Well I got the bad news from the machine shop about 15 minutes ago. They can get me a fully rebuilt ready to bolt on head for $550 plus shipping. Before I go on it, any places you would recommend me getting it from instead? Is this a deal or a rip off? I have to pay the $91 for the check on the old head too! Yeah! What do you guys think?
My head is Cracked &%^$# Where to get another one?
- Thread starter fjman
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I bet that you can buy a working head off of one of the guys on this site in the for sale forum. It has to be cheaper than that. Plus, you can then install it yourself and save even more money!
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I'll check about the warranty when the machinist calls back. He's checking availablity, shipping, and how long I'll have wait for it. Cruiserparts has used heads for $350 and shipping is $40. They have just been visually inspected for cracks. Seems like a good deal but if I wanted to have it rebuilt I'd be paying about the same I suppose. I have had good luck w/ their used parts in the past. I talked to someone in the classified section here and he would sell me his extra head for really cheap. But then it does set me back if doesn't check out well. Man-a-fre has them for $450, rebuilt and ready to go but there is a $300 core charge and I already know mine is waste of iron. So that option is out.
Current suggested list price for a bare 2F FJ60 head is $1,031.03
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I taked to toyota when the gasket went and i believe he said that if the head was cracked it would run me somewhere between 1300 and 1600 for a new one. I don't think the one from the machine shop comes with the rocker. Otherwise i just need a new/used air injection rail. Mine broke when I removed it. Cruiserparts wants $100 ahhhhhhhhhhh PLUS shipping! Anyone have an extra?
Slow down man....or you are going to get hosed.
I recently sold a rebuilt head on ebay for $100. Shipping from the east coast to oregon was an additional $85.
I would post your needs up in the wanted ads section and ask around. Spending a grand on a head is ridiculous. You are better off buying a whole used engine for that price.
For used stuff, trust James at cruiserparts.net.
I recently sold a rebuilt head on ebay for $100. Shipping from the east coast to oregon was an additional $85.
I would post your needs up in the wanted ads section and ask around. Spending a grand on a head is ridiculous. You are better off buying a whole used engine for that price.
For used stuff, trust James at cruiserparts.net.
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vtcruiser60 said:
I think thats looking like an alright idea since the guy at the machine shop looked into it and now says he can't get me one. I emailed the person on ebay that I mentioned above and they have some high shipping rates but the head is only $25. I'll just be pissed if I get it and it doesn't check out well. Plus, It'll take a week to get it and then it'll be in the machine shop for another 5days. I just want to get back on the road. Arghhhhh
Landpimp said:and after a discount......bout $800
by bare, you mean no rockers or nuttin....just a chunk of cast iron?
Yup, bare. It does have valve guides tho.
bkfj40 said:
See that is the deal you want. I would rather buy something like that, have the machine shop magnaflux the head for cracks and reassemble. If it checks out ok, then install it. I wouldn't worry to much if the head is used and in good shape. Unless you have a low mileage rig or a show truck....or are really looking to build up the rig then I think rebuilding heads is not worth the money.
Buy used....buy smart...and save your money. sorry to be heavy on the advice but this is one where I say do as I say, rather than do as I did....twice. I didn't learn....and know one told me.
I really dont agree. WHy go to all that trouble and not put on a good part?vtcruiser60 said:
A good deal on a used head is $100-$150. Add shipping +/- $50. Basic rebuild base price around $150. Add in a bit for a couple of new valves/seats/guides should get out the door for $200 or so with a rebuilt head.
When $200 is the difference I would not even consider not having a head worked prior to install. It would be a waste of time, money and effort.
Do the job once, do all of the job that can be done, do the job right and move on to the next job.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
dd113 said:
Amen.
I was going to say that I didn't think $550 was a bad deal. I have a spare FJ60 head that I got with everything including the valve cover for $75. The quote I got for a valve job, new guides was $250. SO if you can get the whole head, rebuilt and ready to go, with a warrenty from the shop, that isn't a bad deal.
Just be careful-one of my friends had a local (non-cruiser) shop install a new head on his FJ60. It turns out it was an F head and got no oil to the rockers and died a few months later. Suprisingly it ran several thousand miles though.
For comparison, the same friend got another used head from a Cruiser shop, completely rebuilt and installed for $1200. It's been great ever since.
dd113 said:
I hear you David...but I don't think rebuilds are all that. First, the pricing is more expensive than $200. A regrind kit and labor to do the rebuilding will run $225 easy. What about decking the head to make sure it is true? On top of the used head, that is a chunk of change for replacing parts that might be ok, parts that are within specs and install-able. I say buy a used head adn have it inspected. If it is ok, then run with it. AND what about labor to install the head, manifolds, carb, and all related adjustments (valve adjustments, retorquing head and manifold bolts after X miles). Already the cracked head, replaced and rebuilt with installation is going to come in around $800.
A used head that checks out could be installed by the shade tree mechanic for maybe $2-300 with gaskets etc. Having it rebuilt and installed...will run $6-800. At that pricing, I would rather spend a bit more and have the whole motor replaced rather than cut in half with a head job.
You are right that it is not that much money. But, in my experience once you start pulling heads off blocks, you never get that factory seal again. You get leaks, head gasket failures, etc. Rebuilding major engine parts is a crap shoot from what I have seen. I would just rather spend my money on a sure bet. From what I have seen and heard, rebuilding is not all that.