Head gaskets going - need advice on what to do

[clt750]

So I have a 2000 3rd Gen with 230k on it..... 3.4, TRD Super Charger, Airaid Intake, Automatic.

Ive been slowly losing coolant and throwing misfire codes so I had a local guy do a compression test and a coolant pressure test. As Im typing this the rig is still at the shop and I dont have the specifics of the compression test....... but I have been told the test showed low compression. The coolant pressure test he did showed water entering cylinders, so this guy is recommending new head gaskets.

How does one determine if rings are bad if you have bad head gaskets, or can you?

With that said I am also wayyyyyyyy behind on having the timing belt replaced. So I asked him to give me an idea on the head gaskets and timing belt replacement and he estimated 6 to 7K. Does this sound outrageous? I plan on getting more estimates with the info this guy has provided me. This type of work is beyond what I want to try and tackle so I will need to have it done somewhere.

Also Im on the fence if I want to dump that kind of cash in to it at this point. Seems like I could find a lower mileage crate motor and have that in installed over having this type of work done for 6 to 7k.

I love this thing but Im at a loss at what to do at the moment. And yes I do realize its 22 years old.

Cheers
Curt

 

[Bad Luck]

So I have a 2000 3rd Gen with 230k on it..... 3.4, TRD Super Charger, Airaid Intake, Automatic.

Ive been slowly losing coolant and throwing misfire codes so I had a local guy do a compression test and a coolant pressure test. As Im typing this the rig is still at the shop and I dont have the specifics of the compression test....... but I have been told the test showed low compression. The coolant pressure test he did showed water entering cylinders, so this guy is recommending new head gaskets.

How does one determine if rings are bad if you have bad head gaskets, or can you?

With that said I am also wayyyyyyyy behind on having the timing belt replaced. So I asked him to give me an idea on the head gaskets and timing belt replacement and he estimated 6 to 7K. Does this sound outrageous? I plan on getting more estimates with the info this guy has provided me. This type of work is beyond what I want to try and tackle so I will need to have it done somewhere.

Also Im on the fence if I want to dump that kind of cash in to it at this point. Seems like I could find a lower mileage crate motor and have that in installed over having this type of work done for 6 to 7k.

I love this thing but Im at a loss at what to do at the moment. And yes I do realize its 22 years old.

Cheers
Curt

A cylinder leak down test on the cylinder(s) with low compression will determine where you are losing compression. Since you said that he said there was coolant entering the cylinder then that is where your compression is going (assuming that is accurate).

In order to remove the cylinder heads the timing belt has to be removed. With that in mind any more than an additional hour (or less) of labor to replace the timing belt AND timing idler and tensioner would be reasonable. The idler and tensioner would be additional replacements and not required if just removing the timing belt.

Prices are going to vary drastically based on quality of parts used, labor hours quoted, and labor rate. Labor rate is going to be one of the biggest factors and will vary greatly depending on your area and where you take it. A dealership or shop specializing in Toyotas will be much higher than a mom/pop auto shop or shade tree mechanic.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

If you don’t rebuild the heads, the required gaskets etc is a little over 200 from YotaShop. They provide everything necessary to replace the heads. Including head bolts and new knock sensor harness. Timing belt kit add 300 more depending on quality of parts. So the rest of their quote is labor.

My prices are two to three years old but shouldn’t be out of the ball park.

Depending on someone else to do your work is going to be expensive. But, this is not a job for the faint of heart. It took me an entire weekend to just remove the parts required for a simple timing belt job due to the rusted bolts from a 1996 NewJersey rig.


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[Soneill]

How comfortable are you with mechanic work? I'm no pro but I've done 3 in about 4 hours each. There is alot of room. YouTube is You best friend.

 

[beersyboy]

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heres a good video on the procedure. If you have the tools it shouldn't be that bad just takes awhile