Engine seal changeout turning into head gasket problem also, need help..

[rich121]

Took my wife's 1996 Land Cruiser to my mechanic after buying most all engine seals (oil pan sealant, oil pump, spark plugs, etc. etc.).
The mechanic found it easier to pull the engine from the vehicle to replace them all.
When he pulled the engine, he found that the head gasket was also leaking in 2 places, that the gaskets for the headers to the engine needed replacement.

My questions:

What else should I look for, or have the mechanic do since the engine is out?

What is the best replacement head gasket...one that I won't have to worry about again?
What is the best replacement header gasket?


I am using NAPA coolant, which is the universal type (green).
I have already replaced all hoses, and the PITA hose with the silicone one (the short hose that connects the coolant port from the engine to the steel tube next to the firewall)
I have replaced the radiator with a new, better, larger volume one for the 1994 model. Also replaced the fan/fan clutch with new.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[e9999]

wow, he pulled the whole engine...?

with all that extra stuff, are you sure he's not taking you for the ride of your life?

 

[IdahoDoug]

Get a Toyota head gasket. Don't let your mechanic buy "a Toyota gasket" as they'll almost always get an aftermarket one that is "the same". Buy it yourself if you have to. There are a LOT more little seals and such to get for the head gasket job. The kit from Cdan includes this one, plus the exhaust manifold gaskets, etc. The only problem is you're going to blow a bunch of his time since you've already got a random bunch of seals. It would be a bit over the top to make him sit on the phone and copy part by part what you have. Best thing by far would be to fax the p/n list of what you DO have to Dan so he can look it over on his time and tell you what ELSE you need for the h/g job. He knows about a lot of little seals and O rings the factory "H/G" kit doesn't include. Massive time saver to buy them from him. Hopefully you already bought what you have from him so there's a step saver....

DougM

 

[rich121]

Already purchased the seals from Dan, in fact, many were Dan's suggestion.
I posted here for suggestions, as since the engine is out, I want to make sure I get everything.

I asked about the head gasket because the mechanic does use all Toyota parts, but suggested an after market heat gasket he said was better than the Toyota one.

Get a Toyota head gasket. Don't let your mechanic buy "a Toyota gasket" as they'll almost always get an aftermarket one that is "the same". Buy it yourself if you have to. There are a LOT more little seals and such to get for the head gasket job. The kit from Cdan includes this one, plus the exhaust manifold gaskets, etc. The only problem is you're going to blow a bunch of his time since you've already got a random bunch of seals. It would be a bit over the top to make him sit on the phone and copy part by part what you have. Best thing by far would be to fax the p/n list of what you DO have to Dan so he can look it over on his time and tell you what ELSE you need for the h/g job. He knows about a lot of little seals and O rings the factory "H/G" kit doesn't include. Massive time saver to buy them from him. Hopefully you already bought what you have from him so there's a step saver....

DougM

 

[rich121]

wow, he pulled the whole engine...?

with all that extra stuff, are you sure he's not taking you for the ride of your life?

Don't know how familiar you are with what it takes to install all these...in the list of seals that he is replacing is both the front and rear main seals.... besides, if he hadn't pulled the engine, would not have seen where the head gasket was failing...in the rear.

Many of the seals were a suggestion from Cdan, someone who is well trusted in these here parts... (pun intended )

As for the cost of replacing all the seals, head gasket, header gaskets, head work, and all the work it took to remove/install the engine...

$1,100.00 ... and as usual, I supply the parts

Taken for a ride?
hm... well.. yah... but as long as my mechanic charges me so little, I'm not going to tell him...I do usually feel a little guilty and give him extra.

 

[rich121]

The local Toyota Dealership wanted $1,200.00 just to replace the oil pan seal...which did amount to pulling the tranny...

I'm getting all the other seals replaced, PLUS head gasket/head work all for just about what the dealership wanted to change the oil pan seal

 

[e9999]

well, if you're happy, then all is well...


man, with the engine out, head off, pans off etc, might as well rebuild the whole thing if the mileage is up there...

 

[rich121]

any more suggestions?