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Greetings, I have a '97 4Runner, 4 cylinder, with 277,000 miles. NEVER had any issues, bought from original owner with 60,000 miles. Rough engine idle upon start up last couple of days with EL popping on Sunday. Wednesday, really rough start up and white smoke/steam? out tail pipe, stopping after 1/2 mile of driving. No overheating.
Mechanic states EL registers misfire in cylinder 1, also states I have a blown head-gasket? Opened up radiator (which was low on fluid and reserve tank empty, for shame! I didn't know!!! ) He started engine after adding coolant; began to bubble. Radiator cap bad and gave me a new one. Drove home, about 7 mi and upon arriving home I could hear coolant boiling in the radiator, or at least it sounded like it was boiling. No steam from under hood. No overheating. No white smoke out the back that I am aware of on drive home.
Mechanic says it will cost $900 to replace which would include new water pump, plugs, some hoses. Should I repair? Please advise.