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89 Corolla - blown head - replace engine or head?


iss407
03-19-2004, 03:22 PM
I have an 89 Corolla wagon with a 4AF engine that has what I think is a cracked head. I replace the head gasket last November and in January it died on the highway. The engine has about 140K miles on it. I can get another engine for about $300 but I'm not sure whether to do that or to get a new head and replace this one. I don't own an engine lift, so I'd have to rent or buy one. I've never pulled a transverse fwd engine out before. Can you pull just the engine or do you have to pull the whole front drivetrain? I know that replacing the head would be easier, but is it worth doing the whole engine? This is just a wagon for gettng groceries and hauling kids, so I just want something reliable and simple. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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