What Price Should I Ask To Sell My Truck?

[JoJo]

I need advice on my 1985 Chev Durango truck. I bought it used and has never given me any problems until now. While driving down the hiway one day my temperture gauge showed the motor was heating. When I got home I checked the oil and it was a thick light tan milky substance and my radiator needed fluid. I took it to my local mechanic and he said the head gasket was going bad and would cost around $700 or more to fix. I just don't have the money to fix it. I have been thinking about junking the truck or selling it privately. It's a 1985 Chev Durango Extended Cab, S10, V6, 4WD. Has some rust but no dents. It still runs fine, you would never know it had a problem. I just hate giving up this truck, it has been very dependable but just don't think it is worth saving. Any suggestions what price I should offer?

[Moostang]

With no engine and rust on the body I wouldn't pay over 400-500 for it and that is only because it is 4x4 which means you might be able to sell it just for the axel and tranny.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Why not just do the head gasket yourself? If you have a good manual, you can do it and get all the torx specs in there...on a 6 cyl it isn't that hard.

[JoJo]

Thank you Moonstang and Ford4x4Chik27 for your replies. I was also thinking around $400-$500 but just wasn't sure what would be a good asking price. I have loved trucks ever since a was a small child but just don't know much about the engine and how it works. But I will take your advice and look into a good manual and see what I can figure out. I just hate losing this truck and it is worth checking out. Thank you both for the info!!!

[Moostang]

Fixing it is a great idea, its not that hard, especially if yours is a carb. Just get a good manual, tools and a good friend. If you already have another car you are driving it can't hurt to try. Just take your time, labels where things go (stick masking tape with letters or numbers on the pieces) and if you get frustrated take a break.

[JoJo]

Thanks Moostang, maybe I can fix this truck up. Guess I'll never know unless I try. I absolutely know nothing about a motor. Always thought that it was up to the guys to figure out. This will be a good challenge for me. It wouldn't hurt if I did mess something up.

[DesertRacer]

Originally Posted by Moostang

Fixing it is a great idea, its not that hard, especially if yours is a carb. Just get a good manual, tools and a good friend. If you already have another car you are driving it can't hurt to try. Just take your time, labels where things go (stick masking tape with letters or numbers on the pieces) and if you get frustrated take a break.

Moosetangs advice is great. One other thing you might think of doing is video-taping the teardown, or the steps that you think you might forget. Also, polaroids are a great reference when it comes time to re-assemble. Good luck and give an update after you've started on it

[932500]

The milky oil is an indication of a blown head gasket, we all agree on that, but it could go as far as a cracked head, or a cracked block. I recommind a video taping as mentioned before but dont just swap a head gasket unknowingly. Look for the blown part, if you cant find a bad spot on the head gasket itself, then maybe time to get the heads magnafluxed. This is definately a doable project with a few tools. Its your best bet because depending on where you live the price for a non runner with rust varies. Oregon coast its worth about 100.00 which is what the wrecking yard will give you for it. I say try to fix it, you arent out much abd if you do repair it your have the satisfaction of knowing you did it. Ask alot of questions here and we can help get you thru this. Good luck