I have a 2002 Toyota Camry 2.4 that has either a bad head or head gasket. The mechanic stated that it will cost upwards of $2500 to repair. Should just replace the engine?

Asked by Scottz23 Jan 30, 2014 at 02:35 PM about the 2002 Toyota Camry LE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

5 Answers

103,735

You will end paying more for a new engine. If you get a junk yard engine, who knows what you are really getting? You will end up paying more for a new or used engine by the time you pay all the labor costs. If you do it yourself, you could come out ahead. I would just bite the bullet and have the shop put in the new head or gasket. If you are capable of doing it on your own, you can get a new head on ebay for around $350.

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Reelin68 answer is straight forward. but i own a 4 bay shop and every head job we have done on all 2002 to 2008 2.4 always strip the treads out of the block this is why the 2.4 have head issues. The labor hours involved and the block drilling and thread insert that have to be bought and installed " you must buy a Jig block tool set " 600 dollars look it up. i have over 30 years of experience in auto repair industry.my shop only chages 35 a hour because of the bad econmy and its still quite exspencive.So do your home work before you play mechanic remember the block is aluminum. you get one shot and you screw it up you got a very heavy paper weight.your complete job out the door at my place would be 1,800 out the door. Machine shop -10 thread inserts- antifreeze-oil change-block drilling-Fel Pro head set- ARP head bolts- one timing gear set-4 plastic sheets- for protecting the block fenders windshield and nose from flying drill shavings" this is a 9 difficulty level job.make sure you cover all bases and research Toyota is under class action law suit for this problem

22 people found this helpful.
103,735

Are you sure it's a bad head gasket or just oil leaking from the valve covers? I would by a head gasket test kit from the auto store to first determine if it's actually a bad head gasket. I think they run about $30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4FoUc6fRNs

2 people found this helpful.

I have Toyota Camary 2002, Wanna sell it due to Engine Failure. It is in Black Color in good condition, Parked at Harry Hines blwd.

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