks for a 3.4 doesn't seem likely. How is shipping on these beasts? ugh...
edit: scratch that. how is $1000 150k for a new/used motor drop in rebuild?
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nc-grayson
Member
I don't understand how the head gasket blew when you were just starting it.
How have you confirmed its blown?
KidVermicious
New member
If it was low on coolant before, sounds like it was already blown.
Head gasket isn't a super hard job, but it is time consuming. It's definitely cheaper than a used motor, and unlike a used motor it'll actually raise the value of the truck slightly if you can advertise a fresh head gasket and timing set. Get your tools out and get dirty.
robb1887
New member
This!
I'd trust a new head gasket on a known motor than a JDM drop in that I've heard can be hit or miss. If you go the replacement motor route I would do it completely though a shop unless doing the labor yourself so that they are on the line for the quality of the motor and the labor incurred if the drop in turns up to be a lemon.
Another member recently went through this where he saved a few hundred on the drop in but had the shop swap it to find out the motor was a lemon and of course the shop is not going to cover their labor for his provided parts.
just my 0.02
Dude just fix it. Cheap fix as long as you have the time. Either that or lose a ton of money so someone else gets a lifetime deal. Cracked heads are common on these though being aluminum on a iron block. I had two cracked heads. Still not too bad money wise. Cheaper than selling for nothing and buying something else
KidVermicious
New member
This is so critical. If you're going to take it to a shop, trust the shop. Let them order the parts, let them do the work their way. If you don't trust them to do it right, don't give them your truck, simple as that.
And stay away from used motors unless you know what you're looking for.
KidVermicious
New member
Start with something like this: Toyota 5VZFE 3.4L Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement Kit
I'm not recommending that particular set, I haven't priced them out and I've never ordered from that outfit. But that's the sort of thing you're looking for, much better than ordering piece by piece unless you already know exactly what you need, and it sounds like you don't.
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you also have the opportunity to get your heads checked while they're off. Send to local machine shop and have them check for cracks and so on.
It would suck major to undergo the head gasket effort only to later discover you had a cracked head or 2 that you didn't address.
It would suck major to undergo the head gasket effort only to later discover you had a cracked head or 2 that you didn't address.
robb1887
New member
Whenever you replace a head gasket you should always have the heads decked and pressure checked... especially after an over heat as they are prone to warping.
LC engineering has a good HG kit I believe with the timing belt and water pump bits that would be highly recommended to be replaced if they haven't been in the last 20k or so.
Rock_Rat
Senior Member
I just clicked on your link and never knew these guys existed. They're literally right down the road from me about ten miles. Thanks!
BTW - If you ever want me to stop in and check something out for you guys, just let me know. I'll swing by and talk to them.
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