Hello everyone,

I have never posted on Yotatech previously but have followed for a few years on and off as I have owned a couple Toyota vehicles (a 1995 4runner and now a 1993 pickup, both 3VZE). I am writing this as just a way to get more involved in the forum and more importantly to show how you don't have to be a pro to do most of the serious work on your truck.
If you are sitting on the fence about what to do with your 3VZE pickup or 4runner with a blown head gasket let me encourage you to take the time and fix it yourself. Two years ago I traded my Suburban for an awesome 95 4runner with extensive modification to the engine. The truck could rip. It was super fun. Unfortunately the head gasket did blow and being broke at the time I fixed it but had to sell it immediately to pay the mechanic
So fast forward to two weeks ago. I bought a 93 pickup for 1000 bucks. Near perfect interior and good shape over all. I got it for cheap due to a bad head gasket. I decided to sell my Subaru GL to fund this new project so I had about 600 to spend on top of the initial cost of the truck.

Anyway I'll get to the point. I am 19 and the only mechanical experience that I have has come from working on my own cars and devoting a large chunk of time to forums such as this one. I am not exactly here to explain how to perform a head gasket repair because there are hundreds of threads out there.

I just want to let it be known that if you are freaking out about your head gasket repair, just relax, breath, get a service manual, understand what you need to do and the parts you will need to purchase. Be methodical about the entire process. Label every bolt and vacuum hose. Have a safe space to lay out your parts. I did mine in the street in front of my house here in Fort Collins (kept my parts in my puny garage). It was freezing cold the entire time. You really just want to keep a positive attitude though because the way I see it, you're not doing to find a gas engine that will teach you more than the 3VZE.

Anyway, sorry if this was just a bunch of blah blah blah to anyone. I just felt like I needed to share. I know when my 4runner head gasket blew I had the worst feeling in my stomach. Figured I might be able to lessen at least one persons stress. If anyone has any questions on the repair feel free to let me know while I still have it all fresh on my mind. I love this forum and I hope to be able to aid someone as you all have for me.

Thanks

 

I think the same could be said about the 22RE. It's not rocket science, you just have to have patience and a willingness to learn.

 

Good words for noobs like me who can get that sinking stomach feeling you mentioned just thinking about it, thanks for sharing.

 

A positive attitude makes all of the difference. At 19, you are off to a great start. When I first started mechanics, I disassembled plenty of cars and trucks the correct way, not ripping them apart at the boneyards. I still do for a refresher course every now and then if it has been something I haven't messed with in awhile. Makes it easier for the next guy that needs parts off it. Then when I had to work on mine, it helped with the confidence. Just knowing how they come apart is the biggest challenge.

 

Toyoterferdayz...Got a blown head gasket on my pickup right now and have a few questions about your repair. What Brand Head gaskets did you buy and what other parts did you need (heads resurfaced ?) ect ... How long has it held up since completing the repair?

 

This is interesting, my 93 4runner is at the Toyota dealership right now with a blown head gasket. They are doing the "free" recall on it now, but called today to say I will need to pay for the heads to be decked and gone through. I don't want to complain since it's still not that expensive, but by the time it's finished I probably could have paid to have it all done cheaper, or done it myself for less than the recall is costing me. I guess I'll see in the next week or so. I only paid $950 for the 4runner anyway so I figure another $800 won't be to bad.

 

It's amazing that some find that dealers and Toyota will still honor that very old recall. Others are not so lucky.

 

That's crazy... maybe I should have called to check before I got mine done. jejeje

 

I got my head gaskets with my gasket kit from engnbldr. I got my heads resurfaced ad cleaned. You'll want to do spark plugs and wires. I also did full timing belt replacement

 

Ok so I just got my 4runner back this morning. Total out of pocket damage was $774. They sent the heads to the machine shop and did a valve job and coolant flush ect. Truck drives nice. Hopefully it will stay that way. Hendrick Toyota of concord.

 

well its not technically hard but really time consuming on a 3vz. took me 30 hours to do mine the first time through and thats after spinning wrenches for 15 years. a little shortcut is to take the heads and plenum off together to save some time. A trick i learned from a buddy who did tons of them during the HG campaign.

 

Doing my head gasket now on a 95 4runner 3.0 it is a big job but well worth it once completed. Definitely gives you a since of accomplishment. Hang in there Toyotas are worth the effort.

 

Just did head gaskets on my 93 pickup. I had the heads resurfaced also did new timing belt set, water pump and tune up while it was all apart. It is a big job but alot cheapet than paying a shop.....