I think I’m screwed?

so it looks like I’ve been dealt a crap hand. I just bought a 97 Toyota t100 for $5900 with 100k on it. I’ve had my truck at Toyota for maintenance for the last few days and get a call this morning with an update. Looks like the 3rd cylinder isn’t firing strong, could be compression. Changed the spark plugs and swapped the ignition coil and same result. They think it could be a bad cylinder head.

They quoted me $1800 Just for labor. In addition I’m looking at all new belts and a new radiator (current one has a leak). With the cylinder head ($1k) and labor plus everything else I’m estimating $4-4500 for everything. NOW WHAT THE HELL DO I DO?!? Is it worth it, do I sell it. Am I better off swapping out the entire engine. I’m stuck!

Thanks everyone

 

Swap the entire engine if it really is that bad, I had issues with cyl6 not firing ended up being a simple injector. Where about are you located? I have a solid 3.4l with new pretty much everything for sale right now. Engine swap can be done in a day, a long day but a day. Time for a Taco meet and wrench weekend?

 

Take it to a trusted independent shop for another opinion and quote. If it's at the dealership they are going to charge you an arm and a leg compared to an independent shop.

 

Dealerships tend to know the least about the vehicles they service. Take it you another shop or a gearhead friend for a second opinion.

 

Get another opinion and if the motor is shot buy a wrecking yard engine

 

Did they do a compression test? They're telling you it could be a bad head and want you to throw $1800 at it to find out? I'd yank that thing out of there and take it to an independent shop.

I would hope for $5900 you would get a hell of a T100, those things are 3500 around here all day long.

 

The starter went bad while in the shop (which I believe as it wouldn’t turn over sometimes) they’re doing a compression test tomorrow upon replacement. I’m wondering if it’s even worth spending the $250 on a damn starter at this point.

 

Find a reputable machine shop and have at it. This 6 part video series will guide you almost the whole way - anything it shows is top notch quality work.

 

Ask your local Fire Chief who does his auto repair

 

Like all said, find a friend of a friend recommended HONEST mechanic, honesty is hard to find but still some out there.

Do not panic, same happened to me with a real axle seal leak , Toyota of Plano quote me 3,400 plus tax, basically they wanna to replace the whole deal because with the scare tactic they showed me oil inside the rear brakes , so the brake job and the axle seal , etc etc I almost pass out I felt screwed too since the truck was 17,500 with Subaru Dealer, oh well ... I asked a NEW owner shop around the corner and they just replace the seals, the rear shoes and whatever need to be done for 580.00.

 

If it were me, I'd go back to the person who sold me the truck and have a nice conversation with them. This is just too convenient. I would bet big money that they knew the truck had this issue and unloaded it. I would just want to see how they react when I told them the engine has a major, very expensive issue going on with it. At the very least they should offer you some money back. If they don't, you have at least called them on their dishonesty and let them know they are a piece of shit.

Even an honest shop is going to charge big money for this job. It's a lot of labor. The video series @Dalandser provided a link to is excellent. I watched the whole series and the guy does a very comprehensive job covering everything you need to do. If you know someone that's good at wrenching, maybe they could help you out and you could fix the truck yourself. There is a good chance the head is cracked and it's not just the head gasket, so you might have that extra expense, but most of the cost of this repair is labor.

But, before you choose any repair route, figure out exactly why cylinder 3 has low compression. Did they do a leak down test and determine it's a possible bad head gasket or cracked head?

 

There are many people that sell used cars private party and have no clue what is all wrong with them when they sell it. That is why it is up to the buyer to have an inspection done before buying. The seller doesn't owe him anything. Most people wouldn't be able to tell if compression was down on a cylinder unless it was really bad.

 

I would try a head gasket before replacing the entire head.

 

I'd put a starter in it, sure. That truck should be good for 300K once the issues are sorted out.

 

I disagree. Like I said, finding a very expensive problem right after a sale is just too convenient and speaks dishonesty to me. If you're good at reading people, you'll know when you confront the seller if they knew or not unless they are a very good actor.

 

Well, once you get the head off, an inspection of the head is in order. In the video @Dalandser posted a link to, the guy sent his head to a shop for resurfacing and they found a small crack so he was forced to buy a replacement.

 

Great chance to point out the value of a pre purchase mechanical inspection, which should include a compression and leakdown test.

On older vehicles where you have no prior knowledge of it's care it's worth every dime for the average buyer.

Good luck sorting it out OP. Agree with others, an independent shop of experience and integrity is in order here.

 

A compression check and leak down check will tell you if you have a bad piston/ring and or if a valve has failed. You can tell if head gasket failed by looking at the oil. With these tests you can verify if pulling head is the next step.

 

JDMCalifornia.com has a 3.4 for $1100.