Well, after looking at how much is involved with changing the head gaskets I decided to have the Toyota dealership that has worked on my 88 since it was new do the job. I called today and they said everything was good that the gasket had barely let go into the #1 cyl. that the heads and the block did not need surfacing... They are givining a 1 year unlimited mile warranty on the job "so they say" so Im hoping that its good to go for another 180,000 miles!! They said that the valves and pistons looked great so hopefully I wont have any more issues. $1450 including parts, still cheaper than buying a new truck or engine...I guess.

 

Ouch $1500 that hurts. But like you said it's cheaper than buying something new. It's best to get it done right.

Rob

 

I agree 100%. The stealership has done so many of these and their lead mechanic has worked on the 3.0 since it came out so I was comfortbale havign them do the work. The $1500 included, a Valve Grind Set, which is all of the gaskets and seals, a new Toyota timing belt, new head bolts and a PCV valve. They did call me and had to add a T belt tensioner and accidentally cut one of my NGK blue plug wires so Im sure they will hit me for top dollar for those but it should be good for many many more miles!

 

The dealer will do the best job and take the better care of your truck than anyone. If they accidentally cut your plug wire they should replace it for free. Just talk to your service guy.

 

Yea , they cut it so they should replace it, but I worked for toyota for years on these trucks and I can tell you , there is no better wires than stock toyota wires. I can't count the number of trucks that came in missing, and the ticket said, "started missing after tune up" well 99% of the time there was a set of aftermarket wires and a set of crappy ass champion plugs in the engine, all brand new. and gapped to spec.

 

mine was rebuilt by the dealer from a mechanic who owns and drives the same truck.

had tons of advice, and know-how, and tools, parts...
the dealer had about 40 bays for cars, and only 3 cars in for repair. i saw a group of mechanics hanging out w/the detailers crew and it was a pretty cool site...(all those empty bays) ...

anyways, when mine was all torn apart, i was told, that my engine had already been rebuilt, and re-assembled with half the bolts, and the half that was in there, about 20% were in the wrong place...

i was dissapointed when my H.G. failed a month after i bought it, but now..its awesome. i feel a lot better on taking it on road trips too.
tons of power/ torque and that good ole toyota feeling.