Newbie HG Help - Greensboro

[kej7t]

Just when I was starting to love my 1997 LX450, I come home to find a blown head gasket. Anyone in the Greensboro area have a trusty, fairly priced, experienced Cruiser mechanic rec? I'm new to town and had to stop at dealer since it is so close to my house, they said gasket blown, warped and advise a full engine overhaul to the tune of $8k. Hoping and praying I can just have the gasket replaced, machined.

Please help me out, someone, anyone?

 

[lt1fire]

As always i'll say contact darin and cannucks cruisers.
He is a member and most likely the most all knowing cruiser guy you will ever meet. Very decently priced.

His contact info for the shop is in the sponsors section of our website.

www.onsc4x4.com

 

[krzyabncanuck]

I am booked solid till the end of January though. Then i start a 6BT into a FZJ80.

I know a few others can chime in on some Yota shops they have used with great success.

Thanks Al.

And for 8,000 i can buy 2 more 80 series.....

 

[jfz80]

I like websters automotive and import service off Boeing drive out by the airport and would trust them for work over my head or if in a hurry. They have treated me fair and even told my dad not to buy 1300 worth of struts on the Camry like the dealer recommended. I'd still buy all your parts thru mud for a discount. Buy the DVD and printout FAQ for them. Every bit helps.

Edit. There is a brand new OEM HG sitting here in high point by vann York Toyota if you want a deal. Pm concretejungle

And the link. http://mobile.webstersautoservice.com/mobile.html

Looky looky. 10% off for new customers with that add
Roger Webster is owner. Give them a call. Tell them mark dunlaps land cruiser buddy sent you.

 

[S4Cruiser]

I've used this guy in Burlington/alamance. http://www.toyz-unlimited.com

Guys name is Jeff. He repaired an injector wire, spark plug tube seals and phh on my 97 40th anniversary. Great price and good work. Be forewarned his shop is a wreck...lots of old Lexus and toyotas littering the property.

 

[kej7t]

Additional Thoughts

Thanks for the thoughts so far guys, if any others, please keep them coming. I am not in a rush and want to make sure it is done right at a fair price, and if that involves waiting a month or so I will.

I really would love to try and tackle it myself, but I am simply not brave enough to do it on my own. I have some mechanical inclination, but zero experience and am not sure this is where I start without someone lending a guiding hand in person.

Couple More Questions:

1) How big a risk is it to drive the car in its current condition to a shop? It was putting off quite the smoke show on the 2 mile drive to the dealer, but it didn't overheat. Is a tow the better strategy.

2) Other PM items people recommend when the HG work is being done? I've searched a bunch on here and can't find a solid list, maybe I am missing it. The PHH seems to be a common suggestion.

3) If the car sits awhile, do I need to drain the coolant/oil and refill the oil, another member suggested starting here to clear any water out.

Thanks All

 

[Mtbcoach]

If you want to put a whole engine in, drive it, if not, tow it. If in fact what the dealer said is correct (not sure how they could tell it is "warped" without removing the head), your engine is in a dire condition. IMHO, your first goal is to evaluate the extent of the damage, otherwise all else is speculation...

 

[angerhater]

be mindful that when you coolant is low/gone the temp sensor can be dry and give false readings...IIRC