Avensis 2007 2-litre d4d head gasket failure options

[Ianstent]

New to this forum and can see that head gasket failure is a particular issue for 2.2-litre 2AD engined cars and also to a lessor degree the 2-litre 1AD car. My 2007 2-litre TR d-4d has a gasket failure (air pressurising the water system, not water into the oil). I'm being quoted around £1200 for new head gasket (and presumably a skim of cylinder head) but obviously concerned as to whether this is a long term fix (and assuming the cylinder head isn't cracked). Another option is to buy a second-hand engine (seemingly circa £500-£750) and get the local garage to fit it (around £500 I suspect). Is there another option I should be considering and does anyone have any strong views on which to do. Apart from this failure, the car (an estate with around 80,000 miles on the clock) seems brilliantly solid, comfortable and economical. 

[avensisd4d786]

when toyota were fixing these under warranty, the engines were replaced not fixed

[Heidfirst]

Toyota apparently say that these heads/blocks should not be skimmed. However, a few people seem to have gone down that route successfully. Bear in mind that replacing the head gasket does not solve the cause but treats the symptom/result & as such a recurrence is possible.

[Ianstent]

Thanks guys, This all backs up everything I have read elsewhere. Just booked car in for an engine change. Let's hope the new/second-hand engine doesn't suffer the same fate! Interesting, cost of engine swap is much the same as getting the head gasket done! 

[Heidfirst]

whilst it's apart possibly a good idea to check/change clutch & DMF.

[Jawal]

Be good to hear how this went and where the engine came from.

Cheers

[Ianstent]

Hi Jawal, Had the engine change done a few weeks ago by Boss Engines in Basildon. They advertise an all-in conversion service  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282176171579?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Was obviously nervous of what to expect, but the main man there seems good and the company specialises in changing engines in all sorts of cars. Since then the car has run fine, with the following caveats. The temperature on the gauge fluctuates quite a lot... it never overheats and runs cold, rising to 'normal' temperature when in traffic or under consistent prolonged load. My suspicion is that it either doesn't have a thermostat fitted, or it is stuck open. At the mo I'm more than happy for it to do that, but may sort it in time. I did have to get the air-con regassed as this was disconnected in the change, and I think a heat shield on the bulkhead is vibrating at certain revs. But generally I must say that the guys did a good job, on time and to budget (£1099 in case you were wondering). As a further aside, they were surprised that my head gasket had gone since the car had only done 80,000miles. But they did also say that gaskets go on both the 2-litre and 2.2-litre cars and they will typically do around twenty engine swaps on these engines every year (but usually on high mileage cars run by taxi drivers). 

So, there's my summary. If I'm still running the car in two years time then I'll be a happy chap.  

[nuksoocow]

Hi I have a 2.2 07 Avensis my head went at 93k miles got new 3/4 block fitted by toyota under warranty it went again after 35k, I got a mechanic to fit new gasket for €1,200 and tonight it went again this is the 3rd time, I'm a taxi driver i don't drive the car hard the 1st two times the car had low enough milage this time it has a bit more, not the best built cars in the world.