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Is it worth it? Head Gasket, 2005, 180,000 miles

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by jdav, Aug 12, 2017.

  1. Aug 12, 2017 at 5:39 PM
    #1
    jdav

    #1
    jdav [OP] New Member

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    My 2005 Toyota was running perfectly when suddenly the engine vsc lights went on. I took it to my mechanic and he thought it was spark plugs, did some repairs and it stayed on. Car sounds rough when it is started in the morning, but seems to be running fine. I took it back and he said it seems like it could be a head gasket which could cost around $2000. The car has 180,000 miles. I was hoping to keep it going, but am not sure it is worth it. He said it wasn't looking to good and it could last 6mo to a year...but he can't be certain unless he opens up the engine which could be pricey. What do you think? Is it worth it, or should I look into getting a new vehicle.
    Thanks for you input!
     
    jdav, Aug 12, 2017
    #1
  2. Aug 13, 2017 at 1:51 PM
    #2
    thefatkid

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    thefatkid New Member

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    You should post pictures of the current condition of the vehicle and your location. Is it 4wd? Good oil change history? Good service history?
     
    thefatkid, Aug 13, 2017
    #2
  3. Aug 13, 2017 at 9:14 PM
    #3
    jdav

    #3
    jdav [OP] New Member

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    It has been well maintained, but the top coat is peeling on the top and the hood. I was actually thinking of getting it re-done. It's a 6 cylinder sr5.
     
    jdav, Aug 13, 2017
    #3
  4. Aug 16, 2017 at 12:47 PM
    #4
    F250

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    F250 New Member

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    The problem is that it's not worth much at this point unless the head gaskets get done.
     
    F250, Aug 16, 2017
    #4
    Bob likes this.
  5. Aug 16, 2017 at 2:13 PM
    #5
    fajitas21

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    fajitas21 New Member

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    Custom scratches
    Cummins repower 2.8L Diesel !
     
    fajitas21, Aug 16, 2017
    #5
    OvrlandNoob likes this.
  6. Aug 17, 2017 at 10:31 AM
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    F250

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    F250 New Member

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    How well does the 4R drive line marry up with the 2.8L power source?
     
    F250, Aug 17, 2017
    #6
  7. Aug 17, 2017 at 3:15 PM
    #7
    jdav

    #7
    jdav [OP] New Member

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    I don't understand what that means. It is driving fine just when I first start it it's putters a little then is fine.
     
    jdav, Aug 17, 2017
    #7
  8. Aug 18, 2017 at 5:24 AM
    #8
    Toyotayoda

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    Toyotayoda New Member

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    Tacoma whip, 99 console box, tru trac., steering wheel, PWMS and HVAC control out of a 99.
    Cylinder head gaskets are a common failure for the 1GR(4.0L V6) yes it's an expensive repair, but with quality parts and proper repair procedure it will last a long time. I've done a couple and have never had to do machine work, never had a warped cylinder head, nor leaking valve seals(although it's not a bad idea), as a bonus the front cover gets re sealed which is very common to leak oil. Also, that sputter your experience on cold start is because of coolant in the cylinder.
     
    Toyotayoda, Aug 18, 2017
    #8
  9. Aug 18, 2017 at 6:39 AM
    #9
    fajitas21

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    fajitas21 New Member

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    Probably not well, just throwing useless ideas or hopeful dreams out there :) Someone has to go first!
     
    fajitas21, Aug 18, 2017
    #9
  10. Aug 21, 2017 at 12:32 PM
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    4Paw

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    4Paw Don't Tread On Me

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    4Paw, Aug 21, 2017
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  11. Aug 25, 2017 at 6:25 AM
    #11
    Caltech90

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    Caltech90 New Member

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    I would get a second shop to take a look, if they come to the same conclusion then get it fixed. It will be cheaper than buying a new one. You might even be able to get a good used engine installed for a little more.
     
    Caltech90, Aug 25, 2017
    #11
  12. Aug 25, 2017 at 6:28 AM
    #12
    Caltech90

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    Caltech90 New Member

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    Have you tried to do a zero point calibration on it? My vsc lights came on after plugging in my code reader, I performed a ZPC and the lights have not came back on.
     
    Caltech90, Aug 25, 2017
    #12
  13. Sep 12, 2017 at 6:44 PM
    #13
    TN_TRAIL

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    TN_TRAIL New Member

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    oh the list....!
    at 180K, if all else was in good shape, I would either replace the head gasket myself, or pay to have it done, AND enjoy not having a new car note for another 150k miles....?
     
    TN_TRAIL, Sep 12, 2017
    #13
    Tactical 4Runner, BassAckwards and RonT4R like this.
  14. Sep 3, 2019 at 10:26 AM
    #14
    captsolo

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    captsolo New Member

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    nassau bahamas
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    2005 4runner head gasket set is $55
    SCITOO Head Gasket Set Replacement for Toyota 4Runner for Toyota Tacoma for Toyota Tundra 4.0L DOHC V6 24V 05-06 Engine Head Gaskets Kit Sets
    https://www.amazon.com/SCITOO-Gasket-Replacement-4Runner-Gaskets/dp/B07BFTGZNJ/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=Gasket+2005+Toyota+%2F+4Runner+Head+Gasket+Set&qid=1567531513&replacementKeywords=gasket+%2F+head+gasket+set&s=automotive&sr=1-7&vehicle=2005-76-1005------------&vehicleName=2005+Toyota+4Runner

    Find a good mechanic or shop with tools and experience, and it's fixable. Dealers want $3 grand.

    The set at this link says it fits my 2005 V6 SR5 (gas) engine. Guaranteed. You need to tell Amazon exactly what you drive, and they guarantee the parts will fit (on line - immediately).

    Before I'd sell my 2005 4runner with HG issue, I'd pour a can of this in there.
    $31 Bar's Leaks HG-1 HEAD SEAL Blown Head Gasket Repair
    https://www.amazon.com/Bars-HG-1-Blown-Gasket-Repair/dp/B003RGIWO0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26AEAAEAU4TA1&keywords=head+gasket+sealer&qid=1567531944&s=automotive&sprefix=Gasket+sealer%2Cautomotive%2C201&sr=1-1

    Drain after 6 months if it fixes HG or if it doesn't.

    BTW.. my runner's HG is AOK at 150,000 miles.
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2019
    captsolo, Sep 3, 2019
    #14
  15. Sep 3, 2019 at 10:45 AM
    #15
    2016Pro

    #15
    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    You are two years too late I'm afraid...
     
    2016Pro, Sep 3, 2019
    #15
  16. Sep 3, 2019 at 7:36 PM
    #16
    Libagui

    #16
    Libagui New Member

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    I did it on my Tacoma at approximately same miles. Yes, you will end at around $3000, but that is cheaper than buying another ride.

    If was you, I would use OEM parts.
     
    Libagui, Sep 3, 2019
    #16
  17. Sep 13, 2019 at 5:55 AM
    #17
    captsolo

    #17
    captsolo New Member

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    Wow! Doesn't sound good. I'd take it to a good local mechanic like Scotty Kilmer (in Houston unfortunately). coolant test by scotty kilmer - Bing video


    There's a kit you can buy to check the coolant for HC leak..
    Block Tester BT-700 Combustion Leak Test Kit in Hard Case - Made in USA
    https://www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-...gateway&sr=8-7
     
    captsolo, Sep 13, 2019
    #17
  18. Sep 13, 2019 at 6:25 AM
    #18
    2016Pro

    #18
    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    2016Pro, Sep 13, 2019
    #18
    scottalot and Dark Knight like this.
  19. Sep 13, 2019 at 4:01 PM
    #19
    scottalot

    #19
    scottalot Stockalot

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    To be determined
    :notsure: maybe op hasn’t made up his mind yet :laugh:
     
    scottalot, Sep 13, 2019
    #19
    2016Pro[QUOTED] likes this.
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