Rats!! Blown Head Gasket.

[Geerlijd]

If it's in decent shape other than the motor, you should not have trouble getting $5k for it as is.

KBB doesn't line up with market value on these.

I bought a 2005 SR5 4x4 115k miles with a blown engine this summer for $4500 in Michigan and had to pick it up quickly as a couple other buyers were trying to bid it up after I offered the original $4k asking price.

 

[Andy42]

SilverRiver, due to the repeat damage from rats, you might want to consider one of these gadgets:

Mouse Blocker » Mouse Blocker » Protecting your car from mice.

I had rats tearing away the firewall insulation in my 2004 SR5 and using it to make a nest in the passenger air filter compartment. The Mouse Blocker seems to have put an end to that.

 

[SilverRiver]

Fixed but not fixed

Well I got the 4Runner back from the shop - finally - and it is now leaking coolant *sigh*. I see it dripping from the location shown in the picture. I don't see anywhere above that point where it is leaking but I probably just can't see it. What is the most likely point and cause of the leak.

 

[SilverRiver]

Please have some pics of this.

Here is a picture of the original damage.

 

[Bstrom]

I would do this in your situation. Have the insurance company cut you the ~$4k or so check.

Purchase a low mileage used engine and have a mechanic do the swap. This would cost about $2500 total with labor/engine. Will take no more than 3 days for the swap. You will come out ahead going this route and even pocket some money.

I would not trust a mechanic to properly assemble the engine. So many things can go wrong down the line and it will be a pointing finger game if it does...

This is a good alternative, assuming you can find a sound replacement engine? Otherwise use a dealer or reputable wrench who will warranty his work for a good while.

 

[SilverRiver]

Well I got the 4Runner back from the shop - finally - and it is now leaking coolant *sigh*. I see it dripping from the location shown in the picture. I don't see anywhere above that point where it is leaking but I probably just can't see it. What is the most likely point and cause of the leak.

Found the leak with a fiber optic camera. A hose on the top end of the engine is leaking; probably due to being old and stressed with being taken on and off multiple times. Should be a simple fix.

 

[OSUCHAMPS15]

The insurance adjuster was finally able to look at the vehicle on Wednesday and he wrote a check for the mechanics estimate minus my deductible. It was much easier and faster than I imagined.

The mechanic is working on other stuff at the moment so he'll work on it next week. Hopefully, I'll have it back on Friday but who knows.[/QUOTE


Nice, sometimes it works out for the good guys.

 

[amalik]

I just read this thread and seriously can't believe rats ate your hoses twice and you had to get a full HG repair, twice.

In other news, that shop must love you.

lol.

 

[SilverRiver]

SynLube has a good article of why cars are so tasty to rodents. Incredible Edible Car

Note there are a couple of 4Runners in the list of damaged vehicles. The ones listed are all 5th gen 4Runners. I sent him the details on my 4th gen. From the list it looks like Toyotas and Subarus are particularly tasty vehicles for rodents.

 

[SilverRiver]

I just read this thread and seriously can't believe rats ate your hoses twice and you had to get a full HG repair, twice.

In other news, that shop must love you.

lol.

I couldn't make this stuff up. I don't have that good of imagination.

 

[Slowgoat]

I couldn't make this stuff up. I don't have that good of imagination.

Yeah, twice.

That is unreal!

 

[duffdog]

Another Rats eating cars story.

Spray your engine with pepper spray and there will be no more rodent eating frenzies under your hood.

 

[JEL]

Another Rats eating cars story.

Spray your engine with pepper spray and there will be no more rodent eating frenzies under your hood.

Western WA seems to have a rat problem in recent years. If you're at one of those "grungy Seattle" (see: dump that hipsters like) restaurants in the city don't be surprised if you see a rat inside every once in a while. I know NYC is known for this, but it's definitely one of Seattle's unmentioned "qualities."

Down here, we just have scorpions and black widows, easy-peasy.

 

[Andy42]

Western WA seems to have a rat problem in recent years. If you're at one of those "grungy Seattle" (see: dump that hipsters like) restaurants in the city don't be surprised if you see a rat inside every once in a while. I know NYC is known for this, but it's definitely one of Seattle's unmentioned "qualities."

I live in a north Seattle neighborhood well away from any restaurants and we have always had rats running around (30+ years now). We also have mice, raccoon, possum and coyote. It's called wildlife. When I go camping in eastern WA it's chipmunks that get into my 4Runner. Well they used to, Mouse-Blocker seems to work on them too.

 

[asdfman7]

I live in a north Seattle neighborhood well away from any restaurants and we have always had rats running around (30+ years now). We also have mice, raccoon, possum and coyote. It's called wildlife. When I go camping in eastern WA it's chipmunks that get into my 4Runner. Well they used to, Mouse-Blocker seems to work on them too.

Peeing on the tires when camping works too, just make sure to give her a bath when you get home...