Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster. I have an '05 Sport with 126K miles and a busted head gasket (the infamous cylinder #6 head gasket/leaky fluid problem). The dealer provided a quote of $3300 to replace ONE gasket. I am hoping someone can provide a recommendation for a good mechanic that is familiar with this issue and at a more reasonable cost. I live in the Pasadena, California area, but am willing to travel a bit for a solid recommendation. My own trusted Toyota guy went out of business a few months ago and I've been looking for someone since (I'm a girl - I get a lot of "you need a rear differential flush" crap). Please message me. Thank you very much!
Mechanic to fix head gasket issue
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I will be honest, depending on the damage; your repair can be hefty.
To do the repair right, the mechanic needs to determine if the head warped and then come to a method of correction. You can fix the bad head or replace it.
I have no idea the costs out in Cali, so I won't comment on whether 3k is too high but just be aware that to be done correctly; repairing a blown head gasket due to temp can be costly.
To do the repair right, the mechanic needs to determine if the head warped and then come to a method of correction. You can fix the bad head or replace it.
I have no idea the costs out in Cali, so I won't comment on whether 3k is too high but just be aware that to be done correctly; repairing a blown head gasket due to temp can be costly.
Also keep in mind the quote is the minimum. If they get in and the head is warped or worse the block the price will only go up. Keep a close eye on your temperature gauge as you shop around for a better price.
For something that major, I wouldn't go to a dealer. Their prices are way too high, and some of the common sense type work arounds they may not do. For instance some dealers may say that they will not machine the heads and force you to buy new Toyota parts. This would obviously be much more expensive than an independent repair shop that has the option of using used parts. Undoubtedly there is more risk with using used, but you have to balance cost with budget. You have 125K on it so it isn't like the rest of your vehicle is new.
For something that major, I wouldn't go to a dealer. Their prices are way too high, and some of the common sense type work arounds they may not do. For instance some dealers may say that they will not machine the heads and force you to buy new Toyota parts. This would obviously be much more expensive than an independent repair shop that has the option of using used parts. Undoubtedly there is more risk with using used, but you have to balance cost with budget. You have 125K on it so it isn't like the rest of your vehicle is new.
Whitebeauty
New member
You can get an engine for that price or a couple hundred more.
check on car-parts.com you can probably find an engine in the LA area for $800 to $1000 plus install. some of the shops that sell their parts on car-parts.com will even install them for you. If you were in San Diego I have several recommendations for you. There are a number of wrecking yards near the border in Otay Mesa that have 4th gen 4runners. check with tapatio, el reyes, (ask for Edgar) California Auto Wrecking (ask for Tony) or Pirate Auto Wrecking (ask for Leo). all of them had multiple 4th gen 4runners as of about a month ago. They usually give a three month warranty on engines and trannys. Good luck. Phil
lunchindabox
New member
I'd go with a used motor too....except IF they are really prone to it...you may be in the same boat next week/month/year.
Thanks everyone. We ended up doing the repair job with the dealership as they beat the price of most of the independent mechanics I called around the Pasadena area ($2700 for both head gaskets, machining, water pump, thermostat, fluids, etc.). I wasn't quite comfortable going down to San Diego, but we do have friends down there with older 4Runners, so if they end up with this problem, I can refer them! the dealer is saying that I also need a full valve job as well - is this common with the head gaskets?
I should have just gone with a new engine, but now we're sort of in the thick of it. Ugh.
I should have just gone with a new engine, but now we're sort of in the thick of it. Ugh.
lifesaver71
New member
Not cheap.
My repair with all of your stuff (machining, water pump, etc.), plus a valve job because a couple were burnt, cost a total of $3159. I had a professional engine rebuilder do the job as I have known him for 30 years. No small repair, but not one issue since, that was 26000 miles ago.
My repair with all of your stuff (machining, water pump, etc.), plus a valve job because a couple were burnt, cost a total of $3159. I had a professional engine rebuilder do the job as I have known him for 30 years. No small repair, but not one issue since, that was 26000 miles ago.
Three or four of the valves are leaking and the machine shop said they won't do just those - wasn't worth it to them unless I was going to do all of them since they don't "want to see my truck back." I guess that's a good thing?
and lifesaver71 - that's a relief to know. I'm hoping this job means I'm good on engine repairs for a good long while. We debated getting a new vehicle instead of this extensive, expensive repair, but ultimately $3000+ is still cheaper than $43K for a new 4Runner.
and lifesaver71 - that's a relief to know. I'm hoping this job means I'm good on engine repairs for a good long while. We debated getting a new vehicle instead of this extensive, expensive repair, but ultimately $3000+ is still cheaper than $43K for a new 4Runner.
Whitebeauty
New member
:roadkill:... Well live in learn. Believe me I know mine is out as well n in the middle of an undecisive decision.
