Hey guys,

I found a '97 4Runner I am a little interested in. It has 300k miles, but looks good. The issue is that the seller says it may need a new head gasket or intake gasket. When I asked what the issue was, the seller said it will loose coolant after about 400-500 miles at that point starts to overheat. AFAIK, there are no leaks since it was advertised it was needing a gasket. Which one is easier to replace and which is more likely to cause this issue? I know we replaced the head gasket on my dads 22RE 4-cylinder, but not sure how big of a chore it is on the 3.4L.

Thanks!

 

As long as it's losing coolant, there's a leak in the coolant system somewhere. If it can't hold pressure it will boil over. You can remove the spark plugs and see if there's one plug that's extraordinarily clean, indicating a leaky head gasket. Heads gaskets are about as much work as you can imagine. They're not easy, but they're not the worst, if you've any experience.

On the 5vz there are more than a couple rubber lines that coolant run through (back side of intake manifold) that could simply be cracked and leaking. Even a bad radiator cap might be causing boil over and overflowing out of overflow tank. Best to take it to a mechanic to check it out if you're not competent in this diagnosis. Or take a gamble- which I've done as long as the price is right.

 

To be honest, an engine with that amount of miles on it, you will most likely be spending more then just replacing the head gasket. Reason being, if you are replacing the head gasket it is recommended to rebuilt the lower end as the engine is halfway apart.

Regarding the coolant issue, it is possible that the block could be warped if the issue is severe.

In all best of luck with your decision.

 

Thanks so much. Well they are asking $2000, which I think is too much considering the miles and possible problems, I think I will pass. I appreciate the info.

I found another one, a 1993 SR5 4x4 that is $1600, runs great, but they say it needs a tranny solenoid. Not sure if it is that simple though. They say you have to shift manually through 3rd gear or it will not shift.

Not sure how simple that is to replace.

Not looking for anything fancy, but something to replace my 2nd car to keep the miles down on my new one.

 

Quite a big difference between a 97 and 93 4Runner

Maybe you should think on just which generation you want.