2.7 head repalcement options

I've got a 2003 base 4X4 Taco with a 2.7 engine and and auto trans. It has 283,000 miles on it. I've been meticulous since I've owned it with changing the oil regularly. I'm the 3rd owner and have put about 100,000 miles on the truck that I paid $5K for, so I feel I've gotten my money out of it.

That said, I'm now faced with a decision. The head is either cracked or the head gasket is leaking. Engine still runs, but its using some coolant that I've been monitoring. I can smell the coolant and I have the trypical rough idle. I've checked the MAF and TPS and I'm sure its the head.

The bottom end on this engine, despite the mileage, seems ok. Of course nothing is for sure. It doesnt burn or use oil, so that's the basis of that guessstimation.

The frame on this thing is original and amazingly pristine. That's what's making this decsion hard.

Do I have the head replaced? Get a replacement engine (from where?- JDM?)? Or just sell it off to someone else who may have the skills to save her? Or just strip off what I might use for my other 2001 Taco and move on? Some of the threads on this topic are a little dated so I'm looking for a current perspective.

I've heard about King cylinder heads which are now $750. Since I'm going to be paying for the labor if I fix it, I hate to put an old head on a motor, even if its rebuilt.

Anyone know the success rate of aftermrket heads that are ready to go? Any suggestions?

What's eating me up is my 2001 Taco has frame issues, but it only has 144,000 miles. I'm not sure if it is economically feasable to pull the engine out of that and put it into the '03? The 2001 is a manual, but is also a 2.7. Again, the 'O3 is an auto.

I do have a reputable shop to do the work that is fair, but I know any approach won't be cheap.

The white one is the '03 and the silver is the '01. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Some members have sealed head gasket leaks with some kind of mechanical in a can head gasket sealer. It is controversial option here on TW but it sounds like it works for small leaks when done properly.

 

Part out the truck with the bum frame to buy a replacement JDM? I personally would not replace the head alone due to the cost in labor. Even to replace the head gasket, the deck could be warped, etc. You wouldn’t know what you’re looking at till it’s torn apart. Many labor hours. Cheaper to replace the entire thing.Shame, they are both nice looking trucks.

 

I used to have a 22r motor. I believe it’s related to the 2.7 liter. I rebuilt head and installed new head gasket in the middle of a Minnesota winter only to find out it was still sucking coolant. I sold it cheap. I later found out there is a common problem of the timing chain wearing through the water pump. Possibly an issue with the 2.7 as well? The guy who purchased from me addressed that problem and it was good to go. You may want to check that before pulling the head.

 

Thanks for the info on the 22R, but I do think my problem is the head intself or head gasket. I may try to offer the Taco up (cheap) to someone who has more skills/time than me to see if it can be saved. Body is rust free and frame is great. That's why I don't just want to part it out. Its really worth saving. I realize it has 283,000 miles, but isn't that representative of a great Taco? At some point the head was going to give out. Truck is still solid and all there.
Truck came from southern KY and spent time in southern Ohio as well. Not rusty. Only in CLE for the past 3 years. Only rust is minimal surface on lower outer edge of tailgate and an easy fix. Tires are later Taco 16" with plenty of life left. Has bedliner and interior is very clean and only slightly worn. Worthy of saving if someone had has the skill. Air conditioning blows cold, heat is great, brakes are good and no electric issues except two dash lights are out. I always put genuine Toyota parts on it when doing maintenance. I don't think I have enough posts to qualify for an ad, so I may have to go Cleveland Craigslist. Still a chance I might save her, but I won't know until I talk to my mechanic who would be doing all the work. Thanks for any replies or suggestions.

 

Didn't intend to respond to my own post/thread, but I got some hopeful news. If you think your head/gasket is bad, check again. I had all the tell tale signs, but my mechanic thinks not. He suspects some other culprits. SO the 283,000 2.7 may well live on a bit longer.

I thought she was dead and I found this...

A 2003 5 lug Taco with 69,610 original miles owned by a 91 year old gent in Canal Winchester Ohio. It's not a 4X4, but I couldn't walk away. Very pristine for its age, and the frame is actually good except for two small spots where someone sprayed foam into the frame cavity. Easy fix though as it's not major damage. That foam is coming out! So even if my high mileage Taco dies, I now have a replacement.