So, what are you going to do now? Hopefully a decent mechanic can do a head gasket or 2 relatively cheaply.

Back in my youth, we use to change head gaskets without doing much else. Admittedly these were usually on iron headed engines, but even on Gemini's, which had an alloy head, there wasn't too much to it. Sometimes you would get the head machined, but only if you had to.

I agree with a good solid carolla. I picked mine up for nix. Fixed a little problem, good as new, excluding the dents and faded paint. It's not bling, but it works at an ongoing great price.

actiomax said...
Why would you even consider changing the whole motor for just a head gasket . That's like buying a set of mag wheels & new tryres because you got a flat gasket & head reconditioned would have been cheaper &lasted longer.

When you f up your head gasket chances are you have also warped your cylinders. It's not worth repairing a 220k engine.

I'm going to take it to the mechanic tomorrow and see what he has to say.

Last time I repaired a warped and corroded cylinder head- I fixed it with 2 x straight edges, a big file, devcon, a sheet of glass and wet and dry sandpaper.

That twin cam FIAT was still making beautiful noises years later.

Sometimes a little backyard bodging can be worth it!

stephen

sn said...
Last time I repaired a warped and corroded cylinder head- I fixed it with 2 x straight edges, a big file, devcon, a sheet of glass and wet and dry sandpaper.

That twin cam FIAT was still making beautiful noises years later.

Sometimes a little backyard bodging can be worth it!

stephen

I think with Falcon 6's they have a setup where they can heat it first to try and straighten it a bit before machining it.

I don't know how well you know your mechanic/repairer but just be wary mate. If its something that they have missed or failed to rectify after your first blown head then they might try to cover it up and blame something else so as to get out of any responsibility for any damage caused.
If your in a position to get a second opinion from another repairer I would be doing that first.

I worked for Toyota for 7 years and I reckon I could count on 1 hand the number of blown heads I've seen on V6 Camry's. All of those were due to overheating (obviously) from either coolant leaks, thermo fan issues or blocked radiators.
I'd hardly say its a common fault with this model of car. Run any engine hot and something is going to give. (Lack of oil change doesn't cause overheating, headgaskets to blow or a head to crack either)

You definitely made the right choice by going exchange motor instead of removing heads on an engine that's done 220,000k's that you don't know the history of.
I've fitted heaps of exchange motors and gearboxes from Japan and never had an issue with them. Either your super unlucky or someone has f#cked up.

Hope it all works out for you.

And Cisco just hit the nail on the head, minus the rats arse.

Have to add my 2 cents.
Fix the head, you got ripped off. No need to thank me I also know everything about everything

what about waranty form the car dealer you bought it from (for the first engine)

and now the Jap engine.

everything u buy should have 12 months warranty?

myusernam said...


everything u buy should have 12 months warranty?

I doubt anyone would be silly enough to offer 12 months warranty on a used jap engine.

FormulaNova said...

Beaglebuddy said...
I don't believe in rebuilding engines, too many moving parts and far to easy for some idiot to screw it up, this is from my experience.
I wouldn't pull the head, not only can it be warped or cracked but there can easily be tiny cracks that are only visible with magnafluxing.
Just bad luck the engines didn't last.
At this point you cannot afford a 3rd engine failure.
Time for a new car on payments with a long warranty.
New cars are much better made.
Do you want to be working on old cars forever or do you want to have a life?

Beaglebuddy, cars over here are a bit more expensive than where you are I think. I have only bought one new car and was very disappointed with it, because it was expensive to have serviced, and once the 'newness' wore off, it was just the same as an older car.

There seems to be a sweet spot over here where you can get a car a few years old that has been serviced well, and because of its age and service history you are unlikely to get many faults, and any major ones have been found and fixed by the original owner.

Yes a car a few years old can be a good deal but this car is a 96'?
I used to drive old work trucks but found myself forever changing alternators, starters, water pumps, radiators, fuel pumps, transmissions, engines etc... finally gave in and bought new and it was the best decision I ever made.
My last GMC truck I bought in 2001 and really I have not had to do anything not covered under warranty except change the crank position sensor.
Just think in terms of monthly costs to own.
It is an undeniable fact that newer vehicles are now much more reliable.

actiomax said...
I used to work as engine reco if they get $4500 for head Im moving to wa

Its all like that over here

Depends on what type of car as well but $3500 - $4500 is about the going rate for head replacement.

kiteboy dave said...


On the other end a mechanic once told me "cars only have a value for 13 years. Once they are 13 years old they are technically valued at zero. There's a reason for that"

In a monetary sense, I concur, yet my seemingly POS Carolla is immensely valuable to me and mine in a practical sense.

doggie said...

actiomax said...
I used to work as engine reco if they get $4500 for head Im moving to wa

Its all like that over here

Depends on what type of car as well but $3500 - $4500 is about the going rate for head replacement.

My hands are dirty with two at the moment. Nissan pulsar and Ford Transit twin cam chain motors. Boss tells me big figures due to the Ford head is scrap and the Nissan. Throw new rads and cooling system overhaul into the math and its not a cheap Easter for either owner.