I'm looking at picking up a 2nd gen (91) with about 160k miles on the ticker for 2,000. Guy says it's in pretty good shape, he just put new carpet in it. Says it has a "miss" and he thinks the HG is blown although it's never overheated or lost any coolant. Says the jackets (water and oil) are at equal pressure so it's not losing any fluid. I'm skeptical. Anyone ever heard of this happening? Also, what do you think of the price? It has a 3.0 V6 and auto tranny, 4wd, power options (all work supposedly).

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

My headgasket on my Celica had an external leak and I barely lost coolant, I didn't even notice. But when I took it in for the t-belt to be replaced, my friend (toyota tech) found the leak. I am sure I could have gone a few months with it like that, but I wanted to get it fixed before I was stranded on the side of the road.

So to answer your question, it is possible.

 

Did you call Toyota, to see if it is still covered under V06?

 

I thought someone posted a while back that the (88-92?) campaign was over. I haven't bought the truck yet, but I'm buying it with the intention of having to put on a couple headgaskets, which I'm thinking is going to cost in the neighborhood of about 500 dollars if I do it myself. I will definitely check with Toyota to see if they'll do it, but I doubt they would. So i should have about 2,500 in it, after fixing the HG's, I think it should be worth quite a bit more than that. What do you all think?

 

Someone DID post that. But it's not true. They were not aware of the two separate campaigns V06 and V06 SC, which covers later 1990 production models.The late '80's to mid 1990 production (V06) IS closed. There are two different campaigns. Mid 1990 production is still OPEN. I know, because I got a long block for my rolled '91 AND I called about my new '91. Still open, with no service date as of yet. Do a search for posts by me (re:head gaskets), and you can read all the details that are curent as of mid March.

Never mind, just go here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/90-4runner-blown-head-gasket-28719/

 

I hate to dash your hopes but having a dealership replace those head gaskets is slim to none.

Todd

 

I kinda expected I'd be doing it myself, none the less, it looks like you work at a toyota dealership, so can you tell me why they would deny the recall on a 91+ vehicle?

 

Todd,
What makes you say that?
I know for sure it's still open for mid 91's.
Has your dealership stopped doing the campaigns?
Up here it's called 802SC (for mid '91 model year to mid '95 model year) and it is DEFINITLY still open.

Being an "insider", maybe you can provide a definitive word on the topic, as there are MANY still out there. EG: When looking for a new (used) 2nd Gen I called in about 25 VIN's. At LEAST 10 were still open. As well, I just had it done (long block) back in FEB.

 

this sound really formiliar.. my 3.0 v6 did the same thing. it never over heated and was loosing coolant slowly.. but one thing it smoked white smoke.. but on my way down to the local garage to have it checked it hydrolocked right in the parkin lot at the garage. checked the oil and it looks like creamed coffie..so ol'well by by v6. the machanic at the garage said it would cost almot $700 for him to do the work and new headgaskets at all the local parts stores cost from $190 to $240..so with $183,000 its time for a transplant..

 

In all honesty, for that price range, I would steer clear of the 3.0. I would much rather get a 22re powered 1st gen.

Anything holding you back from pursuing that route?

 

Resale value. I figure with a decent engine and a decent body, a 91 should fetch in the neighborhood of 3,500, whereas a 1st gen would maybe get 2500-3000 at best.

 

Oh, so your looking to turn the rig over...

I thought you were keeping it.

 

I blew a headgasket w/o losing coolant or overheating. The first sign I had was a miss while idling at stop lights. I never saw any loss of coolant or any overheating or any smoke. Mine was cought very early I guess.