[60mmom]

Hi. Im looking to buy a new car and my next door neighbor just happens to be a tow truck driver selling a 4Runner. Its a late 80s model and he is offering it to me for $500. Anyhow, he said it has a blown head gasket. I know the parts are about $100 but what about the labor? Also, I found this online; http://www.steelseal.com/eng/home.html

Anyone know anything about this?

 

[Cyorke]

http://yotarepair.com/Engine.html#Head gasket


You dont mention wether it is a V6 or I4. IF it is the V6 the link above may give you some much needed information.

Toyota had a problem with headgaskets on Trucks, 4Runners and T-100's with the 3.0 liter engine. You never know you may be able to get the truck for 500 and have the headgaskets problem taken care of by Toyota.

As for labor you are looking at probably 10 hours worth of labor if you ahve to pay for it to be done. THe one thing to worry about is, will there be other problems once the engine is torn down. I used to be a Toyota mechanic and there were several times we ahd to replace the cylinder heads due to them being warped so far out of spec taht they could not be machined and still be in Toyota specs. There were a couple of times we had to remove the engine block and send it out to a machine shop to ahve hte engine block surface machined be cause it was either warped or there were grooves worn into the metal form collant running between the block and the cylinder head. THis was not a common problem but it did happen on rare ocassion.

You can also doa search on here about 3.0 headgaskets and probably get some reptty good information.

Everything I have said is based on the 3.0 liter V6 engine. Like I said if it happens to be the 22RE I4 engine then none of this will apply for the most part. THe I4 was not very common on the late eithgties model 4Runners but there were some that it was installed in.

 

[repinS]

THe one thing to worry about is, will there be other problems once the engine is torn down.

No kidding. A blown head gasket(s), if left neglected, can cause serious bottom end issues also. Spun rod bearings = rod knock = terminal = complete rebuild or completely replace the motor...

 

[Bakemono]

For $500 how can you go wrong? Even older 4Runners still hold their value pretty well. If you get it apart and find the motor is bad, so what? Just swap out the 3.slow for a 3.4L. :dunno:

 

[Cyorke]

^^^^^ agreed. If it is in good shape you might as well buy it and then see if you can get rid of it for more money. Someone may be willing to give youa decent amount for it.

 

[60mmom]

Thanks for the info guys. The only problem is why Im buying the vehicle. Im moving to San Francisco in a few months and I dont know how my 97 sephia will handle the ups and downs. Last thing I need is my car dying on me when I get there. Im sure the 4runner could definitely handle it, but I'm wary about how much it'll cost to get running. Or even if the blown head gaskets will reveal more problems. So am I looking at about $1000 to repair the thing, whats worst case scenario (engine block, etc)? Also, I will see if it's a v6. If it does fall under the models that Toyota is recalling for repairs, does it matter that I bought it used off someone or is that a question I should be asking Toyota? Thanks alot guys, very responsive and helpful forum you guys have here. Happy new year!

 

[Cyorke]

IT is very possible that it will still be covered since it was a recall. Recalls do not normally have any kind of expiration. The only way to tell for sure is to call a local dealer and see if they will cover it.

Dont tell them that you are looking to buy one. Just tell them that you have a 4runner and you have a blown headgasket. You have heard that there was a recall on them and want to know if it will be covered or not.

 

[84Cressida]

It's most likely the V6. 22REs are bulletproof. Toyota will probably fix the gasket considering they recalled them.

 

[repinS]

It's most likely the V6. 22REs are bulletproof. Toyota will probably fix the gasket considering they recalled them.

I wouldn't rule out the 22R-E, I've seen head gaskets go on them before...

 

[Tercel GTS]

Far from bulletproof.

 

[60mmom]

Just found it its a 1986 2.4L L4 EFI.

 

[84Cressida]

I wouldn't rule out the 22R-E, I've seen head gaskets go on them before...

It isn't a whole issue on them. Head gaskets can blow on anything, but 22Rs aren't "tainted" by them.