Hello,

Have a 89 pickup with a 22re engine that is standard transmission.
First thing I’m trying to do is get a general idea if it is the engine or transmission that has failed. Took off from a stoplight and truck started having low power and kind of a back and forth motion. If I put it in Neutral the engine shakes really bad, and after about a minute it just dies. Looks like some oil may be coming out of the exhaust.

I’m going to have to have it towed to a mechanic, but before so trying to get some general idea for when i call a repair place. If major engine issue, does anybody have a general idea of costs for major fixes on engine. It isn’t main vehichle and probably use once a week. So at the point trying to see if is worth fixing, or just trying to sale it as is. Lots of sentimental value so don’t want to get rid of.

Thanks

 

Sounds like blown head gasket to me. Oil in the exhaust means either oil is coming in from where the gasket is supposed to seal it out OR that it’s coming up from below the piston past the rings. It’s very likely it is the first problem. Also luckily the less expensive one.

I don’t know what a shop would quote for a head gasket though, I’ve only done one in the driveway.

Honestly with the 4, cylinder motor, if you do get it fixed you have many more years of use out of that engine most likely. How many miles are on it?

if I were you I’m fixing and keeping.

 

I really appreciate the reply.

256,000 miles, but body is in great shape. Only negative on the inside is the dash has cracked in a few places and carpet is worn. Has been wonderful for hauling stuff when needed. I've had notes left on it saying call and people approach and comment and ask if I'm selling.

Will research some local shops and then call around to see about having them look at it to explore my options. Don't even have an idea what would sell for.

 

250k is definitely not low miles but the bottom end is regularly good for twice that with religious maintenance. After doing head gasket, if it is that, you’ll likely have a still pretty decent number of miles and years ahead.

I’m curious what shops will quote you on the job. I’ve done it in a backyard but labor can get pretty crazy some places.

 

You would be amazed what people will pay for an old Toyota, chances are if you fix it you will make your money back and then some rather than selling as a non-running truck. Besides that you’ll regret it if it’s already sentimental to you. I couldn’t tell you how much the going rate is but remember labor rates are pretty standard and if you get a “deal” you’ll get what you pay for it’s just finding trustworthy shops anymore that’s the problem

Good luck and report back results and costs, it’s always good to see what jobs are going for these days

 

Thanks everyone for your responses. Finally got to a point where I could look at truck more closely.

I bought one of those head gasket test kits. Testing on the radiator it shows that nothing is wrong. However, to double check that I'm doing the testing correctly I put it next to the exhaust pipe and it didn't change like it should. I put the tester next to an exhaust on a different vehicle and the fluid changed. So, it seems like nothing is coming out of the exhaust.

If I turn on the vehicle and let it idle the engine shakes really badly. If I give it some gas the engine shake goes away. Could it be related to something with the fuel system? Or could it be a different part of the engine that has issues?

 

So, I found a fun video online how to check for engine warning lights(mine isn't on, but seems to have a mind of its own) with a fancy paperclip. Showing code 2526 which shows trouble areas of possibly being: engine ground bolt loose, open in E1 curcuit, open in injector circurit, fule line pressure, open or shor in heated oxygen sensor circuit, ignition system, engine coolant temp sensor, volume air flow meeter, or ecm.