SheepishLion89

Hi All,
Not really sure where to post this. If it's in the incorrect forum please let me know.

So my 22RE head gasket is gone. White smoke and confirmed coolant was burning. The engine has almost 300K miles. So, I instead of repairing the gasket I want to replace the engine. My plan is to get a long block from Davez. However, with two toddlers at home. I haven't even started looking into pulling the motor out. With the amount of truck time I have, I am not even considering rebuilding the engine myself.

Question. Should I look into having a local shop rebuild the engine instead of replacing it myself? If so, a​​nyone in the Austin, TX area that would recommend a shop to rebuild the engine? I know any shop should be able to do it. However, I want it done properly. AISIN and original parts where possible. Metal guide on timing chain. Etc.

Want to get the 4runner up and running! It kills me to see it parked. It needs to wheel! Any input or ideas to get her running appreciated!

87-4runner

Your going to replace your engine because of a head gasket fail?
when my head gasket blew i was SHOCKED at how clean and undamaged my motor was with 240k miles on the clock...
i replaced the head gasket, adjusted valves and she's purring like a kitten...
had to change oil and filter a couple of times to get rid of moisture in the pan and motor...
you might be surprised too... might be ugly and might look great... once you pull the valve cover you should know

SheepishLion89

Thanks for the input! My thought was, if I am to remove the head to replace the gasket. Then, Im pretty close to removing the block. Most of the legwork has been done. So, why not just replace the engine and get an other 300K miles on it.
I agree, 22RE are a beast and the short block might be in good shape. Just dont want to have to rebuild the engine a year from now. Make sense? Or am I going ballistic on this?

87-4runner

I'd say see what you see when you take the head off... no ring groove, good cylinder walls... put it back together for another 200k miles
does it use oil now? If not why mess with it... but my philosophy is ...If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

SheepishLion89

I guess, either-way I have to pull the same parts to remove the head. If I see problems, I can just go ahead with the engine. Otherwise, do the gasket.

Melrose 4r

I'm going to agree with 87-4runner here. Also, my first thought when you said two toddlers at home was = NO FREE TIME. Maybe you're more fortunate than I was in terms of family support with my son, but I had to put off all car fun except critical repairs for several years. If you just do the head gasket you can get your truck back on the road quickly and enjoy it sooner!

SheepishLion89

Thanks for the input. Going to start pulling parts soon then. Hopefully get some work done over the weekend.
Yes. Two toddlers, gets pretty crazy. My truck time is 9pm to midnight

akwheeler

Another important check is your oil pressure, you need at least 10 psi per 1000 rpm from what I was always told. If you have good oil pressure your main bearings and crank bearings should still have some life left.
And as already stated, if your cylinder bores are in good shape with no gouging/scrape marks and little or no ring ridge at the top give it a new gasket and you're good to go.
If you have marginal oil pressure or any bottom end clatter go for the rebuild or a remanufactured engine.

roughridn_sob

If you need any help I'm up in Waco and wouldn't mind lending a hand. Also if you do end up just replacing the motor I may buy yours I'm looking for one to put on a stand and build with some go fast goodies so when mine finally poops it'll be ready

87-4runner

nice offer

SheepishLion89

Might take you up on that if you're still up for it.

SheepishLion89

After months of family visits, work travel and rainy days the head came off. Piston #2 got some water, I can see some marks and lots of carbon. Also, def have a ring at the top.

I'll post some pics tomorrow. Would be great for you guys to chime in to see if a rebuild is due.

SheepishLion89

Figured I'd update this thread. Kept the short block as is. Replaced the head with a stage 2 from 22reperformance. New injectors, New timing chain, new coil, new wires, new rotor and distributor cap. Adjusted TPS. Set timing. Running great! Much better than before.