01 Sequoia with a blown headgasket/damage - swap or dump? (1 Viewer)

[zuffenhinson]

I've got an 01 Sequoia w/165k miles - blew a gasket or maybe cracked a head - but I don't definitively know. I'm in Chicago (in the city) so it's tough to find someone to do the work. Took it to a shop that charged me $300 to tell me what I already know: pulling in coolant into two cylinders. They didn't even do a leak-down or scope the cylinders and they don't want to work on it. Sucks when you don't have a mechanic you can trust. I'm worried if I take the heads off, I'll find something nasty and will have to swap the motor anyway. so I'm at a dump it/engine swap decision. It's pretty crusty underneath (northern IL car exposed to salt) but I rebuilt all the suspension last year and did a 3" lift w/Old Man Emu springs and Bilsteins in the back. 33" BFG Destinations for $1400. Water pump failed on a long hot trip in the summer and it got pretty hot before I was able to get it to where it could be towed. Pretty sure it's only top-end damage but got hot enough that it was knocking and shut down. In these weird times, with supply chain issues it almost seems like saving. TONS of used 2UZ's out there. Thoughts? Anyone successfully revived a hot 4.7L?

 

[VentoGT]

If an engine got hot enough to knock and shut itself down, I'd be thinking about scrapping that motor and replacing with a known good used one. Too much dice rolling with the existing for probably similar costs to just pull and swap the motor. You know and like the truck, so scrapping the whole thing may not be the best option, especially as a non-runner is going to get you very little cash

 

[AmericanKing]

I would replace engine. I recently had the same problem in my 04 sequoia head gaskets were done at 250k lack of maintenance from previous owner. Here in Albuquerque, NM It costed $1,800 for a engine replacement, newer engine with 115k, plus another $800 for added parts JBA headers, water pump and timing belt and new plugs. $2,600 out the door.

 

[zuffenhinson]

I'd like to keep the whole project under $3500, but I'm hearing talk of 20 hours at $150/hour just for labor. Was this a friendly price for the swap, or market labor in NM? Found an engine with 85k miles for $1500 delivered.

 

[AmericanKing]

That was the cheapest shop I’ve found but that’s all they do is engine swaps. They had the engine in stock. I would check LKQ online for an engine.

 

[zuffenhinson]

That’s exactly what I need. Can’t find anyone willing to do it, let alone specialize in just swaps. If anyone out there knows a shop in the Chicago area (willing to tow to burbs) I’m all ears. If I’m going to rebuild, might as well try to source a TRD supercharger too,

 

[zuffenhinson]

Game on. Motor en route. Anyone have a punch list of other junk that I should consider? Motor mounts, new starter motor, need new exhaust (O2 sensors, etc), hoses?

 

[Jgrauman]

2UZ-FE with VVTi engine rebuild in 2007 Sequoia

This will be an engine rebuild thread for a 2UZ-FE engine with VVTi in a 2007 Sequoia, aka the 4.7 liter V8. We found very little information on the web regarding people who have actual experience rebuilding this engine. We found one person (@errryday_outdoor on Instagram) who had a few high...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[zuffenhinson]

2UZ-FE with VVTi engine rebuild in 2007 Sequoia

This will be an engine rebuild thread for a 2UZ-FE engine with VVTi in a 2007 Sequoia, aka the 4.7 liter V8. We found very little information on the web regarding people who have actual experience rebuilding this engine. We found one person (@errryday_outdoor on Instagram) who had a few high...

forum.ih8mud.com

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

 

[chbrow10]

So you are going to swap motors? Does the new motor come with the harness installed?

 

[zuffenhinson]

I'm not sure. It's coming out of a 2001 Sequoia with 83k miles. I'm having someone else do the swap. Considering it's a 20 year old rig, I should probably replace the motor mounts. Considering all new rubber, timing belt, starter and new water pump just to be safe.

 

[chbrow10]

83k miles? practically brand new. Timing belt, fan pulley bracket, timing belt tensioner, water pump, serp belt is what I would do. If the starter works, and only has 83 k, I would leave it. The starter is not that big a deal. I have changed one in 90 minutes. Motor mounts are not a bad idea. Check for cracked exhaust manifolds while you have it out. If you have any other leaks in your power steering system or steering rack, now is the time to fix it. You will never get better access to the steering rack.

I would make sure your radiator is cleaned out after the head gasket failure.