I have an '88 4x2 with a 22R that has a leaking headgasket. The compression was good about 3k ago and it does not have any piston slap, even on cold days, but the block has 263k on it. I have read quite a few stories about installing a new head on an old block and the rings can't take the new compression after re-doing the head. Would it be a good idea to get a new or rebuilt short block when doing the headgasket? The block seems to be ok, but the amount of miles concerns me. Is there a better way to check it before re-doing the head?

 

I've got a pre-84 22R that had the head replaced last summer. I should've rebuilt the entire engine at the time, now it's burning oil. If the block is in decent shape, I don't see any reason to get an entirely new motor, unless you weigh the costs and realize that it would be cheaper to drop a new motor in.

If you're doing the work yourself, rebuild the motor. If a shop is doing the work, I would find a decent used engine to drop in.

 

I am going to do the work myself, but I do not have the facilities or the tools to completely rebuild the engine myself. If it is really necessary, I would figure out a way to rebuild it or get another short block.

Is there a good way to test the block without dismantling it? I did a compression check before the headgasket went bad, and it was good. If I remember right, all the cylinders were 160's - 170's. There is no piston slap, even on the cold days last winter. Oil pressure seems good, also.

 

get an ATTARCO head..i highly recommend them...we have one on our '86 22r...it runs better now than it ever has...not sure how many miles were on the block..we didnt even think about rebuilding the whole motor...just the head..cost $250 shipped to my door...just my $.02

 

I saw that head on their site, and I was considering it. Either that one or the Engnbldr performance head. I see in your sig that you have 35k on a complete rebuild. How long did the engine go for with the new head before the rest had to be rebuilt?

 

If you do the head make sure to purge the block of coolant. If the head gasket blew and you've got coolant in your oil, you'll have bearing problems done the road. But with 263 miles (assuming) you'll have problems sooner or later anyway. Why not go to the bone yard and pull a good used head the replace it. You'll gain a ton of expereince and save a handfull of cash. After all why put a new head on a senior block.

 

X2. 263K is lot of miles and compression rings do not last forever.

 

The headgasket is not all the way blown, but there is a stream of coolant running down the side of the block that appears to be coming out of the headgasket on the exhaust side. I wanted to change it before it blew and destroyed the bearings. I guess in the long run it would be better to rebuild the engine. Thanks for all of the input!

 

I had the same dilemma when my head gasket blew. I didn't have the time, tools or experience to rebuild mine. So I ended up having a shop install a totally re-maned engine with a brand new Canadian head. I'm really glad that I did, because now I'm not concerned about the bottom end being an issue anytime soon. Especially since I didn't have any confidence in who ever rebuilt it before I acquired the truck.
The biggest regret I have was the price tag that came with the new engine and install. lol But I knew that going into it.

Good Luck!
Grant

 

Good advice from muddpigg! (used oem head)

There's a Pick-n-Pull in Windsor that should have one for about $60. Get the rocker arm too. Clean it up and torque in on using a new headgasket. Total cost = <$100!

I've done this to 4 R22's with excellent results. Do NOT allow a machine shop to "shave" the head! I use solvent pouring into the ports to check for valve sealing.

All '85-'95 R22R/RE heads interchange.

Good luck, and save your $ to use on important things!

 

Why do you say that a machine shop shouldnt resurface the head?
I sure as hell would, especially if its a junkyard head, I'd rather have retarded timing than a warped head...

 

"Shaved head" = blown head gasket

A "good" used head won't need to be surfaced. Save your money!

 

I have a 94 toyota 4runner and it is doing weird things too like it is so underpowered and runs really bad when cold. Is that a blown head gasket or leaking cylinder or what? I have no idea were to start! THANKS

 

yotaman804: Start by starting a new thread.

 

any head, good or not, could warp when unbolted from the block. Every head should be checked for warpage, new or otherwise.

so to the OP, pull your head and check it. you may be able to use yours and not even have to buy a head from anywhere. anyone suggesting to buy a head, particularly not knowing the condition of yours, isn't thinking things through.