Hi,

Don't post much thanks to FAQ's, but have a problem. 87 4Runner with 283,042 original motor miles. #2 plug has been fouling every 5k. Clean and replace. Loosing coolant for some time but not bad. Top off when low. August, temp gauge maxed but made it home. Not driven since.

Today, filled with coolant and started. Still runs good. No hiccups but steaming from excuse somewhat. No pressure on top radiator hose but thermo may be stuck open cause takes forever to blow warm.

Question - with mileage, would you recommend HG only, complete rebuild or long block replacement?

I'm pretty savvy with a wrench. How difficult to change motor.

HG change looks pretty straight forward.

This is a stretch "appx" amt. to expect to pay for Mechanic to replace?

Thanks

Everything on this one still works. I'm second owner and have used as my dd for years. Don't see it changing.

Thank you for help.

 

The bottom end varies so much due to maintenance and drive habits you won't know untill you plastigauge it. They maybe tight at 300k on one engine and lose at 150k on another. Assume you need a full long block and you'll be happy to only need new valve seals.

Difficulty is going to vary also by the conditions you're in now and where the vehicle spent it's life. Stuck bolts all that fun stuff. There's a youtube video that claims I think 2-4 hours or something to pull the engine swap the harness and install a prepared engine assembly. Expect that to take 10-20 times longer your first time, and you'll be happy if you get it done over a weekend.

16-26+ hours of shop time to do the head or remove and replace the engine.

 

Forgot labor rates. They vary by geolocation of course. Locally they range from 90-120$/hr. Semi locally in Denver there is a diyautorepairshops.com facility. Rates there range from 30, 60, and 90 for diy, assisted, full service sit back and drink coffee.