2002, 306k miles...worth replacing the head gasket?

I have a 2002 tacoma with 306000mi! It has recently overheated and the shop is telling me I have a blown head gasket. The truck is in great condition, And the engine still runs, and doesn’t use oil. I’m thinking about replacing the head gasket my self. Is it worth it to fix the gasket, and possibly valve work? Or should I just try to sell it as is?

 

So I went through this recently.

Got the head rebuilt for $427 locally, the gasket kit from toyota was 200ish, and then fluids, etc. I redid all the hoses and such as well, so I'm probably in it about a grand all told. Cheaper than a new truck, I think.

The work isn't hard, but you have to be careful. Cleaning the old gasket off the block needs to be done manually, without scratching it too much. Its fine as long as you take your time and think about it carefully.

 

How many miles do you have?

 

208,000

 

If it is just the HG, then heck yeah fix it.

I had an 86 Turbo 4Runnerthat was overheating, and I self diagnosed a HG. I replaced it only to have that not be the issue (cracked block).

So if it's a shop you trust, I say go for it. Take your time, get new head bolts.

 

the question is the head gasket failure the cause of the overheating or the result of overheating? You could put her all back together to discover now you need a radiator and or a fan clutch.

 

Did the shop tell you how they determined it is the gasket?

This the I4 or V6 motor?

Roy

 

This is the report “very low on coolant we filled with water performed block test testing for hydro carbons in the system. Vehicle failed quickly.... engine has blown head gaskets and or cracked heads.”

The truck starts right up and sounds great. I have not driven it on the road. Funny thing the tech offered me $300 for it.

 

Have you done a compression test yet?
It’s crazy easy to do yourself if you’ve got an hour. Just get a loaner tester from autozone, unplug your fuel pump, and take out all spark plugs and see which cylinder is low, and then go a leak down to determine wether it really is a head gasket.

Oh man I would love to have an old factory turbo 22re. I constantly keep an eye out in hopes I might be in the right position to buy one at the right time. There was an awesome one for sale about a month ago for 14k pickup, in amazing condition. I would trade my double cab for it any day lol, even if it’s still slower than a 3.4.

 

Of course he did.

For me, what could end up being extensive messing around (could be cracked head) would not be worth it on a 300k truck.

I would look at CL and see what similar parts trucks are going for.

FWIW, I have had excellent luck buying Toyotas at about 100k and selling at about 200k. That way, I am selling a fully-functioning truck and getting 100k totally trouble-free miles for not a lot of cash.

Roy

 

Yes I plan to do a compression test, I have not had a chance. I would to know exactly which cylinder(s) have an issue.

 

cracked heads are common on these aswell. with 300k its a good possibility so be prepared to spend more money than planned.

 

Thanks for your comment this is my concern, with 300k is it worth the effort? For me right now the head job seems like a fun project. And I will have the utility of the truck if all goes well. I’m just not sure if my thinking is flawed?

 

fortunately heads can be found fairly cheap. Actually you can probably pick up an entire engine for under a grand with a 3rd of the miles somewhere

 

From what I’ve heard about NA Miatas, a blown head gasket usually means a warped head. By the time the temp / pressure is high enough to do one it’s also high enough to do the other. Once the head is warped the engine is shot, because it’ll keep blowing gaskets. You could regrind the heads, but generally not worth the effort /cost.

Hopefully Tacoma’s are different.

 

How long can the truck be down without being a major hardship in your life ??

Nothing worse then a pressing deadline to have something up and running .

The fact it was at a shop tells me you don`t have a place or the skills at this time.

There is nothing easy about changing a Head Gasket your first time.If it was easy every one would do it .

Getting The engine back in time after everything is removed your first time and button all back up and it just cranks

What other problems might be found on a 300,000 mile vehicle. New Timing Chain set while it is apart ? Water pump and Fan Clutch while it is off?? Just where do you draw the line. Reinstall things only to be pulling it apart



Hard call to make Best of Luck

 

Fix it or regret getting rid of it later.

 

I went through this dilemma in the past year. Had 178k and I was leaking oil at the head. Ended up just having the whole engine rebuilt as a peace of mind plus it’ll take me 10 years to get to 200k. If you’re gonna keep the truck it’s 100 percent worth it.

 

Went thru the same thing something myself recently..

 

Even without an engine at all, the truck is worth more than $300. That's actually pretty insulting.