I have a co-worker that has just told me that his '97 4runner SR5V6 4x4 has a blown head gasket and that they are expecting internal damage because he ran it hot.

He has been told that it will cost him a bunch to fix ($5600 for an installed, used motor w/ 99,000 mi)

It has 170000 mileswith decent body and paint.

Suggestions?

 

Hummmm on a 97 is wasnt a popular issue. Even with a 170,000 its still got half its life.