dang. blew a head gasket Helppp!!

I sent you a pm but I don't know if I could solve much more than you. I've torn into the 5vz-fe a few times. Has anyone done previous work on your motor? And is yours the v6?
Why the head gasket blew on start up is beyond me
 
Well...don't be starting it with all that antifreeze in the oil or you will ruin the whole engine.
As it stands, if you didn't run it too much you may be able to yank the head and just replace the gasket and change your fluids.
Someone capable could do that in a day.
 
Ok so I talked to my dad (original owner of my 1996 sr5) he went to the dealer just a couple years after buying the 4Runner brand new for unrelated reasons and found out about a head gasket recall. They rebuilt the whole top of the engine for free. This has to be a rare occurance.
Your symptoms for sure show a bad head gasket.
 
Ok so I talked to my dad (original owner of my 1996 sr5) he went to the dealer just a couple years after buying the 4Runner brand new for unrelated reasons and found out about a head gasket recall. They rebuilt the whole top of the engine for free. This has to be a rare occurance.
Your symptoms for sure show a bad head gasket.

I'm sure he's out of the mileage range though, by now =/

Same thing happened to my '91 - it had a HG recall but they wouldn't replace it since the truck had 280,000. Go figure =P
 
why can't you take it to a shop on your next day off to get a $50-$75 evaluation?

Do they have buses in FL?

People ride public transportation all the time when they are stuck with a broke down vehicle. Even if it adds 2 hrs to your commute, so what. Just ride the bus for a few days and then go to the shop on your day off.
 
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why can't you take it to a shop on your next day off to get a $50-$75 evaluation?

Do they have buses in FL? People ride public transportation all the time when they are stuck with a broke down vehicle.

I agree. I feel like you're making a rash decision, and you're definitely going to regret parting with it. Especially after you get another used vehicle, which will just come with it's own set of problems / issues that need addressed. It's ALMOST always cheaper to keep fixing it than to replace it.
 
Lol yes we have busses. But for me to drive to work is an hour there and over an hour back. Don't even want to imagine a bus. And as for the shop I don't need to pay 75 for them to tell me that a head gasket went out or the heads or bad because either way I know it's one or the other but don't really have the money time or tools to replace either. Which Is why I'm leaning towards the rash decision to sell. I love this truck
 
Taking buses is extremely uncommon in Florida, unless you're in the high population metro areas, for example downtown orlando. Its either bum a ride or hope wherever you go is within biking distance.
I sent you a pm offering to help out but all the signs are pointing to a bad (I wouldn't say blown) head gasket.
The gaskets can be had for cheap and what have you got to lose? I see it as a full weekend job plus nobody will want to buy the 4Runner off of you with a bad head gasket unless maybe you describe to them what you have to us and they know 4runners well.
 
How good of a friend is your Mechanic buddy? Maybe he'll take pity on your situation, and help you change the headgasket.

Hell, if I were in Orlando, I'd help a forum member in a tough situation swap a headgasket(s), just for something to do.

Ride the Bus if there is no other option, and get it fixed properly. Good luck.
 
Well guys hate to say but the 4 runner is sold... on the plus side I sold it for 100 more than I bought it. I also picked up a slightly lifted 94 f150 to drive. I plan on driving it for a couple weeks then I will look for another 4 runner. It's in good shape so I think resell will be easy
 

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