head gasket leak again. Fix or dump?
- Thread starter BigNate
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alaskaflyer
New member
I owned a 97 for a while, got real good at the head gasket. Not that bad of a job but time consuming.
BrianSD_42
New member
OP you provided very little info in your post.
Why don't you tell us more so we can help make a suggestion.
What is the mileage and year?
Is is a 4x4?
At what mileage did the heads first break
How bad was the leak
Was it both sides
How did you repair the issue (refurbish both heads, just the gaskets?)
Who did the work
Did you use Toyota parts
How long did it run without symptoms?
Answer these questions and advice will follow :zoom:
My cracked-head thread ...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/[email protected]
How to do an advanced search ...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-t...far-more-accurately-than-standard-method.html
Why don't you tell us more so we can help make a suggestion.
What is the mileage and year?
Is is a 4x4?
At what mileage did the heads first break
How bad was the leak
Was it both sides
How did you repair the issue (refurbish both heads, just the gaskets?)
Who did the work
Did you use Toyota parts
How long did it run without symptoms?
Answer these questions and advice will follow :zoom:
My cracked-head thread ...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/[email protected]
How to do an advanced search ...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-t...far-more-accurately-than-standard-method.html
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1997 Limited 4x4 3.4L,225k miles to first fail, 25k more to second.
First time I just noticed it getting hot on the way home from work. Parked it added water after it cooled off. Wasn't sure but thought it was leaking hose that caused it. Replaced the hose. This time was driving in town, noticed the temp climbing. Idle rough. Pulled over added water. Drove 17 miles home. Was over heating the last couple miles.
Leaking at #6 both times.
Due to timing issues I took it to a shop. Replaced head gaskets and everything else from the heads up. Heads were sent out to a different shop who supposedly specialized in heads. Not sure of the shop name now. I'd have to look it up.
Supposedly Toyota parts were used.
Im just wondering if It's worth it to do a long block or shouls I just replace the gaskets and dump it.
chuck norris
New member
25k on a fresh top-end rebuild means that the shop didn't do the job right the first time... I'd be talking to them before making any rash decisions about the truck.
BrianSD_42
New member
You have some hard choices.
I haven't even driven 25k miles since my repair but I am hoping it lasts 100k miles. I did both sides with new aftermarket JE heads and used Toyota gasket kit , all from a reputable shop. Others haven't been so lucky. Total cost was $2700 + tax.
If the issue comes back I will 100% do an engine swap. It is just cheaper , period. I think you should start looking for engines. If you can find a good shop that has done a lot of Toyotas then you can probably swap it for $500 in labor. Sure you will have no warranty but that is just the risk. 12 more warranty didn't help that much the last time. At least this way you can get an engine with < 100k miles.
It also occurs to me you may be limited in shop choices up there in Idaho.
I haven't even driven 25k miles since my repair but I am hoping it lasts 100k miles. I did both sides with new aftermarket JE heads and used Toyota gasket kit , all from a reputable shop. Others haven't been so lucky. Total cost was $2700 + tax.
If the issue comes back I will 100% do an engine swap. It is just cheaper , period. I think you should start looking for engines. If you can find a good shop that has done a lot of Toyotas then you can probably swap it for $500 in labor. Sure you will have no warranty but that is just the risk. 12 more warranty didn't help that much the last time. At least this way you can get an engine with < 100k miles.
It also occurs to me you may be limited in shop choices up there in Idaho.
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BrianSD_42
New member
Use the link above to search only the 3rd gen section within the last year for "used engine" "engine swap" or "where buy used engine" etc.
Singtoe did a V8 swap but he is not a mere mortal. I think you can find a good even warrantied used engine with 100k miles or less for sub $1500, local pickup. Sure you may have to drive or pay shipping but this would be cheaper than the heads repair - again.
Singtoe did a V8 swap but he is not a mere mortal. I think you can find a good even warrantied used engine with 100k miles or less for sub $1500, local pickup. Sure you may have to drive or pay shipping but this would be cheaper than the heads repair - again.
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