Steve 1stgen

To all,
I have to replace my head gasket on my 1988 4Runner. I have received some great tips, but what about switching out the engine block? Would that be easier? New ones are too expensive (at least where I have been shopping) but what about used engine blocks. Any sources, advise, etc would be helpful before I start this task. Thanks.

Steve

rdlsz24

I'm confused. Do you have a top end or bottom end problem? Replacing the head gasket and replacing the block are not a remedy for the same problem. You will be replacing the head gasket either way. Switching blocks is going to be a lot more work since you have to pull the engine. You can change a head gasket with the engine in place.

Rob

Steve 1stgen

Hi Rob,
It is a top problem. I figured since the engine was all apart, there probably are going to be other things that I should replace. The truck is 20 years old (original engine). If the list of "should replace" items was going to grow, I am looking to see what others would do. Good incite Rob. If you have anything else, let me know.

zlathim

Rob's right- If you need truly only need a HG, then you are wasting time and money replacing the block.

Some guys may choose to swap an entire engine instead of tearing their existing engine all apart, but that doesn't sound like what you are asking. My advice is to replace the HG and try not to overthink things. Just keep it as simple as you can while addressing the actual problem.


BTW, my avatar shows what happened when I was living up to the advice in the last line of your signature...lol

rdlsz24

Well your options are replace just the head gasket and run it, rebuild what you have, or get a used or remanned engine. Personally I went with option 3. I spun a bearing and rather than tearing into it, I bought a 22RE with only 84k original miles for $700. I figured I would have spent that going through it and fixing it right, and this was alot quicker and easier. But if your problem is only top end, I would definately just fix that. Top end stuff is fairly easy.

Rob

dcg9381

Replacing the HG isn't terribly difficult. It certainly is easier, in my opinion, than replacing the motor.

I'd only steer you toward a new block if your HG failure was accompanied by a signficiant overheat, water in the oil, or with a high mileage motor.

Kaydon

I disagree.

I had ran mine into the red before I noticed and pulled over. I had all sorts of junk in my oil pan. Water, coolant, oil, sludge, etc. All the good stuff.

I ended up doing the following: Cylinder head resurfacing (mandatory), new valve seals, helicoil, new head bolts, all new gaskets, new oil seal, new timing chain, gears and guides.

Doing the Headgasket is a relatively easy process really. It seems really daunting but it's not that bad if you, keep up with all your bolts and have a manual, a digital camera for pics helps also. So you can reference how things are supposed to look, lol.

I have a '92 with original engine, and 242k miles. I didn't replace the block and my truck is doing fine now.

I'd just go on with the HG job.

scuba

well idk exactly which would be easier
i have a 91 22re with 116k
i also have a totalled 86 22re with 80k
the thing is, i have no clue if the engine in this 91 really has 116 or whatnot,
i would love to swap em, but as for now the HG job seems easier to me (i need a HG too)
so, Whichever seems more worth your time and effort would be my first choice