My 2013 LX has 317k miles on it and has coolant leaking into cylinder 8 causing a cold start misfire. Runs perfectly after 20 seconds and has zero oil consumption or leaks. From my research so far, replacing one or both head gaskets is a huge undertaking. I am looking for engines currently - preferably low mileage used engines vs. an unknown remanufactured. The only shop quote I have able to get so far is for a reman engine swap for a total of $14,500 (engine is $8400). I have found a used motor but source and mileage is unknown. Note: I have been fortunate to get to 317k miles on original starter, water pump, alternator, globes, etc. so debating if its time to sell and move on or fix it. Its not a daily driver anymore and its primary use is towing a 7500lb to the lake and road trips. Anyone done a motor swap and have any engine sources or advice?
Advice requested on new engine
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$14.5k is a lot of money to spend on a 2013 LX with 317k miles. As much as I love my own 2014 LX, I'd say that if I were in your shoes, I would cut my losses and sell the vehicle. Even if (if) the engine swap goes off without a hitch, you're still going to have 317k miles on every other component in the vehicle. If the engine were fine, I'd say drive it into the ground, but I wouldn't spend what's likely to be half the vehicle's value to do an engine swap.
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I completely agree with your thoughts. I was hoping to find a $5k engine and then $3-4k to install but no luck so far. While I don't need anything new at all, the GX550 may be the perfect vehicle for my needs. If only I could get a 5 year old/cheaper one! I have a 100 series also but it cannot tow as much and I plan to sell it also.
Replace your head gaskets, it's not too bad. I paid $7K and I'm living a VHCOL area. Got car back ran better than before with refreshed heads and higher compression.
317k is a good run. Some here have fared much worse. Unless you can DIY a HG job in your garage, it's time to say goodbye.
Agreed with the above. I could not justify spending more than 8k all in on this job on a '13 LX with those miles. Either try to find a shop that will do it for that price, DIY, or move on to a lower mileage rig.
If you feel like making an 8 hour drive to leave it with me for a week I’ll take care of that head gasket for you. At that mileage, I’d just worry about the failed head gasket and not the other bank.
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If you do the head gasket even on one bank, don't you have to pull the timing chain all apart also? Once you are that far in, it feels like a slippery slope to do head gasket, timing chains/guides, starter, water pump, alternator, etc.? Believe me, my original goal was drive it to 500k miles, but I am struggling to get the math to work out. I DIY everything I can but a HG is more than I would tackle.
Yes, the timing cover will need to come off. The timing chain can probably be reused, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to replace it. And do the chain guides.
Replace the water pump—it is time. Don’t worry about the starter or alternator until you have issues with those. They’re simple enough to replace by themselves when the time comes.
To get it back on the road for minimal expense with minimal parts replacement you’re mostly looking at labor. I forgot off the top of my head what we pay to get a head machined and cleaned up (we send it out to the machine shop), but it’s pretty reasonable.
If it hasn't been done yet get compression and leak down numbers on the good bank and check your long-term fuel trims.
Given that it isn't your daily driver, I'd consider new head gaskets (may as well do two while you are at it). If you won't be doing it on your own, it's probably a tough call, and worth shopping around between a few qualified mechanics to get the best price.
If you are flush with cash and don't mind a new vehicle, that's an easy approach. If not, a new HG probably makes more sense than an engine swap with unknown mileage.
If you need a new tow vehicle for 7500lbs either way, and it isn't a daily driver, keeping the ol' LX might be best. It's a tough call though and very dependent on your personal circumstances.
If you are flush with cash and don't mind a new vehicle, that's an easy approach. If not, a new HG probably makes more sense than an engine swap with unknown mileage.
If you need a new tow vehicle for 7500lbs either way, and it isn't a daily driver, keeping the ol' LX might be best. It's a tough call though and very dependent on your personal circumstances.
@gray rider Just finished a DIY swap with a Tundra engine and may have some insight.
Still evaluating the 2014 LC for sale on my end....Thanks for any interest....
Unless you have the time, skills and tools to do your own repairs, high mileage vehicles are a money pit and its if not when something else needs to be replaced or repaired. If that's your hobby or you have a tremendous emotional attachment to that vehicle great. If you just want the vehicle to reliably take you places, cut your losses and get something newer with less miles. How long before you need a new transmission? How long before you need new seals and bearings on the drivetrain? Suspension rebuild?
At that mileage the transmission would be in the back of my mind as well.