So... I blew a cylinder #3.

Now im looking to buy a parts truck with a good engine to fix my truck. Ive located one and everything is compatible BUT, the freeze plug has popped out. The engine (according to the current owner) was running great until the freeze plug popped out.

I've a group of friends who all rock crawl their older 4runners so they know the vehicles pretty well. They told me that because the freeze plug has popped out the engine most likely no good and i shouldnt waste my time.

After researching it myself a bit i dont see why they'd say that, there are more then a few reasons a freeze plug would pop out and the engine i believe would be good still once repaired.

So my questions are:

in what circumstance would a popped freeze plug mean the engine isnt good anymore.

How would i be able to tell it isnt good before i make the swap.

any other relevant information that i may have overlooked.



EditedS;

On a side note. If this deal doesnt pan out i am looking for a engine preferable a whole truck someone wants to get rid of. I live in southern california, if anyone has one for sale. Mines an 89 cylinder 22re. so i think anything from 85-89 will work.