Still looking for a 1st gen, q's about head issues.

How concerned should I be about head issues?
most of the cars I am looking at have over 150k on them.
about a third of them either have new head, or new/used engine replacement.

is there anyway to check for a bad head, before I make the purchase?
after I purchase one, what should I do about avoiding head issues?

 

Every engine is different as to when a head gaskets will go out, my went out at 485,000 miles. 150,00 there should not be issues.
Was easier and cheaper to replace with a new low mileage motor 100,000 than fix the heads.

 

Both the 2.7l 4cyl and 3.4l v6 are great engines, head issues are not at all common on these trucks. Its normal to expect to possibly run into issues at extremely high mileage (350k+) but not before unless the truck has been abused and/or neglected.

Check each truck's service history for regular maintenance and you should be fine as far as that goes. Also can't hurt to look at the coolant and make sure its not milky. Maybe plug in a Scangauge and get a reading as to what the trucks normal operating temp is at.

 

there is no way of checking until the head is removed as far as cracks goes. Mine went at 260k, found small cracks on cylinder 3. There is no way of keeping this from happening. I end up replace the whole motor with an 80k JDM motor.

 

You throw the dice and hope your lucky.

It only takes one blown Coolant hose if things get hot enough before you get it shut down .

 

A cold start will help you tell also. If it struggles or stutters on a truly cold start it is an indicator for a bad head.

 

Are you referring to the 3.0 motor. That one was known for head gaskets failing.

The 2.7 and 3.4 motors have a pretty good record of being reliable.

 

No not a 3.0 v6

These issues are head and valve related issues on 3rz after 120k miles
I have seen enough posted that I am questioning the long term durability of the top end on the 3rz
I am looking at prices of new head anywhere from 1-2 thousand

 

I’m at 413k on the original head on my 3rz. Just regular valve adjustments and Amsoil- no problems yet. It has more to do with how it’s driven and maintained.

 

The valves have to be adjusted on a 3RZ or they run into issues with burned valves and cracked heads between the valve seats and spark plug hole. When a valve gets tight and no longer fully seals on the seat, there is a ton of heat from combustion that is no longer fully contained. This causes the aluminum in the head around the valve seat to get soft and let the seat sink into the head....causing cracks.

Once every 60k is the recommended interval I believe.

 

Ok great thanks i learned something New today
I did not know that valves were supposed to be adjusted That often.
I know I have not adjusted my valves on my 2000 landcruiser, it has 240k. Doh!!!
That mAkes sense i am sure many people do not adjust their valves.
I will ask sellers of they have adjusted their valves.

 

I meen... You can get a whole used engine with accessories for around $1K

 

Absolutely if you take your time
Find a truck that was totaled that you can hear running with 100,000 miles or so on it,

 

Cruise craigslist in Michigan or some other high salt use state and you can find ones with rusted out frames for pretty cheap. I bought a donor engine truck for $650 with 115k on it by Grand Rapids.

 

We just did an engine swap on my dad's 3rd gen t4r. His heads went at 300k (3.4). The quote was $1600 For new heads or $1500 For a low mileage engine.
I'm at 483k on my tacoma. As far I know no head work or engine work has been done to it.