A friend of mine has a '95 4 Runner SR5 4x4 V6 with 160K miles. It recently developed some engine troubles, and he had it towed to the dealer. I believe the problem is with the head. After looking around this site, I see that's a pretty common problem.

I don't know if he ever had any of the gaskets replaced by toyota over the years............i can find that out tomorrow.

The dealer wants $2800 to repair his engine. They included a new radiator and possibly a water pump in that price..........but its still the same old engine! I think that's crazy........I told him he should just replace it.

So, that brings me to my question............

Where can I find a V6 engine to put in the vehicle? Or should I be hounding toyota about these head gasket problems they have had?

Any advice would be appreciated. If he decides to give up on the vehicle altogether, what would it be worth in its current condition if sold privately?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

Look for my post "I blew up My motor" I just ordered a replacement used imported japanese engine for my 99 and it cost $1600.

 

Your friend should ask the dealer to run the VIN number to see if the headgasket recall was done or applies to this particular vehicle. If he feels he's getting the runaround, he can contact Toyota customer service and they will be more than able to tell him and may offer to pay or defer some of the costs if indeed it's the head gasket

 

hes going to have a tough time finding a good used engine. his best bet is to find a cheaper mechanic and take the heads off and go from there. ive seen people do new hg's @ 250k and touch nothing else, it depends on the engine i guess