2017 Tacoma mechanic recommendation PLEASE

Hello to all,

I had check engine light on, code is P11F000 and went to Albany Toyota dealership and found out I have "cylinder imbalance #5". The cylinder leak down at 95% on exhaust side. They are recommending cylinder head and valve replacement to be completed. I'm thinking due to cost to just get a new/used motor and have them switched. I'm asking if anyone can recommend a mechanic to do the removal and replacement of new motor. Im located in Salem. 2017 Toyota Tacoma Sport 4X4 automatic, 93,000 miles. In addition, can anyone give opinion on junkyard vs crate engine ..?

Thanks for looking,
Shawn

 

93k isn’t a lot of miles. They need to figure out if it’s a leaky valve or if it’s a cracked head - if the head isn’t cracked, no reason to replace it. Just replace the valve(s).

 

They are recommending "cylinder head and valves replacement" is the official recommendation from Toyota. I'm assuming the head cracked ..?

 

Assuming is not proper diag. If they could detect pressure escaping into the coolant jackets, yeah, but if they didn't inspect it to that degree and aren't looking for a crack upon removal, then it's your dime they'll spend. Toyota doesn't staff a lot of high quality techs as diag isn't as profitable as grease monkeys doing brake jobs and oil changes. Why bother paying a guy with a high hourly to do a proper diagnosis when you can get the customer to spend thousands on a new head that you'll make 50% profit on - I'd definitely look in the regional section more for a capable mechanic.

 

Hey, I really appreciate you trying to help me !! Isn't the "leak down test" what determines the if the cylinder head is cracked/warped ? Im on here trying to find a local mechanic but so far no one has someone to recommend for the work/second opinion

 

By saying the leak is on the "Exhaust side" that makes it sound like it could be a bad exhaust valve to me. The leak down test has pressurized air going into the cylinder and you can usually hear / find out where it's going. If it's leaking past a valve into the exhaust, then an exhaust valve is leaking, but you won't know if the air's leaking past a crack in the head or past a poorly seated / cracked valve without another layer of inspection. If you detect exhaust gases in the coolant or have visual confirmation of a crack by using a borescope, then yes you'll know the head is cracked and it's not just a leaking valve.

 

Damn, Im liking your knowledge !! What would be the next test that I would request ?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vihAnAlFcGo&ab_channel=RatchetsAndWrenches

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2n3VTDxkMY&ab_channel=AskTheCarExperts

If you're uncomfortable working with any of the tools, I recommend still finding a good shop in your area though.

 

Hey, thanks I understand the leak but how do I know if the valve is just not seating correct or is the head cracked and leaking ?

 

The videos are good resources but once again its above my pay grade on fixing the problems, still looking for local mechanic recommendations.....?

 

Seems like the general NW section gets more traffic. You could try a thread there.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/north-west.40/

I’d suggest putting Salem in your thread title. There are some good shops in Portland, but I don’t know anything in Salem.