blue2002

Ok, so I spent a month reading up on why not to buy a 3.0 V6, then found an '89 Runner with a 'rebuilt' engine and a 'rebuilt' transmission, both with less thank 2K miles for a decent price - $3,500 - and decided to pull the trigger and take my chances on the 3.0. I've had it for about 8 months, put about another $1,500 into it by cleaning up the electrical work. It was missing a little bit, so had my guy check it out (I'm not a gear head and don't have a garage of my own to try to learn in). Well, of course, its a blown head gasket. Ha! So now I have to figure out what to do and I'd really like some advice.

The way I see it I have 3 options: 1) fix the 3.0; 2) swap out the 3.0 for something else - a 3.4 or a diesel (?); or 3) cut my losses and sell it - either for parts or whatever.

Option 1 is estimated to be about $2K and I am worried the 3.0 will just sting me again down the road. Option 2 looks interesting but I am afraid of the cost. Option 3 seems rational, and maybe then I can look for a 22R version.

Its got some nice Sequoia wheels/tires on it with only about 2K miles on them, pretty new. The transmission was rebuilt by a shop about 10K miles ago by the previous owner. The 3.0 was rebuilt by a different shop also about 10K miles ago. Besides those rebuilds, the previous owner also dropped another $4K on replacing various other parts and repairing the AC (I have his receipts). In other words, some money has already been spent on this truck - which means its either worth saving, worth parting out, or is just a money pit.

I'd really appreciate some advice so I can make a more informed decision. Mostly I'd really like to know what the first two options will cost me, and what I could hope to get if I cut my losses and sell the truck to look for another.

Thanks very much in advance. I've attached a couple of photos in case they help.

Kiroshu

And how do you know it has a blow head gasket again?

Elton

o boy i sure hope thats not a 3.slow and auto combo ?

Kiroshu

^It is you can look at the trans pic and tell its an auto.

blue2002

Hey Guys, it is the 3.0 and automatic combo.

As for why I believe its a HG issue- I spent some time with my mechanic looking for the problem causing the miss. Isolated #6 and were thinking it was an injector issue (as the plug was getting electricity ok), but upon pulling #6's plug a second time after noticing increased moisture in exhaust - water, steam, etc came flying out. Mechanic's diagnosis is the HG.

Kiroshu

If you ask me thats not a very "good" diagnosis..... Did he check the oil? Is it milky? Compression test? Pressurize cylinder and open rad cap and look for bubbles? <now those are real diagnosis of a head gasket or cracked(head or block). Does it run hot? Is the plug fouled with coolant? Go somewhere else and get it diagnosed.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

is it eating coolant? you realize if you pull the plug wire.. the injector is firing gas into the cylinder.

limon32

Two thoughts:

1. This question has been debated in an enless number of threads, search until you can't keep your eyes open and then decide.

2. I agree with the other posters, your diagnosis is flawed, do some more searching and you'll find all you need to know on diagnosing your problem.