Ive got a 1991 4runner thats giving me a load of issues. Granted I'm no mechanic, but by questions asked previously, I may have a blown head gasket. Its an expensive job, and Im not a rich person. Cant afford replacing the water pump every year, as Ive had to, for the last 3 years. Its just a daily commuter, but my only commuter. After reading some of the threads...with my 3.slow (lol thats the truth) Should I sell? Part it out? Rebuild? Drop in a new engine? Any opinions or suggestions would really help. Thanks!

 

It's really up to you. Are you satisfied with it other than the engine? Emotionally attached to it?
Though it might be cheaper to get something else if you can't do your own work.
Just look at it from all sides.

 

From your post I think sell this as is explaining as many issues as you know about.

As your daily driver maybe get something newer.

Then only you know what the rest of the vehicle is like if your paying labor it gets real expensive real quick.

Just curious why your water pumps are failing??

 

..knowing why my water pump keeps failing is also a mystery to me. Ive had 3 mechanics preforming head scratching over it. I love my 4runner, i wish I could afford it. However, i know whatever I havent replaced, is the original engine. And with 250k miles...

 

Well what exactly is failing on it? Buying cheap water pumps?

 

Yes, been buying cheaps ones. Dont know why i didnt think of that. But yes, its the water pump going and more commonly, the bearings.

 

aisin the the oem brand for toyota parts, the aisin water pump can be had on rock auto for cheap. Quality parts go a long way, just like a toyota.

 

My feeling is that, at the age the 2nd gen 4runners are, it's not really economically feasible to keep them around unless you're willing to get into DIY maintenance. There are just too many little things that will crop up and eat you alive financially if you're paying full shop rates to deal with them as they happen. If you have a great running truck, by all means keep it, but if it's starting to show signs of age, either buy a set of tools and download the FSM and prepare to get your hands dirty, or sell it for something newer.

I love my truck, and I enjoy working on it, so it's a fun thing for me to have. And, these vehicles are still simple enough to respond well to DIY maintenance as long as you use good parts and follow instructions well. But DIY is not for everyone. Only you can decide that for yourself.