My mechanic said that my 88 4runners 22RE's headgasket needs to be replaced. I dont have the funding for it right now and still need to drive to work, is it safe to drive it? Or should I fix it asap? Any help appreciated.

Sorry if this is a very basic question, Im new to this.

Thanks

 

Fix it ASAP!

 

Ok, what will happen if I keep it running? Right now the engine light comes on and sometimes it shuts down when changing gears.

 

if water gets into your cylinder and the cylinder compresses the water has to do somewhere. If it doesnt squirt out the head gasket hole, it will not compress, ruining the valves. Water is not a lubricant, it will get into things that need oil, they will get hot, build up friction and stop moving, your engine bearings could lock.
thats one of those things that you ought to fix.

 

You'll get oil in your coolent, and coolent in your oil. So basically your isn't as oily, and your coolent isn't so cool. Eventually you'll screw up your engine, and start warping the block. At which point you might as well cut your losses and buy a new 4runner. If it's left for a little bit you'll need a new short block, but if you leave it long enough and you'll need a new long block.

 

Easy fix...............dump a can of "stop leak" in your anti-freeze and drive it. Easy and cheap fix.

vmax84



Seriously...........quit driving it and get it fixed.

 

Thanks for the better understanding of the headgasket, appreciate it.

 

I would say you're probably safe to drive it 50 feet to get it into your garage to fix it. Any driving with a blown biscuit only damages the engine.