Bronze Johnson
New member
Hello,
I just bought a 1995 4Runner 4WD last week with the seemingly doomed 3.0L engine and was totally pumped about it until I started researching a little more thoroughly and learned of the head gasket problem by searching/lurking around this and other forums. So here's my situation...
I bought this from a local fellow for $2250 with 205K miles which is apparently well below book value (the bank quoted me almost double that). The man I bought it from was the second owner and said he had put a lot of new parts on it including shocks and axles and what not and said he just didn't want to spend any more money on it (red flag I know). The engine compartment, body, and interior are nearly immaculate for such an old vehicle as it was in PA until '07. I was told that the engine was "rebuilt" at ~175K. I asked what this entailed and was told a head gasket, rods, and bearings which I was thrilled about and was part of the reason I jumped on this deal even with the miles. Now I'm wondering how much of a deal it was as I'm very concerned how long it will be before it the gasket blows again. The check engine light is on (although it went out briefly after a recent fill up with premium and fuel injector cleaner) and I get terrible gas mileage - I'm talking 10 or less MPG... but it is winter and I live in a very hilly area. Otherwise it runs and shifts quite smooth. It's about to come back from the mechanic with new tires, an alignment, and inspection and I will be doing a minor tune up when I get paid next week (plugs, wires, air filter - maybe K&N/ intake if I deem worthwhile, dist cap, oil change, possibly pcv)
SO -
1) Any guess as to how long I might expect this to last / Is there anything I should be checking for as potential EARLY warning signs (No white steam or anything yet).
2) Is there anything I can do to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place? I read somewhere online that new after market headers might remedy the cause by redirecting the flow of exhaust and preventing excessive heat on the #6 cylinder - which is supposedly the area likely to blow according to the person who suggested this fix. Any validity to this or any other preventative measure?
3) Is there anything else I should be checking for or be particularly aware of as a new owner from what I have described or just from the community's experience? Any other maintenance issues I should check for?
As a new owner and member of your community any input will be greatly appreciated and valued.
I just bought a 1995 4Runner 4WD last week with the seemingly doomed 3.0L engine and was totally pumped about it until I started researching a little more thoroughly and learned of the head gasket problem by searching/lurking around this and other forums. So here's my situation...
I bought this from a local fellow for $2250 with 205K miles which is apparently well below book value (the bank quoted me almost double that). The man I bought it from was the second owner and said he had put a lot of new parts on it including shocks and axles and what not and said he just didn't want to spend any more money on it (red flag I know). The engine compartment, body, and interior are nearly immaculate for such an old vehicle as it was in PA until '07. I was told that the engine was "rebuilt" at ~175K. I asked what this entailed and was told a head gasket, rods, and bearings which I was thrilled about and was part of the reason I jumped on this deal even with the miles. Now I'm wondering how much of a deal it was as I'm very concerned how long it will be before it the gasket blows again. The check engine light is on (although it went out briefly after a recent fill up with premium and fuel injector cleaner) and I get terrible gas mileage - I'm talking 10 or less MPG... but it is winter and I live in a very hilly area. Otherwise it runs and shifts quite smooth. It's about to come back from the mechanic with new tires, an alignment, and inspection and I will be doing a minor tune up when I get paid next week (plugs, wires, air filter - maybe K&N/ intake if I deem worthwhile, dist cap, oil change, possibly pcv)
SO -
1) Any guess as to how long I might expect this to last / Is there anything I should be checking for as potential EARLY warning signs (No white steam or anything yet).
2) Is there anything I can do to prevent this problem from occurring in the first place? I read somewhere online that new after market headers might remedy the cause by redirecting the flow of exhaust and preventing excessive heat on the #6 cylinder - which is supposedly the area likely to blow according to the person who suggested this fix. Any validity to this or any other preventative measure?
3) Is there anything else I should be checking for or be particularly aware of as a new owner from what I have described or just from the community's experience? Any other maintenance issues I should check for?
As a new owner and member of your community any input will be greatly appreciated and valued.
