Tough situation with my Taco and I could really use some help.

Hi everybody. I’m not going to mince words, this is a bad day. The worst I’ve had in a long time. I was on my way to help my friends in Reno/tahoe with some construction work (I’m very low income hence the old vehicle).

but I’ve taken good care of her. Just recently brand new valve cover gaskets, u joints and center bearing, all four control arms. I’m not a mechanic, but I assisted someone with those projects. I’m writing this because I kind of don’t know what to do.

it died on me on the road while going up a steep hill and completely shut down. I’m still here trying to figure out what my next steps are. I don’t want to write a whole novel, but I’m sorta freaking out and I’m praying that someone on here could help me find someone who would be able to rebuild my engine that is located in the Carson city/Reno/Tahoe/Sacramento area and who would be willing to help me for less that a shop might.

im sorry to even have to ask that, but I just don’t have much money and this truck is the the only thing that I own. Any help would be so huge. Thank you.

Cross posted in a few places for help. Currently the truck is in Gardnerville NV and getting towed again to Colfax Ca today. Not sure what to do exactly but it can stay on my friends property in Colefax until I can get some help.

 

Sorry for your situation man. Rather than rebuilding though and paying the shit ton of labor hours, might be easier to find a used (not abused) or remanufactured one.
Then find a couple TW buds to help install.
Just buy beer and pizza.
Good luck hope everything works out!

 

That’s what I’m hoping for. I’ll have to (eventually) get a new motor but 4 grand is just out of the question right now as I’m maxed out financially even before this. But hoping I can find some friends on here to help me through this at some point. Thanks for the kind words. Really terrible situation but I’m grateful to be safe.

 

I think a proper diagnosis is going to be your first step. What leads you to believe you need an entirely new motor?

Also, it looks like you've posted the exact same thread into multiple forums. We understand you're just looking for help, and someone seems to have encouraged you to do so, but just wanted to say its a good way to NOT get the help you need. Spamming posts usually results in bans, thread deletions, and the help you need never being offered because of it. It may be worthwhile to reach out to a moderator and ask to delete the additional threads. You can leave whichever one got the most traction, or leave the one that seems the most appropriate place (like your regional forum here). It only takes one grumpy pants to report your posts and make your day worse, so just wanted to throw this out there.

 

That’s what the mechanics told me. And it’s a really reputable shop that works on a lot of tacomas so I’m going with what they told me. Granted they didn’t have a lot of time to diagnose so there’s a small chance it’s not all the way there

 

Can you post more details about their work? If you just tell us that’s what someone says, no one can help you more
Did you get a report, pictures, etc?

 

Finally found out the motor is toast. The shop wants 5000 to install and I need to source one. Rough situation to be in. Not sure what to do.

 

If there’s anyone who could help me source an engine and install for less that would be an absolute godsend.

 

For $5k, would it be better to park it and pick up a cheap vehicle in the meantime?

 

Yes. It’s going to stay where it is right now but I’m not entirely sure how I’m gonna get this whole thing rectified. I definitely don’t have $8000 or wherever it’s gonna cost to get this whole thing situated. Sourcing a motor and getting install my max would probably be about 5k. But this truck means the world to me and I don’t know what to do. Really struggling. But I’m happy to get kind words and advice from here

 

Well, I wish you the best luck from Colorado getting things sorted.

 

Hard to set a price if you aren’t the one doing the work

 

Absolutely is. Im just still in the blast zone of this and trying to figure it out. I’m not discounting the amount of work involved nor how difficult it must be. I’m just in a bad spot and trying my best.

 

Thank you. Still just doing all the research and seeing what my options are. Not many at this point but I’m not going to give up yet.