decision time...engine or head gasket
Jun 10, 2015 | 11:25 AM
#21
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 360
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From: Dallas, TX
Yep, had a great meet with the two guys this afternoon.
He is a service advisor, but used to be a tech, and the other guy is tech...and both own 1997 4runners. One rebuilt his after 330k miles and is supercharged now.
anyways, I immediately liked both guys, seem like good people, and the service advisor guy printed out the full service history of the 4runner. I saw all the work done since like 2005, and all oil changes were done on time, and any issues were addressed.
It has 160 k miles on odometer, and the timing belt was done at 116k miles.
They are going to pull the engine at the dealer, and then take it to the tech's house to do the work. This is all happening next weekend.
They will do the rear main seal, and some transmission seal thingy that is only a 12 dollar part...but they can leak sometimes, and will be easy to do while engine is out.
if my engine mounts are worn, they will replace with the ones from the other truck.
I came away very happy with my conversation with these guys and think this is going to be a really good deal when all is said and done.
I'm paying the 1100 bucks via paypal when I drop off the truck at his house, and will get a bill of sale.
then the remainder will be paid when they are done and I go to pick it up.
The only thing left for me to do is to confirm that I have a headgasket blown, or cracked head.
I'm almost 100% certain I do since I lost all the coolant in my reservoir and a lot out of the radiator, all in one week of about 100 miles of driving.
white steamy smoke on startup that last about a minute then clears up...
but just to confirm I'll do a compression check and maybe a leakdown after...
He is a service advisor, but used to be a tech, and the other guy is tech...and both own 1997 4runners. One rebuilt his after 330k miles and is supercharged now.
anyways, I immediately liked both guys, seem like good people, and the service advisor guy printed out the full service history of the 4runner. I saw all the work done since like 2005, and all oil changes were done on time, and any issues were addressed.
It has 160 k miles on odometer, and the timing belt was done at 116k miles.
They are going to pull the engine at the dealer, and then take it to the tech's house to do the work. This is all happening next weekend.
They will do the rear main seal, and some transmission seal thingy that is only a 12 dollar part...but they can leak sometimes, and will be easy to do while engine is out.
if my engine mounts are worn, they will replace with the ones from the other truck.
I came away very happy with my conversation with these guys and think this is going to be a really good deal when all is said and done.
I'm paying the 1100 bucks via paypal when I drop off the truck at his house, and will get a bill of sale.
then the remainder will be paid when they are done and I go to pick it up.
The only thing left for me to do is to confirm that I have a headgasket blown, or cracked head.
I'm almost 100% certain I do since I lost all the coolant in my reservoir and a lot out of the radiator, all in one week of about 100 miles of driving.
white steamy smoke on startup that last about a minute then clears up...
but just to confirm I'll do a compression check and maybe a leakdown after...
Afterward, you should have a semi new motor.
Jun 10, 2015 | 11:37 AM
#22
Just seen where you was asking about parts off of the old block. I would keep sensors manifolds,coil packs, oil pan... Call your local salvage yard and see what they would charge you if you were buying those parts from them. I think you would be surprised. They wont give you the price for those parts but will charge you for them. I would keep what I could if you have the space to do so. You also know those were working before the swap.
Nothing else see what you could sell them locally for.
Nothing else see what you could sell them locally for.
Jun 13, 2015 | 09:32 AM
#23
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 210
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Just seen where you was asking about parts off of the old block. I would keep sensors manifolds,coil packs, oil pan... Call your local salvage yard and see what they would charge you if you were buying those parts from them. I think you would be surprised. They wont give you the price for those parts but will charge you for them. I would keep what I could if you have the space to do so. You also know those were working before the swap.
Nothing else see what you could sell them locally for.
Nothing else see what you could sell them locally for.
excellent idea on the coil packs
I will go over it with the tech guy when I drop it off...save all those things as spares since it looks like I plan to hang onto this truck for a long time.
they have the transmission on the donor truck too...160k miles compared to mine with 270k
was thinking of having them swap that over also, but I bet it adds another grand...making the final bill 3k...which is tough for me at this point...
later on in the year when I sell a couple houses it wont be an issue.
think I may just leave my tranny in and replace when it goes
already have a newish koyo radiator and external trans oil cooler installed
Jun 25, 2015 | 08:25 AM
#24
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Registered User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
it is done.
the techs from the local Toyota dealer did a great job.
no engine codes, no oil leaks...everything is perfect.
you cannot beat a man at his own game, and it was worth every cent of the 800 dollars to pay the experts to do the swap.
just giving an update as promised...
thanks everyone for your advice!
the techs from the local Toyota dealer did a great job.
no engine codes, no oil leaks...everything is perfect.
you cannot beat a man at his own game, and it was worth every cent of the 800 dollars to pay the experts to do the swap.
just giving an update as promised...
thanks everyone for your advice!
Jun 26, 2015 | 10:33 AM
#26
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
it is done.
the techs from the local Toyota dealer did a great job.
no engine codes, no oil leaks...everything is perfect.
you cannot beat a man at his own game, and it was worth every cent of the 800 dollars to pay the experts to do the swap.
just giving an update as promised...
thanks everyone for your advice!
the techs from the local Toyota dealer did a great job.
no engine codes, no oil leaks...everything is perfect.
you cannot beat a man at his own game, and it was worth every cent of the 800 dollars to pay the experts to do the swap.
just giving an update as promised...
thanks everyone for your advice!
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