Head gasket problem???

[Runner#4]

Hello everyone,

First post although I am a "silent" reader of the forum for a long time.
I learned a lot from you guys and must say that this is the most informative and professional forum I have ever saw.
Now I have a real problem with my car and thought to post it to check out what do you guys are thinking.

So, here goes:

I own a 2002 4Runner, 2wd.
About 2 months ago, 3 lights came on during driving (check engine, vsc trac and trac off).
Went to the shop and they said the plugs are misfiring and replaced all the plugs. It lasted for a month and the lights came on again. But this time I have a ticking sound from the engine, the engine is really losing power and when starting the car in the morning the exhaust is smoking.
So I went to the shop again, they checked everything and said they think it's the timing belt. They opened everything and checked the belt which was fine.
Then they said they suspect it's the head gasket so they ran more checks for the head and everything turned out ok!!! (See attached pic for full descriptions).

Now they are saying that my choices are to send the head gasket to inspection and see if it can be fixed or to change the whole engine!!!!!
Both option are really expensive and I wanted to see if you guys has some other ideas or recommendations.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, tips and info.

#4.

 

[eplanajr]

Don't take your rig to Aammco.

Find a local Toyota shop, or reputable shop. Symptoms are typical of a blown hg.

 

[absalom]

I'm not going to read that sideways report from those monkeys. Did they even bother to pull the codes?

My advice, pull the codes (for free @ local Autozone, Napa, O'reilleys, etc). Then, if you're unwilling to fix the problem yourself, take it to a local, reputable, Toyota mechanic. Engine replacement isn't that bad of an option. I have one for sale, $995 comes with full maintenance records.

Edit: I see they did pull the codes. Sounds like head gasket to me. Usually around $600-$1,200 to replace from what I've seen.

 

[96pearlrunner]

possibly cracked head. my passenger side head cylinder head was cracked but I didn't get any CEL's. If they pressurized you cooling system they should've been able to tell if it was leaking. We can play the guessing game all day long but you won't know until you tear it apart. You'd save more money if you do it yourself it's not too bad but I guess if you're not mechanically inclined you could pay a shop to do it but just make sure they're reputable.

 

[Kenworth]

Ammco ? Come on really