Dave7074

I have a 1999 4Runner Highlander with around 220000 miles. I suspect I have a head gasket leak. The radiator fluid keeps getting gunked up and the compression test came back inconclusive. I guess the pressures weren't great but not so bad as to confirm a leak. The mechanic felt it wasn't worth just replacing the head gasket on an engine with so many miles, so the current option seems to be a used or a rebuilt engine. So several questions:

1) Thoughts on just replacing the hg? I have never done this and don't really have the tools for this big a job. I'm fine with little stuff like replacing a starter or brakes, but nothing this involved, so it would involve paying a mechanic to do it.
2) How about a rebuilt? Get a 'new' rebuilt or have my existing one rebuilt? Any particular source for rebuilts you guys like a lot?
3) How about a used engine?

Thanks for any and all help and insight!

Dave

blake.nemitz

if the rest is good the hg is pretty easy on those motors, BUT if its been mixing coolant and oil for a while your gonna run into bearing probs. atlr.net has good motors. where are you located different deals in different areas

Dave7074

I'm in Maryland near Baltimore. I've also had some overheating issues. Not frequent, but on really hot days with the A/C running, it can start to overheat. I figured it was due to contaminated coolant. I flushed the radiator and it seemed to go away.

NwRunner

I bought a 99 with 200k and a blown HG, didnt want to rebuild something with that many miles so I opted for a JDM import with 50k on the clock. I would rather buy an OEM motor with 50-100k than one rebuilt with (probably) cheap parts.

The motor cost me $2,200 from ForeignEngines.com and was worth every penny. If you have access to a motor stand and a picker its a pretty simple task, just takes some time.

Moonfish

I'd get a new mechanic.

brian2sun

What is the "gunk" in your radiator that you mentioned? Is it rusty clumps? Or does it look like a chocolate milkshake (oil and coolant mixing)?

Dave7074

The 'gunk' is the chocolate milkshake, oil and coolant mixing.

PismoJoe

Ok, first of all, do you have a 4runner or a Highlander?

Dave7074

I have a 4Runner. In 1999 the 'Sport' edition was known as the Highlander. This predates the actual Highlander vehicle. Here's an example:

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/highlander.html

But it's a 1999 4runner with a 5vzfe 6cyl and automatic transmission.

Dave

brian2sun

If you have the chocolate milkshake, chances are it's a HG. It could be a cracked head or block too, but that's about it. No easy fix on this one unfortunately.

drpdmazda

my wifes runner was hitting the 200k mile mark and started giving us issues. we opted for a low mileage used motor from a local "auto recycler" I checeked the vin on the vehicle and confirmed it was truly a low mileage motor and opted to go that route.
We paid $1000 for a 3.4 with 89k on it. according to carfax the motor was serviced regularly at the dealership and had just had the timing belt replaced 2000 miles before it was totatled. call around in your area to see who has the best deals, or you can check out www.car-part.com its a listing of every yard around you, what they have, the mileage and the price.


good luck