89 4runner, 3.0L v6

Blew a head gasket a while back (slimy oil cap) and I am debating what to do. Got a DD so the 4runner is sitting. The truck has 273k miles and had another HG go at ~225k. Last time I had the water pump replaced, timing belt, valves cleaned, heads planed, the works...

This time I am hesitant to sink in more dough for an engine with 273k miles. Dont have the time to self repair and cant get this done for less than $1000 plus machine shop costs. Tired of sinking money into this truck but I love it.

1. Is it worth it, am I gonna find out there are more problems once the heads are off, should I consider a new (refurb) engine?

2. Should I choose to replace the HG, do I need to do the WP, timing belt, and valve cleaning again while I'm at it?

3. If I could find an engine with less miles, what should I be looking for? Heard a 3.4L Yota V6 might work, or could I get in a chevy 4.3? Like everyone else I dont like the 3.0 I have, it seems to be the weak link. Need more than the 4cyl cause I'm running 33's and 4.56 gears (or is a 4cyl okay?).

Thanks for the feedback, love my baby and dont want this to be the end between us.

 

Search for a 3.4 swap, do some reading on here, there's plenty of info and that seems to be the most popular option. You can just do the HG's and not do the timing belt, WP etc. if all are good, but it's been 50k miles so definitely worth inspection at least. At 273k you might be getting into the bottom end, bearings, oil pump, etc. Do some research and post for us what you decide!

 

I have an 89 4Runner too and as soon as the motor starts to give me any trouble I've definately decided I'm going to do a 3.4 swap. If you do the proper research, a 3.0 to 3.4 swap can be fairly easy if you understand what is involved.

I know someone who did a 3.0 manual to the chevy 4.3 auto and it took 10 times longer, but he is very satisfied with it. So, it almost comes down to how long you are willing to have your trail rig down and how good you are at the electrical part. There are a few places that make a complete wire harness to convert a 3.0 to a 3.4; that is the route I am going to go when its time to replace mine

just my $.02