Good Price?

[Mattquist]

Hello to all,

Well, I am new to this forum, and also to my 1998 Rodeo 3.2L 4X4- bought it to find out that it has a blown headgasket. Although I am willing to attack most repair jobs myself, I feel that this was a bit more than what I can handle or have time for.

Here's my question: Mechanic here quoted me a price of 1500 for the job, including timing belt and water pump (Might as well change those now that the engine is torn apart). Price includes milling the heads, but if it needs a valve job it will cost about 200 more. Does this seem like a reasonable price?


Thanks,
Matt

[94twacker]

to me it seems reasonable coming from a mechanic, but compared to what you could do it yourself for its obsurd. If hes a good mechanic that you trust, and you really think that its worth it, then go for it. Its entirely up to you, but what you said about timing belt and waterpump is definately true, I believe there are intervals they suggest changing the timing belt in as well, so you might as well do it all and do it right while you are in there.

[rodeo02]

Matt- blown headgaskets are extremely rare with the 1998+ 3.2L, but there supposedly was a run of cylinder heads in 1998, maybe 1999 that had a "K" stamped on them. Those were defective heads, that lead to coolant loss, overheating & engine failure. You will want to REPLACE the cylinder heads if they have the "K". It's not worth buttoning it up to have it happen again. I'd look on eBay or online for a set of 1998+ loaded (valves and cams installed) reman'd heads.
G/luck
Joel

[Ramblin Fever]

Rodeo02 - is it common for any 3.2L for blown headgaskets?

You're saying it's extremely rare for it in the 98+ years, but isn't it just as rare for pre 98 years?

[rodeo02]

I've only heard of it happening to 1998's, first run of the 'new' 3.2L's

G/luck
Joel

[Ramblin Fever]

Gotcha!