what would you do

[chop]

Ok, here is another "what do you guys think"

92 Toyota cab & half, 4x4, v6, 338,000 miles.
New radiator, alternator, plugs, wires, battery, etc. Runs like a champ......... till Friday. Head gasket went out. Was replaced under the recall 7 years ago.
Let er die, or put a head gasket on it.
Is the head gasket hard to do? I have limited equipment, tools and mechanical ability. I have replaced the clutch, water pump, timing belt, plugs, rear chunk myself. Do these qualifications hold enough for me to bust in to the motor? How hard is this task, or do I just sell off.
Tell me what you guys think.
Thanks.
Ron

[ediblecrayons03]

if you can do a clutch you can to a head gasket. its less hours. i say go for it. its the v6 so would you be doing both sides? do you have a comprssion tester? because then you would know which side went bad.

[seth999]

I personally think that if it was mine at that milage I would be looking for a new motor or atleast a full rebuild...what do you think led to the failure there may be problems somewhere else...but I'd say u could pull off the job just make sure to have a good torque wrench and pics are worth a thousand words when unhooking stuff...GL man

[chop]

ok, gonna try and replace it. Not to trouble anyone but could someone who has done this give me a brief punch list of how to do it. I know radiatior must come off, plentum, timing belt, no problem. can someone give me a few tips on how to do this, gonna try it. thanks guys, Chop

[yotanut7]

I haven't done a v6 but for my 22R the factory repair manual is priceless. Get that one or a haynes or something like that. They are worth their weight in gold for all repairs.

[ediblecrayons03]

im in the misdt of a head gasket on the passanger side of the engine. mine blew when it hydro locked. the hardest part so far was getting the cam wheels off. but defiatly invest in a book. helps alot. ant take pictures of hoses and what not so you know how things go when going back together. good luck, and were ready for questions.

[chop]

ok, found the guide online. Haynes book doesnt tell much.
One question: I am replacing drivers side only. do I have to take timing gear on camshaft and the camshashaft have to be removed, or can i lift it out, and put it back whole.
Thanks, wish me luck. chop

[skydso]

If I were you I'd change both sides as since one side went, the other side is about to go as well, I guess!
Make sure you pay attention to the way you undo and re-tighten the head bolts as there's a circular pattern to do this, otherwise you'll warp the heads and they'd need replacing! Also, this might sound stupid, but remember to oil the thread on the head bolts before tightening them in place so you can torque them to the right amount.

Good luck!

Dave