Hey all. We are in the market for a second vehicle and lo, wouldn't you know that I stumbled upon a 97 4runner in great shape with blown head gaskets (so cheap too!). As we already have a 94runner... same color, in fact, I thought huh...

Now, before I met her I know that my wife addressed the recall on her runner for the head gaskets. Confirmed that with Toyota directly. What I need to know is if anyone can tell me off hand if there were similar head gasket recalls on 97s. If so, can you tow a vehicle in for a recall service if the gaskets are already blown?

 

The 97's had the 5vz, they did not have the widespread HG issues the 3vz did.

There are still some issues here and there, overheating will do it.

 

Yes, 3.4 (5VZFE) didn't have the same HG problems that the 3.0's did. If you take the VIN down to a dealer thay can tell you if at all there were any recalls on the truck and if they were done. The current owner should have no problem giving you the VIN over the phone. Also, just because they are saying it is the HG, doesn't mean that it is. It could be a myriad of other things that would show as the same symptoms. It you buy the truck with the idea that you will have to plop in a whole new longblock, then anything less than that will be a bonus.

 

Agreed, anytime i buy a car with engine problems i buy it with intentions of replacing the whole engine. If it is still a good deal then i get it.

Sometimes i get lucky with an easy fix, others i have to do a whole engine. This way i always come out ahead.

 

They didn't have the same widespread issues as the 3VZE but yes, the 3.4 did in fact have early head gasket issues.

I believe there was a TSB for the replacement.
Call the dealer and give them the vin, they can look it up.