My 89 V6 monty is losing coolant pretty badly, it looks and smells as though it's going out the exhaust. The truck has 238k miles so I'm not exactly surprised. Also, the fan clutch went bad last summer and it got pretty hot in traffic a few times, so that's probably what did it. The fan clutch has since been replaced. My two questions are as follows.

(1) How much would it cost, ballpark, to have this repair done by a shop? I'm not equipped to do it myself.

(2) How much is the truck worth as is? It's got the offroad package, the tranny is good, the LSD and 4wd work great, the body is not bad, everything else works on the truck. It actually runs fine, and you wouldn't know the problem unless you check the coolant level.

My two options right now are cough up the $$ to fix it, or sell it as is and get something more appropriate to my commuting needs (a 4 cyl car, I want a miata).

I like the monty but in reality I don't need it. also, anyone in socal that might be interested in the truck, let me know.

1. IMO it's not worth the effort to just fix either the gasket or cracked head with 238K on the engine. I would check into a low milage import engine from Rising Sun or others in the SoCal area. Either way your looking at 2-3K,
Labor is the killer for old trucks.

2. The truck is not worth much to start, you might get 2K if it didn't have the engine problem. I know your going to be honest otherwise bad things will happen to you in the future <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Gas is $3 a gallon and if you commute that's got to be hurting your wallet. Time to break out the buzzards <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

2-3k is way to much for me to spend on an old vehicle like this. But I figured that's what a engine install would cost. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

If I sold it I would be completely honest about it's condition. I have bought/sold enough vehicles and motorcycles to understand the importance of full disclosure.

My best option might be to retire it to the state. If it fails smog (which it will, probably), they will pay me 1000 dollars to "retire" the vehicle, if it can be driven to a dismantler under it's own power (it can).

It's sad for me since this vehicle has always been so reliable and tough. I wish someone would buy it from me for cheap with the intent of fixing it up, I would feel a lot better knowing it wasn't going to be junked.

You may have discovered a new source of income. Buy all of the old trucks you can find for $500, take them to the smog test and turn a $500 profit on each one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You can probably fix a blown head gasket for ~$500 if you find the right mechanic, but it might run $1000. The question is the underlying condition of the engine. At 235K miles, it's probably in need of rings and a valve job at the least. If so, you're quickly into a $2-3000 rebuild. Even a junkyard replacement engine will cost you $1000 minimum installed. Tough call - you're at the point where the lines cross on monetary return. If you have no need or use for the truck and it doesn't meet your requirements when fixed - and if you can't justify repairs as a hobby truck, you might as well take the $1000 and run..... and be thankful the State of California will bail you out.

Frank

Thanks for the responses. For now I will drive it as is, and eventually let the state have it.

How long do you think I can drive it like this? It's losing about 8-12 oz of coolant a week, and I drive about 200 miles a week.

It's just a matter of time, might as well try some of those radiator additives <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> Who knows might clog your leak and keep on going till 300K <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Keep your AAA card and cell handy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

If you want to make the attempt, you can always remove the valve covers and try retorquing the head bolts to 80 lb/ft... might work, more likely not. To do so requires some tools and mechanic's skills, though - since the upper plenum and other "stuff" has to be removed to get to the valve covers.

Frank

Does this vehicle have an auto tranny? Is it 2 or 4 doors? My number is 8582206418 if you want to talk...

Edit: I just read your sig and realize it's a 4 door. We can still talk... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Instead of letting the state crush it and give away the 'pollution' credits, sell the truck on this board. That way, someone who needs parts will still be able to get them, and you'll still have the $$. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />