Move from NJ to FL screwed my truck?

[cyclops13]

In order for the pressure tester to work, the 4runner has to be cold, then the mechanic would add water/antifreeze enough to top it off, then put the tester on it and pump it up to the reading in bars (I think on the 4runner) on the radiator cap and wait for at least ten minutes to see if the needle drops:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5p-G3UDi-A

Or did he use a hydrocarbon tester (compression gases), which is fine on a hot engine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON_RtokUohI

Valves, probably not IMHO.

Keep us posted.

He had a pressure tester like in the first video which he attached to the radiator opening after topping it completely with water.

Lets see what diagnosis he comes up with tomorrow morning.

Will keep you all posted. Thanks for all your help guys.. :sadwave:

 

[cyclops13]

Okay. So the shop called and confirmed it is a head gasket job, will cost between 1500-2200 and they can only work on it next week. Not sure if I can manage without the car or spend this much money.

Anyone here interested in taking the truck (everything else is good) from me for cheap, ?

 

[LittleCaesar]

I am sorry to hear that. I guess your 4runner wanted to stay in Jersey.

No way you can park it for a couple of weeks to save up some funds, fix it, then sell it or keep it?

Post an ad in the classifieds if looking to sell. And there is always CL.

 

[Grenvilleter]

Mine is a 97 model but manufactured in 96.

I just moved here man, difficult to manage a big expense now... :violin:

What puzzles me is I got no warning signs, like overheating or whatever..!

This is why I think you have a chance at replacing the head gasket on one bank if you did not run it too much, the head is probably still good . Especially if, when the engine comes to operating temp and seems to run normally.
Perhaps you can negotiate some sort of deal with the shop to tear down 1 side, install a new gasket. Many shops will want to do the full monty and I agree, it is the proper thing to do especially if the shop's rep rides on every job they do. They don't want a call back and have to do it over for free.

Explaining your situ and releasing them from responsibility if it don't work out is a crap shoot but one I would consider before selling.
A mechanic could teardown, inspect and replace the HG if it looked ok and you could be back on the road tomorrow, knowing full well, in 10k, the other side could fail or the same side fail again. They probably still need 100/hr plus parts and 8 hrs eats up a g note pretty quickly plus assoc. gaskets.
Just looking to see if you can find some breathing room until things get established for you and you can plan to do a swap.

 

[cyclops13]

:nono: With heavy heart I finally had to bid adieu to my runner. This was the last picture I had with me.

I have a few things bought for my runner but are unused, can put them all in a box and ship. Check my classifieds ad.

 

[Chuckles89]

That sucks man...