1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

2006 V6 325,000 miles - replace headgasket or new engine?

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Andouille, Aug 31, 2021.

  1. Aug 31, 2021 at 8:21 AM
    #1
    Andouille

    Andouille [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2021
    Member:
    #23105
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2006 4Runner 325,000 miles - still runs but dealer says head gasket blown - replace or new engine?
    None
    Morning y'all - VSC and engine lights were coming on, one dealer said it was #4 ignition coil, another said it was head gasket. Believe the second, as I have noticed the white smoke coming from the exhaust, and after reading through a number of posts, the shaking at the startup that goes away point to head gasket.

    The dealers are gouging people for used vehicles, and new ones just aren't in reach either.

    Looking for your best advise -better to replace the head gasket or get a new engine, and any experience/recommendations with a trustworthy shop?

    Also looking for possibly front seat(s) replacement, or cushion rebuild, and/or paint recommendations. Will be limited to just getting my vehicle back and the other stuff will come as I can try and save up for it.

    Wondering if the tranny will be the next thing to go out, or what future issues to expect. Love this vehicle - have not had any issues but for one ball joint that went out a few years ago. Love no note and lower insurance too...
     
    McSpazatron and Thatbassguy like this.
  2. Aug 31, 2021 at 11:08 AM
    #2
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2020
    Member:
    #18551
    Messages:
    527
    Gender:
    Male
    South FL
    Vehicle:
    2005 V8 4Runner Limited - Silver
    Welcome!

    Cylinder head gasket kit can be had for less than $200, a new/used engine cannot. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...,1431016,engine,cylinder+head+gasket+set,5416
    Long as there arent other known significant problems, and you can do the work yourself, that would be an easy decision in my book.
    Seats are less readily available but they can be found, eBay is probably your best bet. Recently found a set of rear grey cloth seats for about $600 myself. Not exactly cheap, but OEM. Otherwise upgrading to the likes of Scheel Mann seats or something is an option pending your funds.
    Your '06 V6 has the A750E transmission right? They're fairly bulletproof, though not indestructible. Used but fewer miles ones can be had at parts pullers for sure.

    Other possible issues at your vehicle age...? If you have your OEM radiator, keep an eye on your coolant and oil swaps looking out for the dreaded milkshake. OEM upper and lower balljoints? Those could stand to be replaced/upgraded. OEM sway bar bushings? Same, replace/upgrade. And much much more.

    You can get as involved or hands off as you want. You're already at 325k so whatever you've been doing has been working fine. Let us know your thoughts :cheers:
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #2
    Andouille[OP] and Thatbassguy like this.
  3. Aug 31, 2021 at 11:17 AM
    #3
    Andouille

    Andouille [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2021
    Member:
    #23105
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2006 4Runner 325,000 miles - still runs but dealer says head gasket blown - replace or new engine?
    None
    Appreciate the advice - roger that on the transmission - just starting new job, still moving, (and unboxing) and just don't have the time it would take for a first timer. Dealership wanted $7K for new engine (nuts) and about $5k for gasket replacement (just as nuts). Was hoping to find reputable shop/mechanic in the SE Houston area?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Sep 1, 2021 at 2:50 AM
    #4
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15580
    Messages:
    6,728
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Vehicle:
    2020 Offroad Prem. 4-runner
    RevTek 3" front- 2" rear leveling, JBA uca's, LED interior lights, Cooper 275-70-17 AT3 LT
    Welcome from Wisconsin! Head gasket is the most economical way to go.
     
    Andouille[OP] and Thatbassguy like this.
  5. Sep 1, 2021 at 3:10 AM
    #5
    Toyofan87

    Toyofan87 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2021
    Member:
    #20534
    Messages:
    183
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Seth
    Blue & Grey Hwy Gburg
    Vehicle:
    1987 Toyota 4Runner SR5
    Welcome...
     
    Andouille[OP] and Thatbassguy like this.
  6. Sep 9, 2021 at 4:04 AM
    #6
    importman

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

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2020
    Member:
    #16870
    Messages:
    252
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Danny
    Carolinas
    Vehicle:
    05 Silver SR5 V6 4X4
    Blacked out, Ironman 3" Nitro Gas Suspension lift, JBA High Caster upper control arms, Differential drop and sway bar relocate, Upgraded to Sport Front Cardone Calipers with Brembo Rotors and Akebono Pads, Added Spoiler, Sony XAV-AX100 with Apple Carplay, USB Jack, Backup Camera, Black TRD Pro Wheels with General Grabber ATX 265/70/17, Rear differential vent extension, Auto Dimming Mirror with Compass and Homelink, Map Light Mod, Tekonsha 90160 Trailer Brake Controller, Recoil SL1708 Sub, Sealight LED Headlamps, K&N drop in air filter, Weathertech floor mats, Homemade rear storage compartment with built in pull out table.
    I had this exact same question about 4 months ago. I went with the head gaskets and I'm very glad I did. While I was in there I found the timing chain out of time 1 tooth and one of the guides worn out. I replaced all timing components while in there. I had the heads serviced as well and basically did anything that needed to be done while it was apart. Now it runs better than it has since I've owned it. Like others said, if you can do it yourself the best solution is the head gaskets. I will say this though; if you decide to go with a used engine, be sure it comes from an 06 or newer so you won't have this problem again.
     
    Andouille[OP] likes this.
  7. Sep 29, 2021 at 4:38 PM
    #7
    Yinzer

    Yinzer New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2021
    Member:
    #23480
    Messages:
    25
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2005 4Runner
    Personally, I would go used on the seats and check this website.....

    www.Car-Part.com

    It has a whole huge network of wrecking yards Nationwide. Great resource.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #7
    importman likes this.
  8. Nov 6, 2021 at 11:06 PM
    #8
    Letsflyman

    Letsflyman New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2021
    Member:
    #21826
    Messages:
    73
    Vehicle:
    96 Tacoma 400k running strong
    I paid 1k for a shop to do the work. Gotta look around.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top