Hi folks,
recently bought a 1999 4Runner with around 150k. been driving it for the past 5 months with no problems. car drove well and got great gas mileage. so today when I started the car I noticed a little smoke coming out of the tailpipe. it seemed odd because the temps were not cold enough to warrant any condensation. so got to run my errands and on my way back home the car suddenly died without any notice of anything being wrong. all the dash lights were on while the car slowly came to a stop. I tried cranking it but the engine wouldn't turn. there was an initial sound of the starter trying to crank it but it wouldn't budge. so anyway had the car towed to a shop and the mechanic told me initial quick look seems like the engine has seized and I will be looking at an engine swap. needless to say this is a total buzz kill in the tune of $4-5k according to the mechanic. from what I have been researching on line there seem to be an issue with the head gaskets and possibly a blown case in my instance where leaked coolant could seize an engine. my question to anyone with some knowledge on this subject is, if I have a blown head gasket do I need to change the motor? or maybe just replacing a damaged cylinder head? would appreciate any helpful information. thanks in advance
recently bought a 1999 4Runner with around 150k. been driving it for the past 5 months with no problems. car drove well and got great gas mileage. so today when I started the car I noticed a little smoke coming out of the tailpipe. it seemed odd because the temps were not cold enough to warrant any condensation. so got to run my errands and on my way back home the car suddenly died without any notice of anything being wrong. all the dash lights were on while the car slowly came to a stop. I tried cranking it but the engine wouldn't turn. there was an initial sound of the starter trying to crank it but it wouldn't budge. so anyway had the car towed to a shop and the mechanic told me initial quick look seems like the engine has seized and I will be looking at an engine swap. needless to say this is a total buzz kill in the tune of $4-5k according to the mechanic. from what I have been researching on line there seem to be an issue with the head gaskets and possibly a blown case in my instance where leaked coolant could seize an engine. my question to anyone with some knowledge on this subject is, if I have a blown head gasket do I need to change the motor? or maybe just replacing a damaged cylinder head? would appreciate any helpful information. thanks in advance
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