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

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by BobbyA4, May 6, 2021.

  1. May 6, 2021 at 8:38 AM
    #1
    BobbyA4

    BobbyA4 [OP] New Member

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    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 !
     
  2. May 6, 2021 at 8:43 AM
    #2
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    La Quinta, Ca. AKA "The Skillet"
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    Fix it.
     
    Patcell and brownersd like this.
  3. May 6, 2021 at 8:58 AM
    #3
    BobbyA4

    BobbyA4 [OP] New Member

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    Thinking the same just didn't know if any horror stories out there
     
  4. May 6, 2021 at 9:57 AM
    #4
    brownersd

    brownersd You are the weakest link, buh-bye!

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    Sean
    Humble, Texas
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    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
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  5. May 6, 2021 at 12:58 PM
    #5
    BobbyA4

    BobbyA4 [OP] New Member

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

    Bobby
     
    Moon Landing likes this.
  6. May 9, 2021 at 4:50 AM
    #6
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    yOU MIGHT TRY BLUE DEVEL AND SEE IF IT FIXES THE HEAD GASKET SO YOU CAN DRIVE ANOTHER 3 YEARS.
     
  7. May 9, 2021 at 10:27 AM
    #7
    leonp24

    leonp24 New Member

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    Do not follow this terrible advice - or any other advice given by captsolo. Considering sentimental value, spend what is needed to fix it properly.
     
    brownersd, importman and Toy Yoda like this.
  8. May 10, 2021 at 3:10 AM
    #8
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    Last edited: May 10, 2021
  9. May 10, 2021 at 8:27 AM
    #9
    Toy Yoda

    Toy Yoda New Member

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    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!
     
  10. May 10, 2021 at 3:04 PM
    #10
    t4rino

    t4rino New Member

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    You answered your own question. Fix it !
     
  11. May 10, 2021 at 3:30 PM
    #11
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    200.00 gasket kit and a weekend. Fix it.
     
  12. Jun 11, 2021 at 9:17 AM
    #12
    H2omike

    H2omike New Member

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    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
     
  13. Jun 11, 2021 at 9:33 AM
    #13
    Doubleduty

    Doubleduty Life is better on the mountain

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    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.
     
  14. Jun 24, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #14
    surfrunners

    surfrunners New Member

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    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.
     
    leonp24 likes this.

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