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4.0L V6 Blown Head Gasket

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by cobra0622, Feb 12, 2016.

  1. Oct 15, 2021 at 7:35 AM
    #31
    importman

    importman The mountains are calling and I must go...

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    I would shop around a little bit. Find a reputable independent shop and it should be a good bit less than that.
     
  2. Oct 15, 2021 at 12:12 PM
    #32
    chrissyrenaeexo

    chrissyrenaeexo New Member

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    You’re right that’s what I was thinking that’s a lot for a head gasket I would’ve thought.
    What prices are you familiar with? I live in Hollywood, CA
     
  3. Oct 15, 2021 at 12:59 PM
    #33
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Being a 4th Gen, if you went to the dealer, I believe TOYOTA states to remove this engine from the car and then do the repair. This may be where the price is so high.

    Any other shop, is probably going to look at removing the head without removing the entire engine. How much it'll really be, I'm not sure. My gut says a head gasket shouldn't be more than a $2500 repair. Best places are usually shops that specialize in Asian cars.
     
  4. Nov 1, 2021 at 9:45 PM
    #34
    Letsflyman

    Letsflyman New Member

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    Go check out my thread. Definitely recommend heads get rebuilt, I replaced every timing component. Pricey, but worth it. You'll just about have a new engine and not another unknown.
     
  5. Nov 6, 2021 at 11:00 PM
    #35
    Letsflyman

    Letsflyman New Member

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    I paid 1k to have mine done. You need to get other opinions.
     
  6. Jan 19, 2022 at 3:41 PM
    #36
    Vittles

    Vittles New Member

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    My 05 with 221K miles just had the same thing. I bought it used in 06 w/ 20K miles. Sick to my stomach. Mechanic quoted $5K to rebuild it. According to KBB, it’s worth $3K - $5K (without factoring the engine issue). Damn. I was planning on giving this to my son in 10 years. I don’t know what to do.
     
  7. Jan 20, 2022 at 12:58 PM
    #37
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    $5k to rebuild is a very high number, get another opinion and KBB saying $3-5k is a low number. My vote is find a different mechanic, rebuild, and send the engine for another 221K miles and 17 years
     
    2Toys likes this.
  8. May 12, 2022 at 5:53 PM
    #38
    Aab1224

    Aab1224 New Member

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    I have an 04 4Runner with 285k miles on him. I replaced the radiator last month. The VSC/trac lights have been on for like 10 years If that matters. I’ve noticed it starts hard from a cold start, burning white smoke, still having to add coolant. My check engine light stays on. I have been told I need a catalytic converter and HG problems. I just dropped it off at a new shop to be diagnosed tomorrow but I’m freaking out a little because I think it might be the end. With how much cars cost right now, I don’t want to buy a new one and I really want to keep this one forever. Someone talk me down. He still drives smooth after starting and no other issues.
     
  9. May 12, 2022 at 6:49 PM
    #39
    Aab1224

    Aab1224 New Member

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    This is why I usually don’t post in these forums. Thanks for your input though. I’ve done all the regular and recommended maintenances I included that those lights were on because someone here mentioned it in a previous post. As often as I take him in for stuff, I’ve asked about the VSC/trac lights and no one has told me anything to do to address them. I get the car inspected annually, most recently about 2 weeks ago which I guess is a good sign because it passed. My dad has a code reader thing. I should add, I’m an ER nurse, not a mechanic so even if I had a code reader, it wouldn’t help me. I do everything I can to take care of my car though. Thank you for your help though.
     
    2Toys likes this.
  10. May 12, 2022 at 7:19 PM
    #40
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I'll delete my post. I was out of line. My apologies.
     
  11. May 12, 2022 at 7:35 PM
    #41
    2Toys

    2Toys Imperial Star Cruiser

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    Getting whatever your truck needs fixed is far cheaper than buying a new one. Plus you will still have your old friend.
     
    BionicRandy likes this.
  12. May 13, 2022 at 11:37 AM
    #42
    Aab1224

    Aab1224 New Member

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    Okay I’m back. My guy says $6300 for new HG and all new timing parts and cat converter. Plus another 1000 for some other random things like my brakes are shakey and cv axles/joints have an issue. What do we think??
     
  13. May 13, 2022 at 7:04 PM
    #43
    2Toys

    2Toys Imperial Star Cruiser

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    Well the cat is expensive no matter what. Still cheaper than a new or used one.
     
  14. May 8, 2023 at 12:15 PM
    #44
    Viper6

    Viper6 New Member

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    Hey all, I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 2005 SR5 with 180k and a blown head gasket... did not overheat. I'm mechanically inclined so I'm going to fix it myself, but could use a clarification on which of the two Toyota Gasket Kits to get for the repair. Do I need the Valve Grind Kit or the Full Engine Gasket Set (which is much more expensive and likely has all gaskets needed for complete engine rebuild)? I am hoping the Valve grind kit has all that I need to get down to the heads and includes all gaskets needed to do the head gasket job.

    For anyone who has already done this, which kit do I need to order? Thx
     

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