Remanufactured Head (ebay), Need you all experts advise Options

[msk59]

In the near future, I plan on redoing the valves etc on the head and came across some ebay sites that sells remanufactured heads. all work done with cams etc for under $300. Engine is 7A-FE and my car is 1996 Celica ST (AT-200) with manual transmission.

What is your experience with these heads and what advise you can give me that can help me decide.

Thank You
MSK

This post has been edited by msk59: Jun 13, 2014 - 8:09 AM

[msk59]

Special Edy: You make a very good point in terms of how much effort/work has gone into preparing that head if they are selling it for 280 or 300. Obviously, they are charging for cleanup only.

Right now, besides the oil consumption, there are no other symptoms such as running or idling rough or anything. Runs fine, pulls in each gear and when I shift, it puffs smoke. My next step is to get the compression test and the leak-down test done to clearly show me where the problem might be. I have most of the tools to pull the head or the entire engine. Not sure which route i will go. The biggest concern I have is that I don't know the tricks of the trade etc. that help do the job correct the first time. For example, I read on Toyota Nation, one guy put the head gasket backwards (since the gasket is symmetrical) and after putting all of it together, he realized it and had to redo it.

Thus far, I have done one soak treatment. I have not seen much improvement so I will do another one with MMA instead of Seafoam. This may not cure the engine completely, I know that, but at lease it will cleanup the majority of the sludge/carbon-build before the tear down.

I would need help as I am counting on you all experts out there ;-)

Thank You in advance.