Head gasket dilemma

[4OYOTER]

I have a 1997 4x4 V6. 317K miles. The truck was running great until I changed the fuel filter a few days ago. Within the past few days the truck has began to idle rough and lots of white smelly smoke even when warmed up. The coolant is also a little low. Took it to a shop and they confirmed head gasket failure. Maybe the fuel filter was coincidental, maybe the head gasket has ready to give and the extra fuel pressure was the last straw? The truck has always been well maintained, with service records from previous owner. No noticable oil consumption in the 6 months I have owned it.

Anyways, the shop has quoted me $2300 to send the heads out to remachine and the valve job. Or $4000 installed for an engine with approx 120K on it. One year warranty.

I talked to another shop who didn't feel comfortable only doing the top end on a truck with 317K Miles. They said replacing the engine is the only way to go. They quoted me $1800 labor and I can pick the engine myself. I found a JDM engine with 65K that I can get for around $1300. Engine has a 30 day warranty.

I'm also toying with the idea of either selling the 4runner, and driving a rental car in the meantime until I find another 3rd gen. Or driving a rental car in the meantime while doing the heads myself. I've never done any internal Engine work before, but if I take my time and ask questions and get a manual with a how to and pictures maybe that would be a good option.

What would y'all do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nc-grayson]

How long have you owned the truck?

 

[4OYOTER]

How long have you owned the truck?

6 months. I paid $2500 for it. The frame is in great shape and it has a newer transmission. Im hesitant to sell it because 3rd gens in decent condition for a decent price seem to be hard to come by in Central Texas.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I have a 1997 4x4 V6. 317K miles. The truck was running great until I changed the fuel filter a few days ago. Within the past few days the truck has began to idle rough and lots of white smelly smoke even when warmed up. The coolant is also a little low. Took it to a shop and they confirmed head gasket failure. Maybe the fuel filter was coincidental, maybe the head gasket has ready to give and the extra fuel pressure was the last straw? The truck has always been well maintained, with service records from previous owner. No noticable oil consumption in the 6 months I have owned it.

Anyways, the shop has quoted me $2300 to send the heads out to remachine and the valve job. Or $4000 installed for an engine with approx 120K on it. One year warranty.

I talked to another shop who didn't feel comfortable only doing the top end on a truck with 317K Miles. They said replacing the engine is the only way to go. They quoted me $1800 labor and I can pick the engine myself. I found a JDM engine with 65K that I can get for around $1300. Engine has a 30 day warranty.

I'm also toying with the idea of either selling the 4runner, and driving a rental car in the meantime until I find another 3rd gen. Or driving a rental car in the meantime while doing the heads myself. I've never done any internal Engine work before, but if I take my time and ask questions and get a manual with a how to and pictures maybe that would be a good option.

What would y'all do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I would stay away from JDM engines in the 4Runner. People have had a hit or miss situation. I think that if there is nothing else wrong, frame is in good shape, I would put a used USDM engine in it or sell it as is and find a new one. If you can't do the work yourself, not sure if it will be worth it to pay someone to put a new engine in it..

I don't think it had anything to do with the fuel filter. Coincidence only.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I would pull them heads and replace the gasket and be done. IDK about machine shops in TX but for what work I've sent off to a machine shop the job they have done runs around $150 that includes resurfacing and checking for cracks. That is if u have the time to full with it.

 

[4Runnermex]

I have a 1997 4x4 V6. 317K miles. The truck was running great until I changed the fuel filter a few days ago. Within the past few days the truck has began to idle rough and lots of white smelly smoke even when warmed up. The coolant is also a little low. Took it to a shop and they confirmed head gasket failure. Maybe the fuel filter was coincidental, maybe the head gasket has ready to give and the extra fuel pressure was the last straw? The truck has always been well maintained, with service records from previous owner. No noticable oil consumption in the 6 months I have owned it.

Anyways, the shop has quoted me $2300 to send the heads out to remachine and the valve job. Or $4000 installed for an engine with approx 120K on it. One year warranty.

I talked to another shop who didn't feel comfortable only doing the top end on a truck with 317K Miles. They said replacing the engine is the only way to go. They quoted me $1800 labor and I can pick the engine myself. I found a JDM engine with 65K that I can get for around $1300. Engine has a 30 day warranty.

I'm also toying with the idea of either selling the 4runner, and driving a rental car in the meantime until I find another 3rd gen. Or driving a rental car in the meantime while doing the heads myself. I've never done any internal Engine work before, but if I take my time and ask questions and get a manual with a how to and pictures maybe that would be a good option.

What would y'all do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hey man, I live in San Antonio and I have quite a bit of experience swapping 3rd gen engine.

1800 labor for a swap it's stupidly expensive
I usually charge around 1000

And I can probably get you an engine for less than 1000 down here there's a few.

If you have a good tranny then don't hesitate to drop an engine in that baby.

I'll be willing to do the work of you pull it to my driveway or pay the pull for my son to bring it here.

Or sell it to me if you that's your last option..

 

[4OYOTER]

Thanks everyone for the help. [MENTION=127012]4Runnermex[/MENTION] i will let you know

 

[superdavebigD]

I am in a very similar situation, looking at used motors with unknown history for about $800. Luckily my 4Runner is my extra toy vehicle, so I was able to be patient and really search. IF you can wait, I would suggest looking around for a good deal on a used motor, be patient.

I got very lucky just today, and found a Wrecked 2000 Limited T4R at a Tow Yard as a LIEN SALE. Which means someone left the truck at the tow yard for too long, and now the tow yard owns the vehicle. The truck only has 117k miles!!!

I came to an agreement today with tow yard to pay $450 for the whole thing! Has heavy front end damage but I will be pulling motor, trans, all 4 tires/wheels, some interior stuff, and other misc items that my 96 SR5 could really use.

Point is, there are a lot of these trucks around. IF you can be patient, you can get a great deal and save a ton of money.

For used motors check out car-part.com ... I trust LKQ Corp., if you can find a body shop or mechanic shop that will take the delivery, they deliver for free.

 

[4OYOTER]

i ended up getting it towed back home while I decide what i want to do. I checked the oil and it now looks like a chocolate milk shake. is the coolant mixed oil sitting in there going to further damage anything? just trying to figure out if i should drain it out in case i end up selling it to someone who is going to do a top end rebuild.

 

[The Count]

I've seen vehicles sit for months with coolant/oil mixture in the crankcase, lifter valley area, and in on valve train with no noticeable rust or corrosion. The oil and coolant mix and don't drain into crankcase like straight oil does. But it isn't going to rust internally.

I would NOT pull the heads on a motor with that kind of mileage. I'd go decent mileage junkyard motor.