To fix or not to fix, 2004 4Runner head gasket

I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition. I drove it for about 14 years and its paid for. My son turned 16 recently and I gave it to him. It's got about 153,000 and always ran solid. I am fairly certain I have a bad head gasket.

Anybody had any issues or success with replacing head gasket in this year 4Runner? I have heard the 2003-2005 models are known for head gasket issues. It will cost around $3000 to have it fixed, but I am thinking if it's a worthwhile fix then my kid could get another 100,000 miles out of it and I am only paying 3K for a vehicle for him. The plate says 4Funner, cool right LOL

This Runner is sentimental to me and he loves it, any advice on fixing it or walking away from it. I heard the head gaskets were redesigned and much better now for the 2004 models.

Thanks for any feedback !

 

Fix it.

 

Thinking the same just didn't know if any horror stories out there

 

Totally agree! My logic is, these are virtually problem free vehicles. It's a 2004, which means it's 17 years old. $3000/$17=$176.47 a year in "maintenance."

I know it's a strange way to think about it, but if you consider how trouble free these vehicles are, you'll realise it's tough to get that nowadays.

On my 2008, I had to replace the rear main seal at 140,000 miles... I ended up doing it and pretty much traded it in at 250K, still running strong. A few of my dealership service guys were ready to buy it from me, since they KNOW how well I maintain my vehicles.


Cheers,

Sean

 

Thanks for the reply and yeah it makes sense going to fix it !

Bobby

 

yOU MIGHT TRY BLUE DEVEL AND SEE IF IT FIXES THE HEAD GASKET SO YOU CAN DRIVE ANOTHER 3 YEARS.

 

Do not follow this terrible advice - or any other advice given by captsolo. Considering sentimental value, spend what is needed to fix it properly.

 

What? When Blue Devil might fix it for another 5 years of driving for $50.

Try Blue Devil first. Blue Devil Head Gasket Sealer: 1 Year Later - Bing video

Blue Devil Oil Stop Leak - WOW DOES THIS STUFF WORK!!! Full Review!! - Bing video

 

So is it 3 years, 5 years, or 1 year???

A friend of mine tried that stuff on his girlfriends toyota corolla & it "worked" for about 1 week.

Check around with some smaller reputable shops, this can be done for less than $3000, with only 150k miles on it you have at least that many more miles the 4runner is capable of. Fix it right, don't stick a band-aid in a bottle on it!

 

You answered your own question. Fix it !

 

200.00 gasket kit and a weekend. Fix it.

 

2 years ago my check engine light came on 2005 4Runner V6. With 198000 miles Dealer checked with borescope #6 cylinder had head gasket leak but no damage to engine. Dealer suggested servicing both heads and new head gaskets. I had them do the work ($3600.00). No problems as yet at 214000 miles. I did notice a slight shuddering while at a stoplight. Turned out that the motor and transmission mounts were shot. Had the AAA shop replace them, problem solved. Good luck

 

Ask yourself; what could I get to replace it for $3000.00....nothing but junk, and definitely not a 4Runner!...Fix it. No brainer IMO.

 

i had the same issue with my 05 sports edition. i think it was around 154,000+ miles when i noticed a sluggish performance. So i had it fix and its been 6 years and no problem at all. To me its worth having it fix, though it cost me $4+K to replaced the leaked gasket, all plugs, pump, thermostat & etc. at a toyota stealership. well, its my daily driver so i can't complain that much, but just keep driving it until it last.