New Owner

[FirstToy]

I've been lurking here the last few days and decided to join up so i could pick your brains a little (probably a very little at this point, that may change if i run into issues).

I have recently found a used 1990 Cressida for sale and after searching the net i see that it could be a very good purchase indeed, though i am fairly certain I am over paying, everything i read seems to tell me the value is there. I am not good with cars but i followed the new user guide and it does not appear to have a head gasket issue (no gurgle in the rad). As far as i can tell this car has been relatively well maintained, it runs smooth and is very pleasant to drive. I would say there are no after market parts in there, gasket or otherwise. I hope to make this my everyday use car, though the idea may make some enthusiast cringe a little.

I am wondering how big of an issue the gasket actual is, is this something i should schedule replacement for even if it seems fine now? I am getting a compression test this Monday, that should tell me definitively if there is an issue with the head gasket, i think. Would it be out of line for me to ask the shop to Torque the bolts to 75lbs while they have it?

I found a metal centered head gasket and full ruber gasket set both by "Fel-Pro" I also found a metal Gasket from Ishino. Is one preferable to the other or should i replace the full set? The Problem being the full set comes with the main ruber gasket and i read the metal one is preferred. I hope this paragraph is not in violation of the rules, i did not post links to try and avoid that issue. When i do change the Gasket(s) i will put in the head studs.

Any help is apreciated and i do look forward to joining Toyota's extended family.

[Mx73_cressida]

how many miles does it have. and u should replace the head gasket with a full metal one when u take it to the shop and have them retorque the bolts to 75 or so. other than the head gasket u shouldnt have any probs. and congrats on pickin up a cressy

[FirstToy]

Thanks for the response Mx_73

235k so its kind of high, i have read these engines are good to 400k though. I am paying about $500 more than i think i should, also as soon as i get it i need to turn around and get new tires but for how good this car is suppose to be and how rare it seems i think its worth it.

So i don't need the full gasket set then, that will save a little cash. Some seem to have metal cores and others are all metal. Is there a preferred metal gasket or just any one will do?

[kamesama980]

if it's a daily driver, a regular HG will do. I have a fel-pro in mine and it works fine. going with a MHG means the head will have to be machined and possibly the block. MHG does not tolerate surface imperfections. If you go with ARP head studs with either gasket, follow the directions that come with the studs for torque. regular HG and studs or even bolts at the right torque is more than enough. I did the surface prep for my engine in my garage by hand with a bunch of razer blades and some sandpaper. it's going great 15k later and I'm not particularly nice to it.

I would definitely recommend a full gasket set unless you plan on leaving the entire intake and exhaust manifold attatched to the head when you pull it (LOTS harder to do). Especially with over 200k on it, it'll need new seals and gaskets anyway. if you don't, you'll just need to get them when they fall apart taking the engine apart anyway or kick yourself when they start leaking after it's back together. for brands: ebay will get you by (tho I'd recommend a better HG) Fel-pro is pretty good, victor-reinz from carquest (napa carries them too i think) is excellent. I don't know about the other parts stores brands because I don't have any nearby.

[FirstToy]

Right. Old engine replace them all. I think i would like to go ahead and install the metal one while we are down there anyhow, should save me any headaches later right. So any gaskets should be fine with the exception of the head gasket that should be better (Victor-Reinz would be a very good choice and i can get it at Napa).

Thanks kamesama.

[FirstToy]

Sorry for the Double post...Just thought i would update. I had the Car in for a comprresion test and visual inspection.The Compresion test was fine but that will not stop me from having to pull it apart to change the HG. Other than that this car needs alot of things:
Stabilizer bushings
Transmission cooler lines
Drive shaft center support bearings
Front Axle replacement
Hood shocks(that one i knew about)
Serpentine drive belt
Valve cover gaskets
camshaft seal
crankshaft seal
Distributor seal

And that's just from a visual inspection, now i don't know what all that stuff means but i do know it would cost $1500+ in the shop i goto. Needless to say i will not be getting this particular cressida. I have how ever found a second that has the leather,moon roof Ect and is less than half the price of the first with what appear to be a better body and 30k less on it. All the above info is still pertinent to the new purchase.

[kamesama980]

LOL I'm not sure I'd go back to that shop again. it doens't have a serpentine belt, it has individual belts and let me know when you find the front axles. LMAO it's RWD

[zero_gravity]

LOL front axle and serpentine belt. thats a good one! did they want to top off the headlight fluid too?

in all seriousness go somewhere else. they're trying to screw you. as for the hood strut, bring a 2x4 along in the trunk.

[kamesama980]

Originally Posted by daragez

engines are good to 400k.some seems to have metal core and others are all metal.need a lot of savings to make it look good.

What are you talking about? use complete sentances/thoughts.

I've seen reputably crap engines hit a million miles (2.5 in an S10) and reputably excellent engines grenade in under 20k miles (caddy CTS-V video circulating online). It's all in how you take care of it and a little luck in how well it was put together at the factory. 7Ms usually last till the owner gets sick of them.

the 7m (GE or GTE) doesn't use any all-metal gaskets from the factory if that's what you mean by metal core or all-metal.

[FirstToy]

Well goes to show you how much i know about cars.
Is any car that old is going to have problems with the seals?

Regardless, after i saw that other one i also seen just how much i was overpaying for that one. Is it wrong to want the sunroof just cause it looks cooler? It doesn't seem to make to much of a difference in the price.

Was the last year for the wagon in NA '88? Meaning a 5m engine, right?

edit:I've been up all night using google to find missed opportunities...like a a "89 for $650 only 160k

[kamesama980]

I'm not sure how precisely canada followed the US availability but 87 model year (1986 actual year) was the last of the wagons, and yes they had the 5mge engine.

[stepho]

According to the microfiche Canadian wagons stopped in Aug 1986 (MX72).
US wagons stopped in Aug 1987 (also MX72).

- Stepho