Ok so I recently found out whoever did the head gasket job on my newly acquired 4runner put the right side gasket on backwards - I found this because it was running cool, went to replace the T-stat to find a gutted one. Put the new t-stat in to find it overheated - then got a mechanic to look at it and tell me that the HG is in backwards.

The truck has started and ran fine otherwise and still runs pretty strong even though its never getting to operating temperature. I have stopped driving it to save what is left of the engine - but I am assuming the Previous Owner drove it for some time in this condition. How much damage could this have done?

Question - should I be shopping for a HG job/heads rebuilt or should I be looking for a reman engine altogether? I have seen some engines on orientengine.com, ebay, and some local yards for $1500-2000 and wonder if its worth just doing the whole engine. I know the HG job will be much cheaper, and will fix the issue - but what damage could have been done from him driving it like this. Also how strong are the bottom ends of the 3.0L? The engine has 290000kms on it now. I just don't want to dump money into the HG/heads if an extra bit is worthwhile to dump in a new piece altogether.

I am just trying to figure out my best plan of attack. The HG job can be done with the engine still in the truck, but easier with it pulled of course. Is there any way I can tell how good the bottom end is without pulling or tearing down the block? Sorry for being such a noob - I have honestly searched alot and read the FSM - but I am strapped for time and really just need the opinions of others who have done this or are familiar with this.

I have no idea how long it went for with the HG this way as he won't answer my messages anymore

Thanks for the help again.

 

I am new to these trucks and SUVs but I have the 3.0 also. With regard to the head gasket, my concern would be engine overheating and warping of the heads. Does your car run hot? Cost wise you are probably best off to have the head gasket done correctly and have the mechanic check the heads to see if they are warped. Even if they are they may just need to be machined.

 

I have the same motor and the best thing to do is get rid of it some of my friends are on their 3rd headgasket so scrap it and drop in a 350