How screwed am I? Blown Headgasket?

[4Running Daily]

Great news .. good luck!

Be sure to ask for compression test #s

Your 3,900 post btw.


From what I remember, they're pulling the heads today.

 

[02SE]

You bring up a good point. They compression check it etc.

That's good to hear, but a compression check that is good today, is no indication of what will happen with the engine in the future. The used engine could be ready to fail in short order too.

If the OP's engine has been properly maintained throughout it's life, (I believe he has stated his Father bought it new) it's a better option to properly replace the headgaskets, than to drop in an engine of completely unknown history, IMO.

I've seen too many junkyard engines that had good compression, but failed in short order when dropped into another vehicle, due to previous owner maintenance neglect.

Good luck to the OP, in whatever you and your parents decide.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Still haven't heard any other news.

I'm not making any decisions until I hear back if the head is warped or not. Or what they believe to be the problem.

I appreciate all of you for your help, especially OlBlue. If I need a new engine I will no doubt take you up on your offer.

Brian, they do warranty their work. So I will not be paying them twice.

Warranty it for 4 years? Hate to say it brother but you're paying for this one.

 

[4Running Daily]

Warranty it for 4 years? Hate to say it brother but you're paying for this one.

On head work, their warranty is off mileage not years.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I wish you the best, you seem like a good kid. I hope it works out that way but I'll be shocked if they warranty it after 4 years regardless of the mileage.

And I thought you said it was the other side anyway.

 

[4Running Daily]

I wish you the best, you seem like a good kid. I hope it works out that way but I'll be shocked if they warranty it after 4 years regardless of the mileage.

And I thought you said it was the other side anyway.

I thought it was.

I thought cylinder #3 was filled in March 09. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't cylinder #3 passenger side, closest to passenger. Coolant was all over the driver side this time. On the phone though, they did say it was the same side as last time. So rites anyone's guess haha.

Regarding the warranty, I'll be surprised too honestly. But hey, you can only do what you can do, I know, no matter what happens within the next week, it will be driving down the road soon enough, and in the end that's all that matters to me.

 

[LittleCaesar]

That is a good warranty if they stand behind it Connor. I do find it hard to believe that only one side was done before, but such is done and gone. Weigh your options and keep us posted.

If they are nice, go in there and snap some pics of the carnage.

#3 is middle, passenger side.

 

[4Running Daily]

That is a good warranty if they stand behind it Connor. I do find it hard to believe that only one side was done before, but such is done and gone. Weigh your options and keep us posted.

If they are nice, go in there and snap some pics of the carnage.

#3 is middle, passenger side.

When they call me tomorrow I'm going to ask if I can come in and grab some pics!

 

[Ol'Blue]

Things that make you go Hummmmm.

I'm just baffled how a head gasket goes out after 14k. :shrug:

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm just baffled how a head gasket goes out after 14k. :shrug:

Here's some possibilities:

1) they did not use OEM gasket kit (which is expensive BTW)

2) they didn't properly refinish the head surface

3) it is actually a cracked head (not uncommon), in which case the warranty MAY not really apply since he only replaced the gasket and did not repair the head.

4) vehicle overheated when he first had the problem 2 years ago, warped the block slightly and it is out of spec.

As for only doing one side ... it is a cost saving gamble. Doing both sides properly with Toyota gaskets can get very pricey very quick.

 

[4Running Daily]

Both heads are warped, not cracked.

My passenger head is warped beyond machining, it's done, it's trash, bye bye.
My driver's head is warped, but is able to be resurfaced.

I need to find a passenger head for a 5VZFE with Cams already installed soon!

Someone point me towards somewhere reputable to buy a head from!

 

[Ol'Blue]

Ask and Receive...

Conner,

Found them-

Drivers side They have two heads (they are used and they will guarantee them not to be cracked and car be rebuilt if you choose) 200.00 bucks

Passenger Side, you ready ???? They have one that is already rebuilt and ready to drop in. It is wrapped in plastic still with cams and everything. 300.00 bucks.

Call the guys over there and talk to them(George). 67 Truck

Blue

 

[4Running Daily]

Conner,

Found them-

Drivers side They have two heads (they are used and they will guarantee them not to be cracked and car be rebuilt if you choose) 200.00 bucks

Passenger Side, you ready ???? They have one that is already rebuilt and ready to drop in. It is wrapped in plastic still with cams and everything. 300.00 bucks.

Call the guys over there and talk to them(George). 67 Truck

Blue

Ya I'm buying that passenger head. I assume one of your PM's has the number in it?

Edit- 67 Truck is closed for the evening, left them a message with my phone number. I assume they will call me in the morning.
Thank you so much [MENTION=92510]Ol'Blue[/MENTION]!

 

[Ol'Blue]

Link...

Ryan or George

67 Truck: Used Truck Parts San Diego | Used Auto Parts | East County San Diego California's Wrecking Yard/ Junk Yard

Blue


arty:

 

[4Running Daily]

So my mechanic wants $3000 out the door for them to source the parts and fix the whole thing.

For that price, he is sourcing a new head without cams. Then the cams will be swapped into the new head, that's why the price is so high, in labor for swapping the cams over.

I have no idea how much buying a refurb head with cams in it for $300 will save me over all, probably alot.

This is a conversation with my group of friends. (Excuse my language).
Only a 4Runner owner.

 

[Ol'Blue]

3k wtf???

So my mechanic wants $3000 out the door for them to source the parts and fix the whole thing.

For that price, he is sourcing a new head without cams. Then the cams will be swapped into the new head, that's why the price is so high, in labor for swapping the cams over.

I have no idea how much buying a refurb head with cams in it for $300 will save me over all, probably alot.

This is a conversation with my group of friends. (Excuse my language).
Only a 4Runner owner.
View attachment 84275

Dude I understand he is in business to stay in business but F me. It just seems way to high. If you had a complete head that is rebuilt IE Passenger side and all he is doing is the install on that side. Then send out the other head to be rebuilt if you get one from 67 and do an install and gaskets. That is not going to cost 3K. The dude is smoking some good stuff if you get my point. Is anyone else thinking the same thing? Hell for 3k I say drop a different motor in for that. Shit. I'm sorry man. Brian what do you think man?

Blue

 

[4Running Daily]

Dude I understand he is in business to stay in business but F me. It just seems way to high. If you had a complete head that is rebuilt IE Passenger side and all he is doing is the install on that side. Then send out the other head to be rebuilt if you get one from 67 and do an install and gaskets. That is not going to cost 3K. The dude is smoking some good stuff if you get my point. Is anyone else thinking the same thing? Hell for 3k I say drop a different motor in for that. Shit. I'm sorry man. Brian what do you think man?

Blue

I agree, he is smoking something expensive and needs money to pay for it ! Hahaha

Ya for $2,300 I can get a rebuilt engine.

Someone who knows how hard it is to adjust cams step in here and tell us how hard it is to install cams into a new head perfectly.

$3,000 is for him to source all the parts and install them, not just installing the pass head I'm buying. Hope this makes since.

 

[Ol'Blue]

I get it...

He wants to make money for sourcing parts. Any shop worth as shit can pick up the phone and "SOURCE" a part the first call in most cases if they have been around awhile. Hell it took me 5 minutes after seeing you're post. I just hate seeing people get ripped off when I know it is bull .

Blue

 

[02SE]

Someone who knows how hard it is to adjust cams step in here and tell us how hard it is to install cams into a new head perfectly.

If you know what you are doing, it's not hard at all. It DOES need to be done correctly though. Someone should be able to follow the procedure in the FSM, without a problem.

$3,000 is for him to source all the parts and install them, not just installing the pass head I'm buying. Hope this makes since.

So this deal went from being covered under warranty, to costing 3K?

I might be willing to fly to San Diego, and fix it for that.

Seriously though, I would consider finding a different qualified mechanic.

 

[4Running Daily]

Seriously though, I would consider finding a different qualified mechanic.

This is definitely happening no matter what hahaha.


Thanks for all you help guys. I have written down all my possible solutions. I'm going to pursue a head in the morning and will post my findings tomorrow night.