2005, 175K miles, worth replacing head gasket?

Hey all,

I am new to TW, but I have had my 05 Tacoma since 2007 and have just recently found out from a local mechanic that I have a blown head gasket. His opinion was to have a "new" (70-90kmiles) replacement engine put in and that would run me at least $6k. His honest opinion was to try and trade it in somewhere for a new vehicle. What are some experiences that you guys have had, if any, with any sort of situation regarding head gasket replacement on a high mile engine. I am currently in the state of AZ, living in the greater Phoenix area if that matters/helps

 

Take it to another mechanic and get a second opinion and a quote to replace the head gaskets. 175k miles isnt bad. I'm not sure but I imagine new head gaskets couldn't be more than a $2500 job.

 

What is the condition of the frame? If the frame is in decent shape without rot or holes in it, then go for it. My motor lasted 238,000 miles. The head gasket let go shortly after the frame was replaced. Head gaskets were a known issue for 05 and 06 model years, with an upgraded design head gasket used late in '06 and from '07 on.
This truck has been phenomenal aside from the motor really costing me nothing other than maintenance items. Oil, spark plugs, gear oil for the front and rear differentials as well as transfer case. A couple wheel bearings, brakes, tires.

I'm having 2 issues atm... First is my air conditioner. It took 13 years to develop a problem and I have ordered replacement o-rings for the system. The other issue I am having is a droning sound. This seems to resonate through the whole cabin. I haven't found it yet, but I will.

 

Try this: https://www.kseal.com/
I have used it succesfully on 2 cars. Both had long term (greater than 50k mile) run times after using it. It only costs about $ 15 and is worth a try. I know that some go crazy to suggest using a sealant, but as your engine is broken anyway it is something you can try. If nothing else, it will fix long enough to trade truck, or put in another engine.

 

Throw in a late model engine with low miles,IF your truck is in nice condition.

 

This can, possibly, help but only if the gasket failure is coolant related. Only three of seven possible head gasket failures pertain to coolant.
https://haynes.com/en-us/tips-tutorials/7-different-ways-head-gasket-can-fail

My brother in law bought an engine from Kar King for my sister's 03 Matrix two years ago. I think he paid 1500 for it; my bro and I installed it. Engine is still running well. Here is a link for the 1GRFE long block engine; $3450.
https://karking.com/listing/rebuilt-05-2011-toyota-tacoma-1gr-fe-4-0l-engine/

 

I have 173K on mine. Was driving north to an event and realized something was off. Looked and confirmed I blew my head gasket on bank 2. Babied it 300 miles home and replaced my head gaskets. Does help I'm a Toyota tech. Owned the truck since 15K. I'd feel confident in replacing them and running it. Only red flags would be when it was torn apart and inspected. They may find something in there. My worries about a used motor is, how was this driven before it ended up in a boneyard. I know all of my miles on the truck.

 

That droning... have you checked the wheel bearings?

 

Those of you with 05-06 head gasket failure, have you voted on this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-06-tacoma-head-gasket-failure-poll.595994/

There was another member trying to start a campaign for a class action lawsuit; don't now how far he's gone on that.

 

y u no DIY

 

Put in a new head gasket. My 2003 has 208,000 and I wouldn't hesitate to do it on that.

 

Not sure if that process will get very far if you base it on those small sample poll results. Those results could apply to all year models and any make and model. If I was told that if a new car would give me 170k-200k of trouble free miles , I would take it. I've spent way more than head gasket costs on my wifes 2011 enclave over the years. If I was in the OP's situation, I wouldn't hesitate to fix the HG.

 

I've replace both from wheel bearings, cv axles, ecgs bushing, dropped the rear drive shaft, changed both diff and tcase gear oil. Got frustrated and walked away from it for a bit. Next up is to disconnect the drive shaft and pull the drums to put my stethoscope on the rear wheel bearings and pinion bearing whilst my better half spins the axle.

 

should I worry 'bout our '05 w/174K on it ?

 

Yes, that's uncommon for you to have that many miles without HG issues from what I hear on here. Go drain your coolant, drive 50 miles and report back.

 

If you haven't had any serious issues with the engine and it's in good condition other than the head gasket, I think definitely replace the head gaskets and drive it another 150k. I know that some of the early V6 models have issues with head gaskets but that's about it, I am not sure if it's just one cylinder bank or the other... it might be a good idea to do both gaskets while you're in there.

 

I would make sure that you change coolant at 80,000 miles. Mine is due with 95,000 miles on it. Its not a bad idea to change thermostat at the same time. I find that people that have issues with head gasket had cooling system problems.

 

How about the rear bearings? We have an Explorer that had a bad bearing at 27K. Droning, annoying sound for sure...

 

+1 with the good frame=fix HG crowd.

I got 351K out of my ‘07 4.0 when I sold it a two years ago. It’s still going strong a couple of towns over.

 

How does one know if there 06 is a late model?