Hello Scotty, love the advice keep it coming.
I have a 2014 Toyota Sienna XLE FWD automatic transmission with 68k on it. Bought it used with 60,000 miles on it. Took it in to the dealership today for an oil change and they said the engine head gasket is failing. Said the job would cost $5k. Did some research and it appears to be a real but rare problem. It breaks my heart that a TOYOTA with that kind of milage has a problem like this. I'd just like to ask what are my options. I bought the Toyota to get the most for my money and it looks like I'm going to get burned. Is there anything I can do? My wife just had triplets and we cant afford that kind of repair....please help?
Thanks,
William
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL9QjN7AcW8 Here's what Scotty recommends and its worth a shot but if that doesn't work PLZ don't take to the dealer they barely get oil changes right most of the time and 5k$ for a head gasket replacement is a ripoff. Find a trustworthy mechanic to help if you need it.
@jacksonishere
Thanks....I'll try the steel seal and start from there. They did not provide any evidence....and my coolant level have not changed.
Have they given you evidence for their claims?
I would take it to an honest independent mechanic, who has good reviews from the people you trust, and let them give the car a once over.
If the head gasket is indeed blowing, my recommendation would be to sell the vehicle ASAP while it’s still worth a substantial amount & buy a used Sienna which has a clean bill of health.
@inthrustwetrust
Thanks...I will look for an honest mechanic. That's one of the hardest thing to find these days.
Tell me about it!
Hold up, hold up, hold up...what is their reasoning for head gasket failure? Is it overheating? Is it burning coolant? Was the coolant reservoir naturally low on coolant and just needed a top off which led them to believe you have a headgasket failing?
You REALLY have to abuse these engines for it to fail. Head gasket failure at 70k miles is NOT normal.
@mrrangerzr1
So far there has been no evidence. The car rides and idles well, it has not shown any signs of overheating and the coolant levels has not dropped.
So...where did the stealership see signs of failing headgasket? Name of the dealership? Write online reviews on them.
@mrrangerzr1
Normal signs of head gasket failure are overheating, drop in coolant level, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil (because of coolant leakage). Normally, a GOOD mechanic does a pressure check of he cooling system before finalizing the diagnosis (Scotty just did a video on how that works). These folks would seem to be thieves, and Toyota corporate should hear about them.
Christmas is coming...that would be a nice commission for the mechanic, shop foreman, and service writer....
New vehicle dealership...only reasons to go to one:
- purchase new vehicle
- get warranty work on new vehicle
- buy parts that are not obtainable elsewhere
