Advocate II
TL;DR - my ‘02 Tacoma’s head gasket is going south, and I need some recommendations in SoCal.
My taco’s HG is on its way out, like many other 1st gen 3.4Ls before it, around the 210k mile mark.
Symptoms: Rough starts after it sits a while, very reduced MPG, losing coolant, and sweet, white smoke from the tailpipe more and more often.
I’ve done a compression test, and have low compression in cylinder 3:
I wish I was more mechanically skilled so I could redo the top end myself, but I am not - and I certainly don’t have the time to learn and try.
Does anyone have recommendations for a shop in SoCal that I can reach out to for a quote? I’ve got two so far, and they are pretty close to each other.
Probably gonna change the water pump and timing belt at the same time since we’re in there.
Another option is to buy an imported Japanese motor, and do a swap. But I’ve read that there are some issues that need tackling when doing this.
It’s either that or really bare down and look for another first gen (this time in 4WD). I’m always looking. If you know of a deal, I’m all ears.
I will happily take any and all advice. Lay it on me!
My taco’s HG is on its way out, like many other 1st gen 3.4Ls before it, around the 210k mile mark.
Symptoms: Rough starts after it sits a while, very reduced MPG, losing coolant, and sweet, white smoke from the tailpipe more and more often.
I’ve done a compression test, and have low compression in cylinder 3:
I wish I was more mechanically skilled so I could redo the top end myself, but I am not - and I certainly don’t have the time to learn and try.
Does anyone have recommendations for a shop in SoCal that I can reach out to for a quote? I’ve got two so far, and they are pretty close to each other.
Probably gonna change the water pump and timing belt at the same time since we’re in there.
Another option is to buy an imported Japanese motor, and do a swap. But I’ve read that there are some issues that need tackling when doing this.
It’s either that or really bare down and look for another first gen (this time in 4WD). I’m always looking. If you know of a deal, I’m all ears.
I will happily take any and all advice. Lay it on me!
