Expensive ($5.5k) repairs proposed – looking for advice

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art5519

10 Year
Joined
Apr 28, 2015
Threads
5
Messages
41
Location
Austin, TX
LC200 – 2009 with 150k miles


Came in for an oil change and tire rotation. Also mention to the tech couple symptoms: (1) burning rubber smell by the rear driver’s side, noticed it couple of times and (2) following radiator replacement in spring 2018 I had to add some coolant to the overflow reservoir once. They kept the car overnight, did some tests and sent me a video with technician’s recommendations. Basically, they proposed to replace head gasket along few other items. You can see the video in below link, and I am also attaching a picture for the estimate.

As I am not very savvy in the area, looking for help with below questions:

- How serious is this?

- Do I need to take it in for a second opinion?

- Was planning to take the car for a road trip (Texas to Colorado) in about a month, bad idea?

- Proposed $5.5K seems excessive, should I consider a non-Toyota shop? Perhaps recommendations in Austin, TX?

- Anything else I should be considering done if I am having this done?

Video link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dJapR5fwLHLUMLyK9


Thanks!!

IMG_20181109_190126.webp
 
What's the back story with the radiator replacement? Did the engine overheat with that failure? Others will be able to help you more than me , but they will want to know the answer to that first.
 
First time I've heard of gasket failure on the 200s. Gasket failure is somewhat prevalent on some earlier 4th gen V6 4Runner models, but unheard of with the 100/200s.

Did you happen to take off the cap to the coolant reservoir? Was it clear or milky?
 
Wild stuff. I'd get a second opinion with a leak down test.

R&Ring a modern dohc V8 head is very time consuming. These aren't SBCs where you can R&R a head in an hour, they're pretty complex. Add in the extra because it's a dealer, that sounds about right.
 
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If it were me, I would want a second opinion. Probably nothing that is going to blow up, but it is an issue none the less. That’s a lotta $$ for a higher mileage vehicle - I’d weigh that one carefully.
 
Sandroad said:
What's the back story with the radiator replacement? Did the engine overheat with that failure? Others will be able to help you more than me , but they will want to know the answer to that first.
Click to expand...

There is another popular thread in this forum for the radiator issue, same thing happened here. No overheat, I noticed it when there was a small crack by the label on the top of the radiator, coolant just literary started sipping out from that tiny crack. I caught it early and had it replaced quickly.
 
Docboy said:
First time I've heard of gasket failure on the 200s. Gasket failure is somewhat prevalent on some earlier 4th gen V6 4Runner models, but unheard of with the 100/200s.

Did you happen to take off the cap to the coolant reservoir? Was it clear or milky?
Click to expand...

Coolant appears clear
 
art5519 said:
There is another popular thread in this forum for the radiator issue, same thing happened here. No overheat, I noticed it when there was a small crack by the label on the top of the radiator, coolant just literary started sipping out from that tiny crack. I caught it early and had it replaced quickly.
Click to expand...

When and at what mileage did you have the radiator replaced? Was it done by this dealership who is recommending the repairs?
 
Something's not right here man.... Definitely get a second opinion.
 
art5519 said:
that's an interesting thought. Assuming I would go though the dealer to look / install. Will ping them to see what I get. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Honestly, I wouldn’t use a dealer. In Houston there are only two guys I would trust with that job. Javier’s and Duggys Garage.

There are mechanics listed in this thread that can help guide you CRUISER MECHANICS - Listed by State
 
art5519 said:
LC200 – 2009 with 150k miles
Came in for an oil change and tire rotation. Also mention to the tech couple symptoms: (1) burning rubber smell by the rear driver’s side, noticed it couple of times and .......
Click to expand...

I do notice the burning rubber smell from the rear drivers side quite often, usually after getting to work, 15 miles on the interstate, and parking in the garage when I get out it can be quite noticeable. I've had it checked a couple times by independent shops, the last time when I had the 90K maintenance done and they could not re-produce. In this thread some mentioned tires, which I don't think is the case for mine, but could be ? and I checked the Diff to make sure no gear oil on it
Hot Rubber Smell from Rear
 
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Unless there is something else in the history of your LC that would have damaged the engine, I have a really hard time believing a 5.7L needs head gaskets. For sure get a second (non-dealer) opinion before investing that kind of money. Some of the engines had cam tower leaks, and some LCs have needed starters, radiators, and water pumps. But not head gaskets, or at least extremely rarely.
 
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