I changed my radiator last week, and today i popped my hood and noticed my overflow tank was empty so i checked the dipstick and at the end of the stick the oil is thick and sticky looking. i assume its the headgasket gone. if thats what the problem is how much will the parts to fix it cost me, and how long does it take (doing it myself if possible). I have some descent car repair experience. Need some input.

 

But your V6 may still be covered under the "V06 Head gasket replacement campaign". The first thing you want to do is call Toyota's national 800 number to find out if yours is still open.
The next thing you want to do (and I'll whisper this because you're new here) is hit the search button and enter 'head gasket' and you'll soon be up to speed.
You wanna hope V06 is still open. This can cost up to (and over) $2k.
Good luck

 

From what I hear you got 8 years from year model to get the recall done...but I'd still check into it further.

 

Yes make sure you check the recall.....my '95 however was not still covered....thats my luck. Anyway i just finished replacing my head gaskets about 2 weeks ago. All in all it wasnt too bad to do it took me about 3 evenings to do it. I replaced both gaskets, head bolts, all gaskets from there up, water pump, upper idler pulley, and timing belt. It cost me $500. It can be done if you have some knowledge on working on cars, if you have any questions feel free to ask. Oh yes and if you have a digital camera you can take pics as you go. This helped me out a whole lot when i went to put things back together. Good luck!!!

 

the only way its over 2k is if you cracked something and that needs to be replaced.
i wouldnt spend over 1500 for a head gasket replacement
or you could just do it yourself if youve got time

 

my 4runner has already supposedly been repaired during the campaign. it whas done at about 85,000 miles. so its been done for quite some time. im planning on just doing it myself. what parts will i need.

 

has anybody used the headgasket kits sold on ebay. everyone who has bought from those dealers seem pretty satisfied. their about half the price of all the other kits i have found.

 

a gasket kit, head bolts, a torque wrench, zip ties and tape (for flagging hoses and stuff) and any misc things you break or want to replace. and a manual (chiltons most likely)

 

am i going to need the headbolts for sure or will the old one be reuseable!

 

The head bolts are torque-to-yield types, and Toyota does not replace them. If you follow the sequence described in the manual it's supposed to be OK. Lots of people here reccommend the DOA set. New from the dealer, each bolt is around $15 and you'll need 16 of them. At that price, I'd say get them from DOA. I think they charge about $200 for the set. Check the website.

 

found some of them on ebay too. their only $65 plus shipping guess if i need them ill probably just go with them. i really would just like to go ahead and do a 3.4 swap but just dont have the time and cash to do that immediately.