Pani

Hi Folks! I've gone through a few other posts from other sad souls who've also had a HG blow, but it seems like other people are able to do some of their own work. I'm afraid I just don't have the skills! So any advice on my case is much appreciated !

The head gasket blew on my 93 v6 4runner. I've been looking at her in the driveway for two weeks, in deep denial, but finally figured I better do something with her. I figure I have 2 choices- try to sell the truck or pay to fix it. Well not so much fix it as I don't have the dough, but I have a question about swapping the engine.

After calling around, I found a shop with a wrecking yard that just got in a v6 3.0L same like mine with 99,000 miles on it out of a totaled 92 Toy long bed. What ?! 99k miles?! But I carfaxed it and it seems to hold. Is an engine swap a good idea? They said they'd even swap my new water pump and timing belt into the new engine. They quoted $1600 out the door. Does this seem reasonable?

I'd really appreciate any feedback on this. Thanks all.

buckz6319

Welcome to yotatech!!

now what you are asking is really a decision that only you can make....I say the 3.0 is a good motor gone bad because of the head gasket problem plaguing it for years.I know that you can replace the motor with the blown HG with one that isn't, but there is no guarantee that the swapped motor will not blow a HG either at some point.I think it's a gamble either way

If I had the chance to go back to before I purchased my 95 4runner 4x4 3.o.I would not have purchased it, and would have purchased a 4runner with a 3.4

tried4x2signN

I get my heads redone and put the highest quality, most expensive gaskets back on I can find... problem solved...

But if this is your 1st Toyota I can see where you might think this will happen again at x2 the mileage...


she is a b**** to work on though... Get ready for the neighbors to call about your cussing, and high blood pressure.

Take your time and you aren't doing anything no other man can't do, and don't feel like the lone ranger.

pruney81

I wouldn't swap in another 3.0 because there is a good chance that it could be blown or it soon will as most of them do. Just fix the one you have in there now and be done with it.

olharleyman

MUTI LAYER STEEL HEAD GASKET then do it yourself at a leisurely pace

94Runner4x4

Maybe it qualifies under the recall still? And I wouldn't recommend swapping in an unknown motor. I would fix the one you have.

Pani

thanks for the responses. I've only had the truck for 6 months, so while I'm attached to her, I'm also considering just selling her and financing another used one at a dealership. But that's why i considered doing the engine swap- it's not like I know the history of this engine beyond the last six months.

Also, I live in San Diego. And, the recall replacement HG was put in in 1998.