psp

Ok Im a new member here so hey hello to everyone. I have owned a 95 4 runner sr5 for the past 2 years and love the vehicle! I am not mechanically inclined in anyway and have just pumped in about a grand (CDN) for new brakes and the works. The 4 runner has 214,000 km on it. Vehicle was running very well unitl last week! Came to a stop light and the truck was rumbling and shaking very badly. I noticed the oil indicator in the panel showing low and when I would accelerate it would go back up to normal levels. I have experienced this before added some more oil...and everything was fine. The vehicle seems to burn oil not at an alarming rate...no leakes or anything. Well I topped up the oil because it was infact low. However the vehicle continued to rumble checked all fluids...levels ok. The vehicle would only rumble in shake in drive...not in park. I decided to take it to the local Toyota to have it evaluated for problems they did diagnostic test: wires ok compression dynamic ok but they did notice plug #6 getting antifreeze fouled. Head gasket leaking alittle antifreeze ..However, antifreeze levels were not low at all , engine oil level fine..replaced the spark plug things ran fine....after all this it was reccomended that i replace the head gasket as they suspect a leek and want to charge $1700 + parts and taxes....which I cant afford..researched other shops in the area some estimated up to $2500...ouch!!!!!

My question to you is what do you think? Is this a job that needs immediate attention? Or can i monitor oil levels coolant levels to ensure no major leaking is occuring? What are the signs to look for what problems can i expect if i ingore this issue for a while...truck seems to be running fine the last week...dont know what to do...put in $2000 only to have the engine fail in a year? sell the truck now while its sunning fine? ...dont know any suggestions comments or feeback would be much appreciated...thanks

psp

hondacrusher

The problems just going to get worse as the car keeps heating up and cooling down, along with revving. There has been a recall on the head gaskets, so if they havent been done, the stealer will do them for free. there have been a ton of article posted, so search around.

psp

I believe the recall was pre 1995 ..correct me if i a m wrong

Yota4runner

You going to want to get the problem fixed sooner rather then later. The longer you wait the more damage that could result and the more money your looking at forking out for it.

maxpower_hd

You should fix it asap. It will get worse and could cause more problems if ignored. Shop around at some other shops. Try a couple small local shops. They are often cheaper than the big name garages and almost always cheaper than the dealer.

$1700 (about $1960 US) for labor alone sounds like a lot of money for this repair.
I would guess they will get another $300-$400 for parts.

Just for comparison, Toyota quoted me $2300 for a short block (engine block with pistons and crank installed). I can get a long block (short block plus complete head installed) elsewhere for $1330. This is for a 4 cyl but you get the point. It would serve you well to shop around some more.

Good luck.

celica

you got the exchange wrong - I wish our dollar was that good = about $1400 US$ - not so bad.

I would do the repair. 214,000kms on it is nothing and you will see a lot more life in her. I have 386,000 kms on my 92 and she still runs great.

Where in Canada are you? I am in Calgary

psp

hey celica...I'm in Kamloops, bc...moved here from Vancouver about a year ago. Its so true about a smaller auto repair shop being more affordable. Not having lived here for more than a year its difficult to know a good place to go for quality work at a fair price!

Looking into some engine rebuild shops etc...I have made up my mind that the 4runner is worth keeping...just an ugly repair hurdle i will have to absorb finacially...
thanks for the replies
psp

whitetaco02

This is my first post guys and was very curious about this issue. if i was to buy a V6 4-runner (95 or earlier) and checked the VIN # with Toyota to make sure it has been changed, I should be ok, correct? I am looking to get one in the next two months. I want more power but I also don't want to run into any HG problems. thanks guys and keep up all the great info!

yotamanbill77

fix the problem as soon as you can. It will get to the point were it wont run at all.

93 yota pickup 4x4 5 in lift
new 22re wont run
thread =22re is toast