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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

    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!
     
  2. Aug 13, 2017 at 1:51 PM
    #2
    thefatkid

    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?
     
  3. Aug 13, 2017 at 9:14 PM
    #3
    jdav

    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.
     
  4. Aug 16, 2017 at 12:47 PM
    #4
    F250

    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.
     
    Bob likes this.
  5. Aug 16, 2017 at 2:13 PM
    #5
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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

    F250 New Member

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

    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.
     
  8. Aug 18, 2017 at 5:24 AM
    #8
    Toyotayoda

    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.
     
  9. Aug 18, 2017 at 6:39 AM
    #9
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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

    4Paw Don't Tread On Me

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

    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.
     
  12. Aug 25, 2017 at 6:28 AM
    #12
    Caltech90

    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.
     
  13. Sep 12, 2017 at 6:44 PM
    #13
    TN_TRAIL

    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....?
     
  14. Sep 3, 2019 at 10:26 AM
    #14
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    2005 4runner head gasket set is $55 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. 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
  15. Sep 3, 2019 at 10:45 AM
    #15
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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

    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.
     
  17. Sep 13, 2019 at 5:55 AM
    #17
    captsolo

    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.. https://www.amazon.com/Block-Tester-...gateway&sr=8-7
     
  18. Sep 13, 2019 at 6:25 AM
    #18
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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

    scottalot Stockalot

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    To be determined
    :notsure: maybe op hasn’t made up his mind yet :laugh:
     
    2016Pro[QUOTED] likes this.

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