Cylinder head cracked, what to do moving forward?

[Konkordmusk]

Long story short, my truck started misfiring a few days ago. I paid a shop to look at it and they came back with at least a broken head gasket. Possible cracked head. They don't know until they tear it apart.

As much as I am hoping for just the head gasket, there is a high chance the head is cracked. The slimy mechanic used by my parents (when the truck was theirs) did the head gasket 30k miles ago. I am damn near positive he didn't machine the head flat, thus creating a good chance for a cracked head. (correct me if I am wrong).

So I have been quoted 3,700 for a head replacement, or 4900 for a low miles engine swap. I would do the engine swap myself if it was not for the fact that as an Aerospace Engineering student, I have no time whatsoever for an endeavor that large.

What should I do? The truck has 245k miles on it. Time to sell? Worth the engine replace? I want to hear your thoughts.

Would you like me to come by and look at it, and give you a second opinion?
I live and work in San Bruno.

 

[rossgoldie]

The thing is, he's in a bit of a catch 22

Can't find out the head condition unless they pull it and show to a machine shop, which will either be done when he pays for it or is already doing the work anyway.

Exactly

 

[rossgoldie]

Would you like me to come by and look at it, and give you a second opinion?

I live and work in San Bruno.

I wouldn't mind. I'm in San Luis Obispo so that's not exactly close.

 

[Konkordmusk]

I wouldn't mind. I'm in San Luis Obispo so that's not exactly close.

Oh, thats a trek. Your location says San Jose which isn't that far.

 

[rossgoldie]

Oh, thats a trek. Your location says San Jose which isn't that far.

Oh yea whoops, I'm in SLO for college and SJ for the summers.

 

[4Runnermex]

I saw an ad o CL for a engine close to Sacramento If I recall correctly. I can't see if you have a 4x4 or 2wd. It's easier and quicker CHEAPER to do a swap. Someone can do it for cheap, you can be in it for around 1500.00 engine and labor.
I do 2wd in about 6hours and 4x4 in about 10.

I've done plenty of swaps and self thought..
Got airline miles?? I'll take my tools!! Lol

 

[rossgoldie]

I saw an ad o CL for a engine close to Sacramento If I recall correctly. I can't see if you have a 4x4 or 2wd. It's easier and quicker CHEAPER to do a swap. Someone can do it for cheap, you can be in it for around 1500.00 engine and labor.
I do 2wd in about 6hours and 4x4 in about 10.

I've done plenty of swaps and self thought..
Got airline miles?? I'll take my tools!! Lol

Thanks for the offer! I have decided to send the truck to a shop that is highly recommended by a friend. Im biting the bullet and going to get a rebuilt engine and trans (cheaper now that later). Both come with a 3 year warranty. I figure it's worth the extra cash for what will essentially be a brand new vehicle.

 

[4Runnermex]

Very true!! It's worth the cash