Head gasket question

[Langcow1]

Obviously it depends a bit on the rest of the vehicle and also how much of the work you can do yourself, but generally speaking is it better to repair a head gasket or replace the engine? I’ve read that the head gasket cost is so high that at that point you might have well just swapped the engine, but that may not be entirely accurate

 

[Langcow1]

Also have any of you tried one of these reman engines?

3.4L Engine for 1999 Toyota 4Runner

 

[armabill]

If you got another engine, you don't know what condition it's in internally. You do know with the one that you have, I'd replace the head gaskets.

I did exactly that with my 2005, no regrets.

 

[T4R2014]

I don't trust reman engines, usually cheap parts. JDMs are very expensive these days if you can find a good one. If you have to ask this question, I'd just cough up for a JDM. Otherwise you'll need to cough up for a mechanic that can verify flatness of head and deck, use OEM parts, AND understand the significance of torquing bolts to specification. This is much harder to find than a guy who can swap engines.

 

[Langcow1]

I went ahead and ordered the parts for the head gasket repair tonight
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[T4R2014]

I went ahead and ordered the parts for the head gasket repair tonight
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Did you order the valve grind kit for your VIN? I would also order new head bolts if you haven't already, ideally OEM. No need to reinvent the wheel with ARP studs,

 

[Langcow1]

Did you order the valve grind kit for your VIN? I would also order new head bolts if you haven't already, ideally OEM. No need to reinvent the wheel with ARP studs,

Thanks man - I didn’t get a grind kit but I did get the head bolts

 

[Langcow1]

OK great news: not blown head gaskets. Just a couple leaking hoses!

Pro tip: don’t order a bunch of parts without properly diagnosing the problem

 

[T4R2014]

OK great news: not blown head gaskets. Just a couple leaking hoses!

Pro tip: don’t order a bunch of parts without properly diagnosing the problem

That's awesome. But at 300k you'd might as well have the parts on hand. Prices will only go up.

 

[cruisercorner]

I did a HG on a 5vz somewhat recently. It's not a bad job, but takes a while. I think I spent $800 all said and done - that includes decking the heads and pressure test for cracks, but I also did a lot of while I was in there things (oil hoses and such that are easy access when heads are off. Timmy has a great video series on it that was super helpful.