Head Gaskets 3VZ-E

[Injohneer]

I blew a head gasket. Or, at any rate, there's lots of steam coming from my tailpipe, so I suspect a head gasket, or cracked head, or cracked block. Assuming neither of the latter...

With 137,000 miles on the engine, would it be best to have a head job or rebuild the whole engine? Hey, I mean, I am on a budget here...and I want the repair to last. I haven't terribly overheated it or done anything else that I know of to burn the rings.

What's a good price on the HG job? I found a shop that will do the gaskets, machine the heads, and do the valve job for $1400...sound reasonable?

[4xfred]

;D Have you done a Vin# check w/your local dealer to see if the recall's been done? Later...

[Injohneer]

4xfred said:

;D Have you done a Vin# check w/your local dealer to see if the recall's been done? Later...

Yeah...I forgot to mention that... But mine is a '95 and appearantly they didn't cover it... Plus it's too old and has too many miles to be covered anyway.

[86runner]

i personally just barely(today) had finished replacing the head gasket. it took me a total of probably a day to replace it, but i spent only about $70 for the head gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, intake manifold gasket, plus some oil and antifreeze. this weekend i plan to adjust the valves. i definitely wouldn't spend that much money for that job, and i am not that smart in mechanics, just follow directions and organize parts and bolts, etc., and you should be alright. good luck