Does This Mean A New Engine

[sjray]

Hi All,

I need some advice on a problem with my beloved 95 Previa GS.

We've owned it for the last 7 years and its at 150,000 miles (from 45,000 when bought). Our local Toyota dealer has always serviced it.

Anyway, we were traveling on the M20 when I noticed it losing power then steam started coming out from under the bonnet. I pulled over and opened the bonnet to find steam was pouring out of the over flow pipe. I managed to top the water up and drive a couple of miles to get off the motorway.

It was taken to a Toyota dealer who changed the water pump and thermostat but it overheated.

They say to fix it will mean replacing the engine at cost of £6500-7000.

A couple of people have told me it sounds like the head gasket has gone.

Has anyone seen this before? Does this mean a new engine on possibly just a head gasket.

We really rely on the Previa and want to get it back on the road.

Thanks,

Steve

[holtgizmo]

i would suggest you take it to a private garage not a dealer.i suspect its only a head gasget or core plugs.main dealers tend to take the easy option.its easier to fit new engine than replace the faults.i never use main dealer.

ray

[sjray]

I found a garage that specialises in Toyota repairs just a few hundred yards from the main dealer.

Its going in on Monday. I'll post their diagnosis when I find out.

Steve

[brianjs]

I found a garage that specialises in Toyota repairs just a few hundred yards from the main dealer.

Its going in on Monday. I'll post their diagnosis when I find out.

Steve

Hi steve,

just a quick note about main dealers. I wanted a new key for a townace and my local toyota garage quoted £ 18.30p when my local key booth did three keys for £6.50. amd i took my nissan serena into a nissan main dealer in cambridge who said i need a new engine when all that was needed was a throttle bar cleaning, but £6000 for a new engine is nothing short of criminal, so good luck i will watch your diagnosis with interest

regards brian

[sjray]

I've just heard back from the garage and yes the news is bad.

The engine has overheated badly and is not a good candidate for a new head gasket.

My option now is to get an old engine (from a write-off) as a replacement. This route is cheaper than going for a recon, but is does mean waiting for an engine to be found.

With a bit of luck I should be back on the road in 2-3 weeks time.

Steve

[sjray]

No sign of an engine so I'm in the market for a replacement for around £2k-3K.

I've looking through Autotrader/eBay trying to spot a good one with about 100k miles that will be reliable.

Steve

[northagnick]

No sign of an engine so I'm in the market for a replacement for around £2k-3K.

I've looking through Autotrader/eBay trying to spot a good one with about 100k miles that will be reliable.

Steve

Hi

Just had the same happen to my previa 2.4gl same problems, head gasket gone and my local garage has advised me to scap it,shame really because its been a great bus.

Does anyone know how easy/difficult it is to change the engine as Ihave sourced a place inthe midlands that sells them 12 month cover all for abot £600.

Any help greatly accepted.

Terry

[sjray]

In the end I bought a 96 P reg Previa for £3800 with 53K on the clock from an Autotrader ad.

So far, so good.

Steve

[wilson210484]

I have had this problem with two Previa's i used Steel Seal head gasket sealer and sure enough my current Previa is still going strong. See http://www.partsforallcars.com it really works!!

[propnut]

Never ever ever use Steel Seal or K Seal or any other sealant for anything else than a get you home system. If you are mechanically minded changing the head gasket on these cars is quite easy. There are two reviews on this on

www.previaowners.co.uk

one of which was written by myself with pictures.

To determine whether or not you need a new engine you need to take off the head and look for signs of heat stress on the bores/pistons. If the bores still look good, i.e. no hot spots (blueing) no signs of piston siezure, no deep gouges in the liner you can then do an ovality test using a bore micrometer. If all checks out then go ahead and change the gasket. These engines are tougher than you think. 90% of the time garages will tell you to scrap it as it is not worth their while to repair. The value of the time, effort and money you spend on it can only be justified by yourself. Blown head gaskets are common on high mileage Previa's and in kmy experience few motors are bad enough to be scrapped.

[wilson210484]

I have used Steel Seal and never had a problem this isn't a get you home repair this is as good as changing the head gasket. I'm not saying don't change the head gasket but as you will know privia's heads are rubbish and not all of us can afford to buy a new engine but most can afford around £30.

[propnut]

I have used Steel Seal and never had a problem this isn't a get you home repair this is as good as changing the head gasket. I'm not saying don't change the head gasket but as you will know privia's heads are rubbish and not all of us can afford to buy a new engine but most can afford around £30.

Previa heads are NOT rubbish you are displaying the typical ignorance of someone who does not know the difference between a Previa and the imported Estima.

The Estima looks identical to the Previa but is an import and has a diesel engine. This indeed does have a "rubbish" head that cracks.

The Previa head almost never cracks and whilst their head gaskets blow they typically only do this LIKE MOST CARS after very high mileage.

If you fancy relying on these products then go ahead but I stand by my statement----they are a get you home system.