head job? what exactly is that?

[slim_slc]

there is a 93 4Runner near me for sale for 2200.00. It looks to be in nice shape, very pretty visually. Has 211k miles on it, with reportedly 130k on the engine. The guy says it runs okay, but kind of rough, and has low compression in cyl 3. Said he had it checked out by two different shops and was told he will need a head job, to the tune of about 1500.00 to get it fixed...said he was told it has a burnt valve.

What exactly is a head job? Does 1500.00 sound right for this job?

Should I be at all worried about the rest of the components on the truck at 211k miles? Even if the engine is brand new, there's still 211k on the tranny, axles, and everything else. Still, for 2200.00, plus the cost of repairs, this is a tempting situation.

Give me some advice. And explain what a head job is.

 

[Phil79886]

isnt anything like a 4runner but this explains basically what you end up doing in a head job http://www.mirafiori.com/~courtney/124/headjob.html


good luck

 

[slim_slc]

thanks for the link.....so the way I understand it, a headjob is basically the removal of the head, and then making sure everything is in order, the head is machined to make sure it is flat, and then certain parts are inspected and replaced as needed.....I know this is the simple version.

So, is it basically a top-end rebuild?

 

[fourwd1]

1500 sounds a little high to me, you can get a new head for 3-400 here , and Ted is good.
Say 8 hr labor @ 60/hr, so that's ~900 for a new head, not reworking yours.

Get the truck for 1200-1500, then you have a good deal.

just my .02

 

[slim_slc]

yeah, but that price is for a 22re.....is it similar for a 3.0?

 

[Falken]

Head Job

You might want to check the serial # with a local Toyota dealer to see if that vehicle is eligible for the head gasket recall. Mine is and it's a 1990. I just booked into a local dealer for the repair. The recall was available up to 1995 model year both USA & Canada.
To begin to learn about this try using this link.
http://www.brian894x4.com/V6headgasketrecall.html

Then you might want to google Toyota head gasket recall or somesuch.
There is a good chance that something other than the head gasket is casing the problem in which case things would be cost prohibitive.

Keep shopping and check the serial # with the dealer before you buy a 88-95 4runner with a v-6 to se if the recall work has been done. I think you can find a better deal.

Take care , Falken