Another leaking headgasket (2006): new engine or bail?

With a job as big as head gasket replacement on these engines, be very careful if you choose to get it repaired. How many other Toyota head gasket repairs did any independent shop you may take it to do? If you look at the job on You Tube you can see it is not a shade tree mechanic thing.

I suspect a well seasoned mechanic could do it without any mistakes with maybe only one or two bolts left over, but from what I have seen, it is a good idea to replace a bunch of other things while in there too. The timing chain, water pump and maybe the valve stem seals.

I too have an 05 with 130K on it. I have taken good care of it, but am in wait for the big one and if it happens, I will probably try some Steel Seal head gasket repair. I was told it is not compatible with Toyota coolant so the system would be flushed first and pure water added before putting in the Steel Seal.

If that did the trick and cleared the problem, it may be time to start looking for another ride. If not, back to square one.

 

An engine with the least miles you can afford. You will have to trust the guy selling you a used engine or rebuilding the top end of your engine. And how much you want to spend are decisions only you can make.
The older the truck gets, the more maintenance it will need. That won't change.

 

Just the other day, I requested a quote on a 2005 4.0 engine swap. SAM Auto in Toronto. Although he didn't have a replacement engine at the time, he said if I supply the engine along with oil/filter and coolant, his fee is $1300 CDN for the job.

Although mine currently runs totally fine at 374k KM (225 mi) knock on wood

Ya never know.

 

Good luck to you! I don't dare drive my truck very far at all.

 

OP, where are you located? Maybe we can help source out a used engine for you.

 

So a '12 and up 4.0 engine will work in an '06 truck as long as the original exhaust manifolds are used ?

 

I'm about halfway thru his build thred, I would "JUMP" all over the offer in post #2. .....But Allas ...he jest.

 

50hrs for an engine swap... from a "dealer" hahahahahahahahaha. Fuckin' crooks.

 

Well, it never rains but it pours. I've just had a death in the family (my brother) as of last night, so this will have to be put on hold for at least a week. I want to thank you all for your replies and helpful suggestions. We 99% at this point have decided to mix whatever trade-in/sale, savings and loans we can cobble together to get another truck, which will bring its own challenges. It just seems too complicated trying to figure out a used engine that will work and somebody to put it in and do the other things that really should be done and be able to trust that everything will be done right for such an old vehicle. There are other things that will likely need attention in the near future. A friend who's a retired mechanic said we can probably expect something else major to go within 30-40k miles, so we're not sure it's worth it to continue with this truck. It's hard making this decision, and now with a looming funeral, the stress level is even higher than it was. So taking a break from stressing about this for the time being. Be well, all, and I'll be back later on. And will probably pick your brain on what to buy. Prices are so high right now that it's very scary to go into a large debt hole without sufficient resources to handle it should something major occur in a *newer* truck. Thank you all.

 

Wish you the best OP, sorry for your loss, this truck business will work itself out. Take care of yourself and family.

 

My condolences.

Forget about the truck. Take care of family first.

In the long run, I believe you are making the wise decision about the truck.

 

Thank you

 

In the long run, it's just another thing. I think most knowledgeable Tacoma owners would say you got your money's worth, that's all you can really ask for. You'll find another truck. Start saving your pennies and take care of business. Good luck.

 

sorry for your loss. I hope all things work out for you. Lots of fine folks on here
willing to help and lend a hand anytime. Best of luck.

 

Hello again all. Well, just wanted to update you. After everything finally settled down and life returned to "somewhat" normal, we found a new local mechanic with 35 years experience who has great reviews, and we got a quote from him on replacing the head gasket. The truck never overheated, and there were no problems with the engine, so while the engine was out, we also had him replace the water pump, the timing chain, the rear main seal, serpentine belt, coolant hoses, etc. and do an oil change. Our last stimulus check paid for most of it, so we are grateful for that. With a new frame put on under recall a couple years ago, we practically have a "new" truck. We really love our Taco and hated the thought of letting it go, even with as many miles as it has. We are going to fix some other things that need attention, like a dented tailgate and rear quarter panel, which insurance should cover minus the deductible. And some things like busted console latch, broken cup holder and new floor mats and mud flaps. Of course, if something major like the transmission goes, it would still be cheaper to replace that than to buy a newer used Taco with the way prices are today, and we would know what we're getting. Better the devil you know.... Again I want to thank everyone for your input and help while we tried to figure this out. Really appreciate this group and YOU!

 

maybe if the mechanic chugged a pint of lean

 

Um, do this op.

 

Give 'em some meth instead and he can probably get it done in under twelve.

 

the dealer cost is extremely H I G H for new/used engines..............

U have gotten the best out of Ur $$$$$$ spent

find a shop that will do a new engine for less............

 

Dude, if you got 320K out of any vehicle, you made out like a bandit.