Cruiser Mechanic in MA

[mclaren]

For those of you following my lx 450 overheating saga, I finally insisted that the clutch fan be changed. The truck seemed ok for a couple of hours today but then started to get very hot (3/4). I did the home headgasket check (bubbles in overflow at 3K rpm) and got some bubbles so I am assuming that I need a headgasket. I do not want to go back to the dealer for a new HG both for reasons of cost and because they appear to be incompetent.

Anyone have any recommendatons for independent Toyota mechanics south of Boston, MA?

Also, can anyone explain how a compression test would show the motor to be fine, I have no coolant loss or slime on the oilcap, but the car would blow bubbles at 3K rpm apparently indicating a headgasket leak? Am I mistaken about the bubble test? Symptoms are: cars seems to run fine around town w/ or w/o AC but when I maintain a sustained speed of 40 + mph, the temp goes to 3/4 and will not come down. Truck is a 97 w/44K miles, thermostat, coolant and fan cluth have been changed.

Thanks for any help. I am at the end of my rope here.

Matt

 

[landtank]

I'm north of boston, while not a mechanic I've got a little experience with a HG repair. I'm on vacation next week but could get together afterwards. My advice is to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Your head probably is fine as it sits and continued driving can further damage it and escalate the repair significantly.

 

[Beowulf]

Sorry Matt, but it sure sounds like you've got a blown HG and at 44k that really sucks.

There's another test you may try to confirm the bad HG theory and that would be a cylinder leak-down test. I would try to find a mechanic that has done at least 1 HG on the 1FZ-FE and have him perform the test. If it fails and I was still confident he could do a good job then I would get a quote. You should be prepared for $1500 +/- $500.

-B-

 

[cruiserdan]

I too agree that it is a head gasket. I also agree that the vehicle should not be driven until it is repaired. You can SIGNIFICANTLY increase the colateral damage and repair expense if you continue to drive it.

If you nip it in the bud you will be looking at around 325 bucks for parts (if Rick doesn't break the timing chain guide)

 

[Wrench]

I am south of Boston. I am not a mechanic but have alot of experience in automotive repair and machining. And I have access to a machine shop and parts store. I've done head gaskets before. I am willing to help out if you want.